New Crash Test Results Look Great!

['97ventureowner]

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.

[AJT1961]

They do hold up very well in a crash -- I should know...lol. About a month after getting my shiny new Uplander some a-hole doing about 40mph crashed into the left/front end while it was parked in front of my wife's office. The Uplander was pushed up onto the sidewalk, but looked remarkably good for the powerful impact it took to the corner of the front bumper. I had it repaired by a very talented auto-restorer (who refused the insurance company's request to straighten the hidden structural body components -- instead cutting them out at the joints and welding in new ones). $5000 later and 3 weeks waiting for the special order parts from the various plants where they are made, the fit and finish actually looks better than new, as all of the front end joint lines are perfect now (they weren't when I bought it). Picked it up on Tuesday from the shop and left that night for a 1300 mile road trip. Runs like a dream. I highly recommend this vehicle.

['97ventureowner]

Glad to hear your vehicle is doing better. You were lucky to have the work done by a reputable repair guy, and not some shop that follows every word of the insurance company. There is a lot of shoddy repair work being done in the industry these days, too many shortcuts, and the use of sub-standard repair parts.