5 Cars You Should Never Buy

Most consumers prioritize safety when purchasing a vehicle. However, not all cars are created equal in terms of safety features and accident statistics.

Recent reports from MotorTrend^® utilizing data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shed light on some of the most dangerous cars on the market today. This data looked at calculating the death rates of individual models to determine ratings, as well as the rate at which drivers of other vehicles are killed in crashes with a given model.

Let's review the five most dangerous cars you can drive based on the number of deaths per one million registered vehicles from the last three years.

5. Kia^® Rio Sedan

The Kia Rio sedan has landed among the top five vehicles with the highest death rates for both its drivers and other drivers on the roads. Despite being a favorite in the subcompact car category for its affordability and quality, the Kia Rio sedan has alarmingly high fatality rates: 122 deaths per million registered vehicles. Its hatchback counterpart, however, fares much better in terms of safety.

4. Chevrolet^® Spark

The Chevrolet Spark, known for its compact size and budget-friendly price tag, has high fatality rates. With all active safety features being optional, the Spark's 151 deaths per million registered vehicles are concerning. While it may offer decent handling and standard infotainment tech, its safety record leaves something to be desired.

3. Hyundai^® Accent

Despite being awarded the IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2019, the Hyundai Accent must enhance its safety features and real-world accident performance. The Accent's current generation, introduced in 2018, has been criticized for its underwhelming performance and below-average interior quality. The driver death rate of 152 deaths per million registered vehicles underscores significant safety issues with the Accent.

2. Dodge^® Challenger (Rear-Wheel Drive)

The Dodge Challenger, an American muscle car known for its powerful performance and iconic design, ranks high among dangerous vehicles due to its rear-wheel-drive variant. Despite offering impressive horsepower and comfort, the Challenger's 154 deaths per million registered vehicles is a big red flag for safety seekers. While its all-wheel-drive variants fare better in safety, there is still room for improvement.

The Roads Can Be Dangerous

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1. Mitsubishi^® Mirage

The Mitsubishi Mirage is the most dangerous car, with 205 deaths per million registered vehicles. Despite its commendable fuel economy and affordability, the Mirage has earned a reputation as an inferior vehicle with serious safety concerns due to supporting complaints about its lackluster engine performance and subpar handling.

While affordability and fuel efficiency may be important considerations when purchasing a car, safety should always remain a top priority. The data on these five dangerous cars serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of thorough research and consideration of safety features before making a purchase decision.

Must-Have Features for Your Next New Car

Here's some considerations you can make when shopping for a new car to prioritize safety.

• Crash Test Ratings: Don't be fooled by appearances. Look for models with top ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the (IIHS). These ratings are based on rigorous crash tests that simulate real-world collisions, giving you a clear picture of a car's ability to protect its occupants.
• Active vs. Passive Safety: There's a whole team working behind the scenes to keep you safe. Active safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning are designed to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. Passive safety features, like airbags and a high-strength steel safety cage, take over in the unfortunate event of a collision. Your ideal car will have a robust combination of both.
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Consider ADAS features as your guardian angels on the road. Blind spot monitoring uses sensors to detect vehicles hidden from your view. At the same time, adaptive cruise control maintains a safe distance from the car ahead. These features add a layer of protection and reduce driver fatigue on long journeys.
• Don't Forget the Basics: While the latest tech is exciting, don't overlook essential features like an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). ABS helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops. ESC helps prevent skids and loss of control on slippery roads. These features are now standard on most new cars, but it's always a good idea to double-check.

By prioritizing these safety features, you're taking a proactive step towards a more secure driving experience.

Reference: These Are the Deadliest Cars You Can Drive | What Stand-Out Features Make Your Car Worth More Money? | Driver death rates by make and model

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