Ridgeline Tops Rollover Ratings
Honda’s new Ridgeline pickup has achieved the best rollover
ratings for any pickup truck ever in safety tests by the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Ridgeline’s rating
exceeds all other pickups, and it was also the first pickup to ever be
rated five stars for both frontal- and side-impact crash tests.
New SAE Horsepower Rule Affects Ratings
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has made changes in the
way horsepower is rated. As a result, U.S. companies found that many
2006 vehicles with updated engines received power-rating increases of as
much as 20 hp, or more.
GM Recalls Trucks, SUVs
General Motors is recalling 804,000 full-size trucks and SUVs from
the 1999-2002 model years. Chevrolet Silverado, Avalanche, Suburban,
Tahoe and GMC Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL models are covered by the
recall. In some cases, the ABS system can activate when it should not,
which could lead to an accident.
Honda Recalls Odyssey
Honda is recalling some 2005 Odyssey minivans for a potential
defect in the airbag sensors. NHTSA reported that more than 85,000
vehicles are affected. Dealers will make the repairs for free.
OnStar to Notify of Recalls
General Motors will begin using OnStar to tell owners about
recalls. GM will only contact owners if they have not responded to a
recall notice within 60 days. During the first non-emergency use of
OnStar, an operator will tell the driver of the need for a recall
repair. OnStar will be standard on all GM vehicles beginning in 2007.