Top picks:
- Chrysler 200
- Dodge Avenger
- Dodge Journey
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Jeep Patriot
A year after bankruptcy, Chrysler is on the rebound. This year, it reworked designs of several of its models. In terms of safety, for example, it added torso airbags in a new redesign of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which boosted side crash protection and earned a “good” side rating from the institute. (Good is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest rating.) Before, the Grand Cherokee had only head-curtain airbags, which the Institute rated as only marginal protection in side crashes.