Driver, Beware
You would think that passenger safety would be pretty far up on an automobile manufacturer's list of priorities, right? Perhaps even their top priority? If a century of driving has taught us anything, it's that driving can be deadly, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some of the safest and most dangerous cars in history.
1. Yugo GV
Regularly named one of the worst cars of all time, the Yugo CV has a cult following despite the danger. Yugos were known for their poorly-constructed engines and electrical systems, which occasionally caught fire or broke off while driving. Yugos were so rife with problems that drivers frequently swapped horror stories.
Michael Gil from Toronto, ON, Canada on Wikimedia
2. Peel Trident
Microcars are dangerous by default, as the driver has next to no chance in an accident. However, the Peel Trident took this to the next level by forgoing seat belts, airbags, or any sort of padding. Safety features would have bulked up this Flintstones bubble car.
Andrew Bone from Weymouth, England on Wikimedia
3. Chevrolet Cobalt
The problem with the Chevrolet Cobalt wasn't necessarily with the car itself, but with its key. Too heavy a key ring could cause the ignition to suddenly switch off, along with the steering, braking, and airbags. Chevy was fined $35 million for failing to recall the Cobalt for over a decade, knowing that it was faulty.
4. DMC DeLorean
The DeLorean's gull-wing doors are some of the most iconic on the market, unfortunately, they aren't very safe. The mechanics behind these doors mean that jammed extremely easily, making escape after an accident nearly impossible. While the DeLorean had several other mechanical problems, this was the most deadly.
5. Suzuki Samurai
SUVs aren't normally known for rolling over, which is why the Suzuki Samurai was so egregious. This Samurai's high center of gravity and narrow wheelbase made it prone to rolling over like a barrel the second a driver swerved to avoid an obstacle. Suzuki sued Consumer Reports following a (correct) claim that the Samurai was prone to rollovers.
Shadman Samee from Dhaka, Bangladesh on Wikimedia
6. Ford Bronco II
The "bucking" Bronco was had several of the same problems as the Samurai, but with a twist. In addition to its high center of gravity and narrow track width, the Bronco II had a nasty tendency to pop a wheelie mid-turn, even if you were in a school zone. Unsurprisingly, these wheelies led to fatal and paralyzing accidents.
dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada on Wikimedia
7. Audi 5000
If there was ever a car that was haunted, it was the Audi 5000. The Audi 5000 was known for shifting gears and accelerating on its own, thanks to a little too much technology. Thankfully, shift locks were eventually implemented, and are now mandatory in all vehicles.
8. Pontiac Fiero
The Pontiac Fiero was accurately and unfortunately named, as its' engine was prone to overheating to the point of fire. The acceleration lead something to be desired, which led to thrashing the engine. The stress on the engine combined with the inadequate cooling system was a recipe for disaster.
dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada on Wikimedia
9. Chevrolet Corvair
There's a good reason why very few cars keep their engines in the back, and it's because this can mess with the weight distribution. The uneven weight distribution led to Corvairs frequently spinning out, whether you oversteered or understeered. The Corvair was unsafe at high speeds, or any speeds at all, really.
10. Ford Pinto
There's a reason action movies in the '70s chose Pintos when they needed to blow a car up. With the fuel tank wedged between the rear axle and bumper, the question was less "will my Pinto explode?" and more "when will my Pinto explode". Even a minor fender bender could rupture the fuel tank.
dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada on Wikimedia
Now that we've covered some cars that made drivers gamble with their life, let's look at some safer options.
1. Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue wasn't always one of the safest cars in the world; in fact, there have been two previous recalls. However, the 2026 Rogue got top marks for its safety features including ABS with brake-assist and anti-skid control. The Rogue also comes with a forward collision warning and rollover sensors.
2. Honda Accord
A beloved and reliable sedan, the Honda Accord would not have survived as long if it didn't provide a safe ride. The Accord features automatic emergency breaking as well as a lane departure warning. The 2023 model scored particularly well for front crash prevention in both night and day.
3. Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona might just be the safest SUV in the world. In addition to now-standard features such as a rearview camera and adaptive cruise control, the Kona features driver drowsiness detection. This feature uses sensors to track both the car and the driver, issuing a warning advising the driver to take a break.
4. BMW X3
BMW cars are generally pretty safe, and the X3 line is no exception. The latest X3 model includes a supplemental restraint system with the airbags as well as adaptive brake lights. The X3 is particularly safe when it comes to side collisions, protecting all critical areas of the vehicle.
5. Honda Odyssey
If there's one class of vehicle you want equipped with maximum safety features, it's a minivan taking kids to soccer practice. The Honda Odyssey is exactly that, with 4-wheel ABS, and electronic brake-force distribution. The latest model offers traffic sign recognition as well.
6. Toyota Sequoia 4WD
The Toyota Sequoia 4WD is a muscular car that will keep calm in a crash. The latest upgrade to Toyota's safety sense includes a pre-collision system accommodating left turns and intersections as well as speed curve management. Parents will also appreciate the rear seat reminder.
7. Lexus RX
The Lexus RX is proof that a car can be expensive, attractive, and safe all in one. There are 10 airbags throughout the RX, ensuring that all passengers will be protected in the event of an accident. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.
8. Audi A6
Even the safest drivers run the risk of an accident if they encounter unsafe drivers, and the Audi A6 takes this into account. the A6 scored superb safety ratings in both American and European crash tests. Its sturdy roof was able to resist 22,000 lbs!
9. Toyota Corolla
Safety shouldn't come at a cost, especially when that cost is human life. That's why the Toyota Corolla is consistently ranked among the safest and most affordable vehicles on the market with its child occupants system and engine immobilizer. It's no wonder this is the best-selling car of all time.
10. Hyundai Elantra
Smart detection of other cars is now a standard feature in current vehicles; the Hyundai Elantra takes things to the next level by adding pedestrian and cyclist detection. The Elantra also comes with high beam assist, switching between high and low beams to avoid blinding drivers in front of you. Lastly, models equipped with Hyundai Blue Link have an SOS button which will connect drivers to a call center in case of an accident.
