Safest cars of 1997 and earlier (vehicle, van, brake, seats)
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First off, I'm just doing this for curiosity's sake. They have to be 1997 models or earlier; i.e. have to be on sale by spring 1997.
But I would nominate:
-the 1996-1997 model Mercedes S Class. This generation launched from 1992, but the 1996 got side impact airbags as standard. Honorable mention goes to the 1992-1995 models, no side airbags but still a very strong safety cage and state of the art design.
-the 1997 model BMW 5 Series. This was a clean-sheet design launched in 1996 for the 1997 model year, and included a very strong safety cage and side airbags as standard. It even scored a Good in the IIHS moderate overlap offset test: (Vehicle details).
-the 1995-1997 model Volvo 850. This generation ran from the 1993-1997 model years, getting side airbags for the '95 model year. Even the 1993-1994 models excelled in crash tests of the era and had the typical Volvo safety design.
-the 1995-1997 model Ford Windstar. It's a big, heavy van with crash test ratings that were perfect in their day.
-the 1996-1997 Ford Taurus. Probably the safest midsize car you could get in the '97 model year.
Any other cars from 1997 or earlier that showed exceptional safety for their time period?
123 Chassis MB's. Have personal experience with the crashworthiness of an '82 MB 300Dt and a KW semi; if not for the integrity of the MB, I'd not be here to tell about the experience.
Notable for it's era, although to the much lesser standards back in the day: 114/155 chassis cars of the late 1960's/early 1970's. MB 108/109 chassis cars. MB 116 chassis cars. BMW 2002 models of the early 1970's. I've seen all of these models in serious accidents with the car total'ed out yet the occupants walked away.
Especially living off PCH and on the side of the mountain it was important for my kids to have all that first grade US Steel around them and the 4x4! My son, seen here driving it recently, still loves the Bronco!
Well, huge bummer! I don’t see how to add a picture!
Last edited by Polosport02; 01-16-2023 at 10:12 PM..
Reason: I’d like to add a picture
I remember a Youtube video discussion of mid 90s cars when offset frontal crashes first started getting evaluated. The Chevy Lumina was pointed out by the analyst as having particularly good crash test ratings. Which he said might be a good thing to point out to spur sales. It detailed how frontal crash tests could be good in a head on crash but poor if offset. The Lumina did well in both.
My story. I had a 99 Lumina and got T boned drivers side. The car was put on its side and had to have the roof cut off to get us out. I remember the emergency responders saying " Foot and a half intrusion into the drivers side" and being told not to move. Basically they thought I was going to be very seriously injured. Some cracked ribs and facial injuries but I was the worst and my 85 year mother was discharged the next day. No airbags on the side but the center door jam held up and took the impact well. I always liked the thick doors of it And I was wearing a seatbelt, of course.
Steer clear of the previous Chevy Celebrity model of the mid to late 80s to early 90s. It had defective front seats which detached in crashes causing injuries.
If I recall correctly, 94-97 Ford T-Birds were rated well for safety. They were also pretty nice looking, imo.
My neighbor had a T bird from the late 80s. I always thought it was kind of a dink car looks and size wise. She accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake in a parking lot with my mother with her and plowed into a Ford Focus in its side which in turn was pushed into a Hyundai Santa Fe. I didn't even realize it was them and was looking at the damage shortly after it happened. I found out when I got home.
That Ford Focus was OUT of Focus. Totalled. The Santa Fe was dented and messed up on its passenger side. The T Bird had a scuffed bumper and the front license plate holder was cracked but wasn't even dented. I was amazed that it took so little damage and you wouldn't have noticed it unless you looked at it. So... its an impressive car structurally at least.
The Lumina was the first one that came to my mind. Probably also the Dodge intrepid and it's siblings. Maybe the Status/Cirrus as well.
I think some of the Volvos back then were also touted as safe cars.
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1995 Ford Bronco!
