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About used ratings
Used car ratings compare the safety equipment fitted to models when they were sold as new during the period reflected by the date stamp on the result. They cannot guarantee that the performance of this equipment matches that during its initial purchase. Used car buyers are advised to inspect the crash history of the unit they intend to purchase and consult the vehicle manufacturer to learn about any pending recalls.
The effectiveness of many safety features is significantly compromised by improper use. Airbags, for example, may prove ineffective or even dangerous for unrestrained occupants. While a portion of the assessment is dedicated to features that encourage safe practices, it is vital that users also do their part. This includes, but is not limited to properly restraining occupants: all adults must be restrained by a three-point safety belt, and children under 12 years of age must be secured in a correctly installed child restraint of the appropriate group.
Be sure to only compare ratings from the same year and for cars of the same class.
The overall rating is not always a useful measure of relative safety, and models that earn similar ratings may do so for different reasons, not all of which might be relevant for every vehicle buyer. Please check the complete list of safety features, and our assessment criteria for the year in which the vehicle was rated to learn why a vehicle was awarded a certain rating.