I was seeing the crash test ratings for Honda Civic 2dr Coupe (with side air bags) at http://www.safercar.gov and I was surprised that though 2001 to 2005 models bagged five star rating for both frontal as well as side crashes, but I do not see that kind of rating for newer models.
2006 Civic coupe gets only 3 star for side driver crash. Even the new 2009 model has 4 star for side driver rating.

Similar thing, I observed with Toyota Corolla. The older models did better on the crash test result then the newers ones.

Wanted to know what could be the reason: whether to make it more cost effective, they are sacrficing the crashworthiness of vehicle or NHTSA safety standards itself becoming tough and so newers car do not score as much as older car used to score?

Please comment.

 

interesting..

you would think newer models would be safer.

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