Over the past two years, Toyota Motor Corporation has endured a great deal of criticism stemming from the sudden acceleration problems found in Camrys and Lexus ES 300 models. In fact, a man from Minnesota who had been jailed for causing a fatal accident was set free after research showed that his Camry, instead of the driver, was at fault in the crash. In 2014, Toyota was one of the many automakers ensnared in the Takata airbag recall. As we had noted in a prior post, it appeared that 2015 would be the year for additional recalls, particularly from Toyota.
Fast forward to September, and Toyota appears to have earned a measure of redemption. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named two Toyota based models for their Top Safety Pick Plus.
This honor is reserved for vehicles that have earned at least a “good” in all of the IIHS’ crash tests, including front, side impact, roof strength and overlap impact tests. For Top Safety Pick Plus honors, a vehicle must meet the preceding qualifications, along with a highly rated crash avoidance system.
This year, the Lexus ES and the Scion iA, both manufactured by Toyota, received Top Safety Pick Plus honors. The Lexus earned the award for best midsize car, while the Scion was named the least expensive car to win such honors, as it is the cheapest car on the market to come with a crash avoidance system. With these two vehicles, Toyota now has 10 models that have earned the IIHS’ highest honors.