Bumpers on 4 of 6 Midsize Sedans Improve; None Earns Good Rating in Low-Speed
Tests
Bumpers on 2009 models of the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, and
Nissan Maxima performed better than their 2007 predecessors in low-speed crash tests conducted by the Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety. Bumpers on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu and 2010 Ford Fusion did worse than earlier
models. None of the 6 popular midsize sedans earns the top rating of good in a recent series of tests designed to
assess and compare how well bumpers resist damage in everyday fender-benders. The Mazda 6 improves to
acceptable from marginal, with an average repair cost of less than $900 after 4 tests at 3 and 6 mph. The Accord and
Sonata improve to marginal from poor. The Fusion slips to poor from marginal, and the Maxima and Malibu remain
poor. Read more...
