Four big pickups get low marks in crash tests

[Airslide]

Just some interesting reading...

Automotive News
February 11, 2009 - 12:15 am ET
WASHINGTON -- Four 2009 full-sized pickups got low marks in side-impact crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a research group for auto insurers.
Crash protection is "poor" in crew-cab versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and Nissan Titan without side-impact airbags, according to test results the institute released today.
The Dodge Ram with standard side-impact airbags got only a "marginal" rating, the institute said. The Titan with optional side airbags also was rated marginal. The Silverado with optional side airbags still was rated poor, the institute added.
The Silverado results also apply to its sibling, the GMC Sierra, the institute said.
The institute's four rating categories are good, acceptable, marginal and poor.
Although pickups are touted as workhorses, the side-impact crash protection in the tested models is "wimpy at best," the institute said in a statement.
Three pickups tested earlier got "good" scores in side-impact crash tests, which simulate being struck by another pickup or SUV moving at 31 mph. Those models getting good side-impact scores were the Honda Ridgeline, Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra, all with side-impact airbags.
All of the full-sized pickups tested got good scores in frontal-impact crashes, conducted at 40 mph.
But pickups, which have advantages of size, weight and height, also should do a good job of protecting occupants in side crashes, said David Zuby, the institute's senior vice president. He contended the Silverado, Titan and Ram "still miss the mark."

[thecatsandi]

Well,
Looks like my F-250 was the right choice!

[mutcth]

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

Looks like my F-250 was the right choice!

Not to be a downer - but your F-250 doesn't have the curtain airbags or the same cab crash structure as a 2009 F-150. In other words, the results won't carry across.

[purman]

Here is the thing.. The smart car got great crash ratings. But what happens when a full size truck hits it? unless you are getting hit by another full size truck a car will go under the side of most of the full size trucks.

Tests are not always what they appear.

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by mutcth

Not to be a downer - but your F-250 doesn't have the curtain airbags or the same cab crash structure as a 2009 F-150. In other words, the results won't carry across.

Yes, true, these tests mean nothing to most of us. Guess it is too expensive to test HD trucks. The HD trucks have ~ 50% greater mass than smaller trucks mostly due to chassis and related components. I would not want to get hit by my truck driving a smart car, dumb car, or any car.

[Safari-Rick]

Ditto on BillTex's remarks !!

[Motoman]

It appears that they did not test any 3/4 or 1 ton heavy duty pickups and also got the Honda confused, it is not a full size pickup.

[mutcth]

Originally Posted by purman

Unless you are getting hit by another full size truck a car will go under the side of most of the full size trucks.

You're right about frontal IIHS tests. Those are only comparable for vehicles within the same weight crash. But side impact tests are different.

The IIHS side impact test simulates an Explorer-height and weight vehicle hitting the side of a vehicle. Doesn't matter if its a small car being tested or a big truck - it's simulating an impact by the same vehicle.

Despite curtain airbags, to do well in this test a vehicle also needs side structure and features like foam hip "pushers" in the doors that will absorb and distribute the force of this type of crash.

By the way, the Smart did great in the side impact test - but it basically bounced off of the ramming vehicle, spinning into the air.

The IIHS is likely to focus their testing on mainstream vehicles that are predominently purchased by consumers. While (obviously) this forum is evidence that there is a market for heavy-duty trucks among consumers towing heavy loads, the vast majority of these trucks are sold for commercial use.

[Action]

My vehicle buying decision has never and will likley never consider crash testing. If it is my time I could be a gonner when I step out of this building.

>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[shermantic]

Never needed side impact My chevy will get out of its own way!

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by mutcth

Not to be a downer - but your F-250 doesn't have the curtain airbags or the same cab crash structure as a 2009 F-150. In other words, the results won't carry across.

Yes but she's put hers to the real world test!!!

Which reminds me...Ahh, I'm afraid I won't be able to catch that ride with you to the next rally.........

[thecatsandi]

Originally Posted by Kevin245

Yes but she's put hers to the real world test!!!
[deleted]

Twice! once it saved my life and the other it totaled a police cruiser! both with the trailer attached.

[Bluto]

Originally Posted by Safari-Rick

Ditto on BillTex's remarks !!

Attachment 75362

That ram is too Cool!

[Ahab]

Originally Posted by Motoman

It appears that they did not test any 3/4 or 1 ton heavy duty pickups and also got the Honda confused, it is not a full size pickup.

No, but it acts like one.

[slowmover]

Pickups are tall, unstable and nose-heavy. It is very easy to turn one over, and even easier to have one turned over by a slightly off-center hit from a side impact.

This is one vehicle to be careful with at intersections. The weight, the weight-imbalance, the high COG, etc, all work against the vehicle in dealing with a T-bone.

Just head to any boneyard (better, police impound lot) and see what happens to the structure.

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by Motoman

It appears that they did not test any 3/4 or 1 ton heavy duty pickups and also got the Honda confused, it is not a full size pickup.

Yes, I noticed that too. It is interesting to note the undersized, unibody Honda performed as good as the best performing, full sized pickups. That's the irony of it all.

[94Tri]

Just goes to prove the point that those of us who are towing with 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks are out of touch with reality.....

[BillTex]

I'd rather be found dead in a Chevy than unscathed in a Honda.

Bill

[Ahab]

Originally Posted by BillTex

I'd rather be found dead in a Chevy than unscathed in a Honda.

Bill

Careful, you just might get what you wish for.

[dmac]

Crashworthiness is high on my list when buying a car or truck. ie: my 2005 F-150 and 2000 Audi S4 were both rated highly. Yes... the tests are not perfect, but they are a general indication within a class of vehicle.

There are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old bold pilots.