New cars Family Sedan

Family cars are charged with protecting our most precious cargo – our children, our loved ones and our friends. Automakers design the safety systems of the sedans that are intended primarily for family use with this in mind, helping to make them some of the safest vehicles out on the road. A large number of the top safety performers in crash testing, both federal and otherwise, hail from the family car segment.

The safest family cars on the market are those that have earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Let’s take a look at 10 family sedans that can boast this level of recognition from the IIHS.

The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu scores a “Good” rating in both frontal offset and side impact collision tests, as well as in roof strength crush tests performed by the IIHS. Passengers are protected by a network of six airbags (two up front, two front side airbags and side curtain airbags along the length of the cabin).

The 2011 Malibu also comes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control, traction control and the OnStar telematics system. The latter is capable of automatically notifying emergency personnel in the event that airbag deployment is detected. OnStar’s built-in GPS system can even direct first responders to the exact location of the vehicle.

The 2010 Chrysler Sebring features a full complement of airbags. Advanced multistage front airbags are there to keep forward occupants safe, and they combined with supplemental seat-mounted side airbags to create a cocoon of protection around the front of the passenger compartment. Those riding in the rear benefit from side curtain airbags and a steel safety cage.

The 2010 Chrysler Sebring merits a “Good” rating in all three crucial IIHS crash tests. When combined with the vehicle’s optional Electronic Stability Control, this is enough to earn it Top Safety Pick status. The Sebring also comes with a tire pressure warning system to monitor each of the vehicle’s four tires for proper inflation.

The 2011 Ford Fusion was completely redesigned for the previous model year, and the latest edition benefits from the same extensively updated platform. AdvanceTrac traction control and Electronic Stability Control are standard equipment, along with the automatic SOS Post-Crash Alert System, and these features can additionally be complemented by a Blind Sport Information System, a rear view camera and rear parking sensors. All-wheel drive can be ordered as an option to help improve the sedan’s traction.

The 2011 Ford Fusion also comes with side curtain airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags and traditional forward airbags. The Fusion’s “Good” score in side impact, frontal offset and roof strength tests make it an IIHS Top Safety Pick

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is an all-new sedan that has been designed with safety in mind. Active front head restraints work to prevent whiplash in an accident and six airbags (four for forward occupants and dual side curtain airbags that protect