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2002 Safety Stars
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| Safety sells, so new cars get safer every year |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 21:52:20 |
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 16 ( -2 -12.5% ) | | Author | Marie Loggia-Kee |
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Description:
It used to be that only high-end vehicles featured extra safety equipment and technology. Now, however, safety is a major selling point for even economy cars. What used to stop at optional air bags now includes a variety of crush zones and reinforcements, designed to crumple during a collision and absorb the impact. Of course, the high-level cars still get the best stuff. For those looking for the ultimate in security, check out the BMW 7 Series and its bullet-resistant side panels and glass, or Volvo's S60 All Wheel Drive. But if you can't afford the German SuperCar, do not worry: there are many standard extras in most of this year's vehicles.
2002 BMW 7 Series
The 7 Series could be billed as having Superman-like safety features: able to stop bullets. Seriously, the BMW 7 Series sports bullet-resistant side panels and glass windows. More traditional components include a fuel cut-off system that is triggered by airbag deployment; run-flat tires, dual-stage front passenger airbags with sensors that deter unnecessary deployment; crash sensors that automatically turn on interior lights and unlock the door; and steel-reinforced windows.
2002 Chevrolet Silverado
Chevy doesn't bill its Silverado for being Built Like a Rock for no reason. This rock really knows how to roll with the punches. The safety components on the Silverado are separated into three areas: Collision Avoidance, Occupant Protection and Security. With the Autotrac system, the vehicle automatically detects rear-wheel slippage and transfers the power between the front and back wheels, while the Self-Dimming Rearview Mirror with Eight-Point Compass reduces glare. When it comes to occupant safety, the Silverado is equipped with reinforced steel side-door beams and Crush Zones, designed to absorb energy during collision. Finally, security features include Battery Rundown Protection, which turns off the lights and underhood lamp 20 minutes after the ignition has been turned off; Driver Lock Protection, which keeps the driver's door from being locked when the key is in the ignition and the door is open; and a Spare Tire Lock.
2002 Dodge Ram 1500
The coolest thing about the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 is the Power Adjustable Pedals that adjust for drivers of different heights. Adjustable brake and accelerator pedals make for better control. Larger taillights catch other driver's attention more quickly, for better response times. While 4-wheel disc brakes make for a shorter stopping distance, the all-new Brake-Park Interior Interlock comes as standard equipment.
Ford Explorer Sport
Ford knows that its line of SUVs is popular, almost too popular. The Explorer Sport's special safety features relate to keeping the car safe, along with granting the driver peace of mind. The vehicle comes standard with Anti-theft SecuriLockâ„¢ Passive Anti-Theft System, which requires a coded key in order to start the engine. Other standards include, 4W ABS, standard airbags, child safety seat anchors and color-keyed adjustable height front shoulder belts. A keyless entry system with panic, available in optional packages, makes fumbling for the right key a thing of the past.
2002 Jeep Liberty
The all-new Jeep Liberty doesn't feature a lot of bells and whistles. But when it comes to safety, all the basics are here. Front and side air bags are designed to deploy on different levels of impact, depending upon the severity of the collision; a LATCH system improves the security for restraining a child in the back seat; A Sentry Keys System ensures security by requiring a properly encoded key to start the engine; and a "safety age" of high-strength alloy steel is built around the occupants for added protection.
2002 Lexus ES 300
Lexus has so many safety features, they've built a Web site dedicated to them; LexusSafety.com shows an interactive Flash demonstration of the Crumple Zones; reinforced door beams; side air bags, which are located on the front seats' back rests; collapsible steering columns; and Impact-Absorbing Ribbing, which can be found along the upper door trim and roof pillar.
2002 Nissan Altima
Nissan is proud to announce that the 2002 Altima features more than "50 ways to keep you safe." In addition to such standard elements as ABS, the Altima also highlights Dual-Stage Supplemental Front Air Bags, which have two different levels of inflation depending upon impact severity and detecting seat belt usage; structural elements that are designed to protect the passengers; a LATCH system to restrain children without using rear seat belts; and optional front and side curtain airbags.
2002 Toyota Camry
The 2002 Camry is not only ultra-sleek but it features a stunning array of safety extras to make driving more secure. For children, the Camry ups the ante with a trunk entrapment release and Child Restraint System (CRS) with top and lower anchor points. In the event of an accident, the car has an energy-absorbing collapsible steering column and crumple zones, which means that areas of the hood, fender, frame and related body are designed to deform during a collision to lessen the impact on the car's occupants. Besides the standard front air bags, Supplemental Restraint Systems for the front and rear seats are available.
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
Those who have heard the commercials know the New Beetle is "Round for a Reason." A safety cell surrounds the passengers during a collision. The safety features include dual front and front side-impact air bags with a buckle switch that adjusts deployment according to speed during an accident; a reinforced roof pillar in case of rollovers; anti-intrusion door beams; and crush zones.
2002 Volvo S60 AWD
Advertised as "adhering to everything but convention," the new Volvo S60 All Wheel Drive gives all the benefits of all wheel drive revved up in a slick little coupe package. Combined with its TRACS traction control system, the S60 AWD compensates for all driving conditions whether its snowy, icy roads, slippery sand-covered desert highways or simply adding grip during everyday driving. In the event a spare has to be used, the system stabilizes different-sized wheels. In addition to the standard features, safety is enhanced on the S60 through Anti-Submarining Seats, which keeps occupants from sliding out of the seats in the event of an accident; Home Safe Lighting, which will illuminate the driver's path for up to 90 seconds after locking the car; and an emergency trunk release. |
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