Owner’s Manual

The Volkswagen Tiguan (left) received the Insurance Institute's top rating of "good," which means the small SUV's roof was able to withstand a force four times its weight. The Kia Sportage (right) was rated "poor," the institute's lowest rating.

 If you’re ever involved in a roll-over accident, this information will be extremely important to you.  For the first time, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has conducted roof strength tests and used the results in their overall safety ratings.

In the above photos, it’s easy to choose which vehicle you’d rather be driving if it rolls onto it’s roof.   The trick is to choose the right vehicle BEFORE the accident (like when you’re car shopping). 

But the Sportage is $7,000 less you say?  Perhaps, but you’ll burn through $7,000 in a few short hours in ICU.  It’s not worth the gamble, especially if you have children riding in your vehicle.

source:  http://www.howwedrive.com/2009/03/

http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr111809.html