The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently revealed the results of its latest batch of safety tests, which included several high-profile models.
The big news was that the Fiat 500 was only awarded three stars for safety, mainly due to a side-impact crash test that saw the car only pass with two stars. Only three vehicles have been awarded three stars since the NHTSA began using tougher testing procedures, and the 500 now joins the Ford Escape and Dodge Caliber as somewhat questionable when it comes to safety.
On the other hand, some models improved their reputations. After only achieving four stars last year, the 2012 Toyota Camry was re-rated with five stars in this year's test. The Cadillac CTS also joined the rank of five-star vehicles, reports Autoblog.
Owning a car with a high rating is only half the battle when it comes to safety. A particular model may have been designed well, but if it has mechanical issues, you could be at risk of an accident. An auto maintenance expert can diagnose any problems with a car and perform things like regular brake service, which can ensure that your vehicle remains safe out on the road.