Safety is a high priority for most drivers when they set out to purchase a new vehicle.  Each year the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety puts the model year’s newest vehicles through a list of rigorous testing and then selects its Top Safety Picks, recognizing vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, and rear crashes.  Safety Pick winners also have to be equipped with electronic stability control, which research shows can significantly reduce the risk of crashing. 

Thirty-four vehicles received the top pick designation for 2008, as compared with only 13 in 2007:

Large Cars
Audi A6
Cadillac CTS
Ford Taurus
Mercury Sable
Volvo S80

Midsize Cars
Audi A3
Audi A4
Honda Accord
Saab 9-3
Subaru Legacy

Midsize Convertibles
Saab 9-3
Volvo C70

Small Cars
Subaru Impreza

Minivans
Honda Odyssey
Hyundai Entourage
Kia Sedona

Midsize SUVs
Acura MDX
Acura RDX
BMW X3
BMW X5
Ford Taurus X
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Veracruz
Hyundai Santa Fe
Infiniti EX35
Lincoln MKX
Mercedes M Class
Saturn Vue
Subaru Tribeca
Toyota Highlander
Volvo XC90

Small SUVs
Honda CR-V
Honda Element
Subaru Forester

Large Trucks
Toyota Tundra

Ford and Honda boast the most vehicles on the list, and the 2008 Ford Taurus snagged the award for the number one safest vehicle on the market.  (Source: IIHS.org)