12 GM models make IIHS’ first-ever list of recommended used cars for teens

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety today named 12 models from current and former GM brands to its first-ever list of recommended used vehicles for teen drivers.
The group, supported by automobile insurance companies, released its recommended vehicles with the results of a new survey in which more than half of parents said their teens drive 2006 model year or earlier vehicles, fewer of which are equipped with features such as electronic stability control and side-impact air bags.
“We know many teens are driving the older, smaller vehicles in the family fleet are less likely to afford optimal crash protection,” said IIHS Senior Vice President for Research Anne Mccartt. “The vehicles from GM brands on our list provide teens with important safety features across all family budgets.”
IIHS did not recommend any brand’s mini or small cars, or high-horsepower vehicles.
“These IIHS recommendations will help guide our customers as they seek safe and affordable transportation for their young drivers,” said Alan Batey, president of GM North America. “The technologies that help inexperienced teen drivers in many cases avoid crashes are found on many of our late-model vehicles.”
GM brands were recommended in two categories – Best Choices ($20,000 and under) and Good Choices ($10,000 and under) – and include Chevrolet (three models), Buick (four models), GMC (two models) and the discontinued Saab (one) and Saturn (two) brands. Pricing excludes tax, title and license and is based on oldest model and lowest trim levels in Good condition or Better condition found on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. They are:
Best Choices: Earned Good ratings in IIHS moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests; earned at least four out of five stars in federal government crash tests; and offer standard electronic stability, which helps drivers prevent rollover crashes.
Source: GM