Check out your own vehicle at the links above–I’d lean toward the IIHS over the NHTSA for the reasons outlined in this article<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Euro NCAP post really detailed crash info on the vehicles they test, which is a nice cross reference if they’ve tested the vehicle you’re interested in.\u00a0 Just be aware of any regional differences–some European models feature side air-bags, while the NA version might not, etc.\u00a0 The results should not be considered directly<\/em> comparable to what the IIHS or NHTSA report.<\/p>\n I wish the IIHS would adopt this model.\u00a0 When I first researched the Honda Fit about a decade ago I was shocked to learn a vehicle can score a 5-star safety rating, even if you were likely to lose all your limbs in a crash.\u00a0 It seems limbs are considered expendable<\/em>, and don’t factor into the overall rating.\u00a0 I happen to think that’s absurd, and I imagine other people would too if they had any idea that was the case.<\/p>\n Here’s the IIHS page for the Nissan Sentra 2015 I’m guessing the stats are distorted by the inclusion of data all the way back to 2012–where the Sentra failed the small offset crash miserably<\/em>.<\/p>\n So IMHO the average is being pulled down by the inclusion of 2012 and 2013 and the injuries inherit to failing the small offset test–the most likely type of injury collision you can be involved in.\u00a0 The stats don’t yet include 2015, and the data from 2014 will still contribute to claims for mangled hips\/thighs, legs and feet (nothing like practical car-shopping!).<\/p>\n I’m confident the injury stats will come down for the 2015 year, reflecting the structural changes and subsequently glowing safety test results.<\/p>\n Injuries aside, the crash stats<\/em> are higher for the Nissan as well, but I suspect driver distraction is to blame.\u00a0 Vehicles that had fewer collisions tended to be a) very small and b) sporty; and in some cases incredibly expensive.\u00a0 Small cars don’t house children very well–the mother of all distractions.\u00a0 I believe the vehicle<\/em> to be safe–something about the way it is being driven<\/em> is contributing to the elevated risk of collision.\u00a0 I’m a mono-tasker when I drive so I’m comfortable with the stats.\u00a0 Moving on.<\/p>\n We set a limit of $20,000 after tax.\u00a0 This was far higher than I was comfortable with, but I guess reality has to set in at some point; you can’t ride your bike everywhere in Canada.\u00a0 That left us with a shortlist of two vehicles; the Nissan Sentra and Mazda 3 Sport.<\/p>\n We really wanted power doors and locks, cruise control, and air conditioning.\u00a0 Due to my mis-reading of a sales brochure, we thought the base model Mazda 3 Sport included these options.\u00a0 It does not, and it was eventually eliminated from consideration anyway.\u00a0 The Sentra includes power and cruise control in its base, and if you opt for the CVT engine you get air.<\/p>\n![\"ncap\"](\"http:\/\/wiki.lillerant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/ncap.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\n![\"sentraIIHS01\"](\"http:\/\/wiki.lillerant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/sentraIIHS01.png\")
<\/a>Pay attention to the small overlap test, as this is the most demanding, and arguably the most important test.<\/p>\n![\"sentraIIHS02\"](\"http:\/\/wiki.lillerant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/sentraIIHS02.png\")
<\/a>So when you slam the vehicle into various barriers, it performs very well.\u00a0 Let’s dig a little further.\u00a0 This is an absolutely amazing chart.<\/p>\n![\"sentraIIHS03\"](\"http:\/\/wiki.lillerant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/sentraIIHS03.png\")
<\/a> It breaks down–adjusting for distortions–the likelihood of crashes or injury in relative terms to other vehicles in the same class.\u00a0 You can see here that the Sentra doesn’t fare very well–having elevated stats in the injury column.\u00a0 How does this make any sense based on the above testing, by the same institute?<\/p>\n![\"sentraIIHS04\"](\"http:\/\/wiki.lillerant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/sentraIIHS04.png\")
<\/a>In fact it wasn’t until 2014 that the Sentra started making progress<\/p>\n![\"sentraIIHS05\"](\"http:\/\/wiki.lillerant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/sentraIIHS05.png\")
<\/a>The 2015 model was adjusted even further to strengthen the doors, resulting in a rating of “good” across the board.\u00a0 Now after an accident you stand a better chance of walking away–partly because you’ll still have your lower legs and feet.<\/p>\nPrice<\/h4>\n
Must Haves<\/h4>\n
The Test Drive<\/h4>\n