I am liking the Volvo Xc90 SUV it seems to be 8 cylinders is there a model with 6cylinders? Not sure I need the 8 or is the value better?
Yes, the 3.2 has a 6 and is the base model. Unless you have need for quick acceleration (like short entrance ramps to freeways, etc.), the 6 should do fine. I would go for the AWD version, unless you live someplace that never needs superior traction, like the Deep South.
You might want to consider the Acura RDX. It has a 5 star crash rating and it isn’t
too big. The MDX is the bigger model. Acuras are very reliable too.
The new 2008 Taurus and Taurus X(crossover) are also 5 star rated safe vehicles.
There are many factors in auto design that address safety, including those that keep accidents from occurring in the first place. I recommend selecting a car with smart, responsible features - ones that protect you, your family, and those around you. Selecting a feature such as how heavy your car is will only benefit you by hurting others. This does not encourage ingenuity with our automakers and feels irresponsible towards both our society and the environment.
Other sources:
http://www.physicstoday.org/vol-59/iss-10/p14a.html
David Greene from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory also does a good job of unpacking the ‘bigger is better’ aspect of car safety here: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/car/mail.html See the other experts here: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/car/experts.html (You’ll notice some familiar faces).
Lots of good points made. I’ll add some.
Look to the ratings by the NHTSA from their crash testing.
Also look for the Insurance Institute test results.
Add to that the criteria of side curtain air bags.
Corrolate those results with the Consumer Reports New Car Preview reliability ratings.
That should get you a few choices to test drive.
It seems like Dr. Greene said that bigger is definitely safer - for the occupant of the larger vehicle. Zero sum game? What foolishness is this? If my highest priority was a safe car, why would I consider the safety of others when I bought it? I’d rush right out and buy that H2 and let you worry about your pain and suffering if we ever had the misfortune of meeting in an accident. Does Greene actually consider the zero sum aspect when he searches for a new car? I don’t believe it.
What BMW? There is a big jump from the 3-series to the 5-series; the 7-series is a bit safer still. Check it out at the IIHS URL:
http://www.iihs.org/research/hldi/composite_cls.aspx?cls=3&sort=name&sz=3
Click on Midsize, Large, or Very Large above the table.
Does taking the bus apply…they do quite well in a crash; better than an H2 ?
If price in no object a Toyota land cruiser is the way to go they’re big, they’re safe, and they are mechanically bullet proof. The three things left on this earth after the apocolipse, cock roaches, Keith Richards and the Toyota land cruiser!
Volvo makes a decent car, however when it does break as all cars do IT WILL BE EXPENSIVE. You probably will need to take it to the dealer for any problem you may have because they are the only place that ever has parts for them.
…and the OP said that “price is not an issue.” So what’s your point?