The 2012 cars with the best safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that were also under $30,000.
Good gas mileage and safety are among the top concerns for car buyers. If you’re looking to take advantage of any car sales on last year’s models, but looking for the safest, there are a number of ratings to consider.
A new J.D. Power and Associates list proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to provide safety, though.
All of the cars on this list received both a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The NHTSA subjects vehicles to frontal-impact, side-impact and rollover resistance assessments, with five stars representing the highest score. The IIHS program includes an offset frontal-impact crash, side-impact crash, rear-impact crash and a roof crush strength test. Vehicles that receive a “good” rating in all four tests are given “Top Safety Pick” designation.
(Cars are listed in alphabetical order. Ratings and other information from J.D. Power and Associates.)
2012 Buick Regal
J.D. Power and Associates
Base MSRP: $27,055
Gas: Highway 27 MPG/City 18 MPG
Predicted Reliability: 4 out of 5
Overall Performance and Design: 3 out of 5
Overall Quality: 2 out of 5
2012 Chevrolet Cruze
J.D. Power and Associates
Base MSRP: $16,800
Gas: Highway 36 MPG/City 25 MPG
Predicted Reliability: 3 out of 5
Overall Performance and Design: 3 out of 5
Overall Quality: 3 out of 5
2012 Chevrolet Sonic
J.D. Power and Associates
Base MSRP: $13,865
Gas: Highway 35 MPG/City 25 MPG
Predicted Reliability: 3 out of 5
Overall Performance and Design: 4 out of 5
Overall Quality: 3 out of 5
2012 Chrysler 300
J.D. Power and Associates
Base MSRP: $27,670
Gas: Highway 23 MPG/City 14 MPG
Predicted Reliability: 3 out of 5
Overall Performance and Design: 5 out of 5
Overall Quality: 4 out of 5
2012 Dodge Charger
J.D. Power and Associates
Base MSRP: $25,595
Gas: Highway 23 MPG/City 14 MPG
Predicted Reliability: 3 out of 5
Overall Performance and Design: 5 out of 5
Overall Quality: 2 out of 5
2012 Honda Accord Sedan
J.D. Power and Associates
Base MSRP: $21,480
Gas: Highway 30 MPG/City 20 MPG
Predicted Reliability: 4 out of 5
Overall Performance and Design: 2 out of 5
Overall Quality: 5 out of 5
2012 Honda Civic Sedan
J.D. Power and Associates
Base MSRP: $15,955
Gas: Highway 31 MPG/City 22 MPG
Predicted Reliability: 4 out of 5
Overall Performance and Design: 3 out of 5
Overall Quality: 4 ou tof 5
2012 Hyundai Elantra Sedan
J.D. Power and Associates
Base MSRP: $15,345
Gas: Highway 38 MPG/City 28 MPG
Predicted Reliability: 4 out of 5
Overall Performance and Design: 3 out of 5
Overall Quality: 3 out of 5
2012 Hyundai Sonata
J.D. Power and Associates
Base MSRP: $19,785
Gas: Highway 34 MPG/City 22 MPG
Predicted Reliability: 4 out of 5
Overall Performance and Design: 4 out of 5
Overall Quality: 3 out of 5
2012 Kia Optima
J.D. Power and Associates
Base MSRP: $19,500
Gas: Highway 34 MPG/City 22 MPG
Predicted Reliability: 3 out of 5
Overall Performance and Design: 5 out of 5
Overall Quality: 3 out of 5
2012 Scion tC
J.D. Power and Associates
Base MSRP: $18,575
Gas: Highway 31 MPG/City 23 MPG
Predicted Reliability: 3 out of 5
Overall Performance and Design: 2 out of 5
Overall Quality: 3 out of 5
2012 Toyota Camry
J.D. Power and Associates
Base MSRP: $22,055
Gas: Highway 30 MPG/City 21 MPG
Predicted Reliability: 4 out of 5
Overall Performance and Design: 3 out of 5
Overall Quality: 4 out of 5
2012 Toyota Prius
J.D. Power and Associates
Base MSRP: $24,000
Gas: Highway 48 MPG/City 51 MPG
Predicted Reliability: N/A
Overall Performance and Design: 3 out of 5
Overall Quality: 4 out of 5
2012 Volkswagen Passat
J.D. Power and Associates
Base MSRP: $20,590
Gas: Highway 28 MPG/City 20 MPG
Predicted Reliability: 2 out of 5
Overall Performance and Design: 5 out of 5
Overall Quality: 2 out of 5
Read more:
What are the Safest 2012 Cars under $30,000? - J.D. Power and Associates