From Newsday.com:GM minivans make maxi test-crash gains
While the previous models had been rated 'poor' in 40-mph impacts, the 2005s earn 'good' status
BY TOM INCANTALUPO
STAFF WRITER
April 11, 2005
"Crash test results being released today by an insurance industry research group show General Motors' newest minivans vastly improved over their predecessors in their protection of occupants in frontal crashes.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the 2005 Chevrolet Uplander "good" for its performance in the group's 40-mph crash test, although the vehicle was not named a "best pick," the institute's highest rating.
The predecessor Chevrolet Venture had been rated "poor," based on a crash test of the structurally identical Pontiac Trans Sport/Montana.
"The earlier minivan design was one of the worst performing vehicles in the institute's frontal test," the group said. The Venture also shared its structure with the Oldsmobile Silhouette. The Uplander is structurally and mechanically similar to the 2005 Pontiac Montana SV6, Saturn Relay and Buick Terraza.
A "good" rating indicates that a belted driver probably could walk away with only minor injuries from such a crash, the group said.
Also attaining ratings of "good" from the institute were the 2005 Honda Odyssey minivan and the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier and Chevrolet Colorado extended cab compact pickup trucks. The Odyssey and Tacoma were named "best picks." The Colorado also is sold as the GMC Canyon.
Two other newly tested pickups, the Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger, earned a lesser rating of "acceptable." The Ranger also is sold as the Mazda B-Series.
The Uplander earned five out of a possible five stars in a less-severe frontal crash test conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a federal agency. The vehicle earned an almost perfect score in the federal side-impact test."
Looks like GM may be getting back on track to building safer vehicles.
