Ford Focus, Volvo C30 Fare Best in Crash Study of Two-Door Cars

Ford Motor Co.'s Focus and Volvo C30 scored best for protecting drivers in crash tests of two-door models, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study.

Published on July 21, 2009

The cars won top ratings in front, side and rear collisions, the insurance group said in a study released today. Other models tested included General Motors Co.’s Chevrolet Cobalt, the Civic from Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp.'s Scion tC.

The group sought to evaluate whether safety improvements in four-door cars are extending to two-door vehicles. Four of the models earned “good” marks in front-impact tests, and none rated poor in any category, suggesting protection is improving for all types of cars, the group said.

“The results for two-door cars are good news,” David Zuby, senior vice president at the Arlington, Virginia-based institute, said in a statement. “Choosing a vehicle that provides top-notch crash protection is easier than ever.”

Cars were evaluated in simulated front, rear and side accidents, with results ranked as good, acceptable, marginal or poor. The Scion scored lowest, with “acceptable” ratings for front and side impacts and a “marginal” rating for rear-crash protection.