FAQ About Questions to Ask When Buying a Car

A car's crash test rating refers to its performance in various standardized crash tests conducted by independent safety organizations and government agencies. These tests assess the car's ability to protect occupants in different crash scenarios. The most widely recognized crash test programs include:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): In the United States, the NHTSA conducts crash tests to assess the safety of vehicles. They use a 5-star rating system, with higher star ratings indicating better safety performance. NHTSA tests include frontal crash tests, side crash tests, and rollover resistance tests.
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): The IIHS is an independent nonprofit organization that conducts its own crash tests and evaluates vehicle safety. The IIHS uses a rating system that includes Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor ratings across various crash test categories, such as frontal, side, and small overlap front crash tests. The IIHS also evaluates vehicle features like headlights and crash prevention systems.
• European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP): Euro NCAP conducts crash tests and safety assessments for vehicles sold in Europe. It assigns star ratings based on performance in categories such as adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, pedestrian protection, and safety assist systems.
• Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP): ANCAP is an independent vehicle safety organization in Australia and New Zealand. It conducts crash tests and rates vehicles based on their safety performance. ANCAP ratings provide information on occupant protection, pedestrian protection, and safety assist features.