when it comes to safety issues, there are no "perfect" car companies. for instance Princess Diana died in an S class mercedes. a car is a mechanical device, therefore it is prone to problems. However, for my money and for their over all safety consciousness, it will always be a Merc or a Volvo. there are too many moronic drivers out their who will ruin your day by running a red light at 80 MPH. when and if that day happens, I want to be sitting in a car that has been thoroughly designed and tested to take a severe hit.