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The new cars for 2012 are coming out with some impressive advances, many of which can be identified in the safety features offered. As you shop for a new car this year, you will not only have to consider safety features however; you have to think about the amount of space a car offers, the conveniences the vehicle includes, and the car’s performance as well as price.
Finding The Safest Cars
Before you begin comparing the safest cars for 2012, you should consider a few things. First, think about what it is you can actually afford to spend on a new car. Once you have determined your budget, make use of online calculators to figure out how much it will cost you each month to finance a new car option. Do not forget to consider the cost of vehicle maintenance and the cost of insurance into your budget as well.
Define what you are looking for in a car in the way of amenities. Look for cars that offer you a wide array of options. If you want a lot of entertainment features you can anticipate paying more for the vehicle. Consider what you really need and what features you can do without too. Keep your mind focused on finding one of the safest cars possible.
Read car reviews before you make any kind of investment. A number of websites offering car reviews online will list crash test ratings, the safety equipment a car offers, and you can read up about any potential issues a vehicle may have. If you are opting for a 2011 model instead of a 2012, you can check out information about vehicle recalls too. While you are researching cars, check out the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration’s site about crash testing details on the newest cars.
When you pay a visit to the local dealership to buy one of the safest cars for the 2012 year, discuss your options with the dealer. The dealer should provide you with a complete list of what the vehicle has in the way of safety features. Talk with the dealer about the advantages and disadvantages associated with each feature. The dealer should be willing to demonstrate how the safety features work, where they are located, and how they can benefit you. You might want to question what types of long term maintenance are required with certain safety features as well.
When you are thinking about safety features, consider getting things like Bluetooth® connectivity or a GPS system. While these things may seem more like conveniences, they allow you to concentrate on your driving with greater focus. For the few extra dollars you will pay for such features, you can make your vehicle a little bit safer to drive.
2012’s Safest Cars
Chevrolet Camaro
The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro has a starting MSRP of $30100.00. This vehicle is fitted with a long list of impressive safety features. Security and safety features include four wheel antilock brakes, traction control, tire pressure monitoring, stability control, and a post collision safety system. The vehicle is fitted with occupant sensing passenger airbags; side mounted airbags, an engine immobilizer, emergency brake assist, daytime running lights, two front headrests, and front fog driving lights. In addition, the Camaro comes with dusk sensing headlamps, an emergency interior trunk release, rear and front ventilated brakes, and a remote anti theft alarm system. Options include Onstar® service that offers airbag deployment notification, stolen vehicle tracking assistance, and emergency service. This vehicle has earned a five star rating in crash tests conducted by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. For more information visit http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2012/chevrolet/camaro/specifications/.
Kia Optima
The 2012 Kia Optima is another vehicle getting excellent crash test ratings from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. The vehicle has an MSRP of $21995.00. It comes with a 2.4 Liter inline four engine capable of generating 200 hp. This vehicle has a six speed auto or manual transmission and front wheel drive. It has rack and pinion steering with electric assistance, stability control, five seat belts, six airbags including overhead, front, and side impact airbags, rear and front antilock brakes, seatbelt pretensioners, anti-whiplash head restraints, and an onboard security system. For more information visit http://www.guideautoweb.com/en/specifications/kia/optima/.
Honda Accord
The 2012 Honda Accord is a coupe getting outstanding crash test ratings from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. This car has a 2.4 Liter engine with a double overhead cam, sixteen valves, and variable valve timing. It can generate 190 hp. The car has a five speed, automatic transmission and front wheel drive. It is fitted with a rear and front stabilizer bar, a four wheel independent suspension, a mutli-link rear suspension, and a double wishbone front suspension. It has solid rear disc brakes, ventilated front brakes, stability control, tire pressure monitoring, a remote anti theft system, seatbelt pretensioners, an engine immobile, rear and front head airbags, dual and front side mounted airbags, and electronic brakeforce distribution. Add to the latter list of features daytime running lights, anti-whiplash head rests, occupant sensing passenger airbags, and antilock brakes, and the Accord becomes one of the safest cars on the road. The vehicle has an MSRP of $22980.00. For full details visit http://automobiles.honda.com/accord-sedan/specifications.aspx.
Honda Civic DX Coupe
The 2012 Honda Civic DX Coupe has safety features that are similar to the 2012 Honda Civic; however the vehicle has a lower MSRP of $15605.00 that might make it a more affordable option when you are looking to invest in one of the safest cars for 2012. The vehicle is equipped with a front and rear stabilizer bar, four wheel independent suspension, a multi-link rear suspension, and a MacPherson struck front suspension. Security and safety features include rear drum brakes, ventilated front disc brakes, traction control, tire pressure monitoring, stability control, multiple airbags, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency braking assist, an engine immobilizers, child seat anchors, and daytime running lights. For more information visit http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-coupe/specifications.aspx. |
