Safest 2012 Cars under $30,000

Good gas mileage and safety are among the top concerns for car buyers. If you’re looking to take advantage of any car sales on last year’s models, but looking for the safest, there are a number of ratings to consider.

A new J.D. Power and Associates list proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to provide safety, though.

All of the cars on this list received both a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The NHTSA subjects vehicles to frontal-impact, side-impact and rollover resistance assessments, with five stars representing the highest score. The IIHS program includes an offset frontal-impact crash, side-impact crash, rear-impact crash and a roof crush strength test. Vehicles that receive a “good” rating in all four tests are given “Top Safety Pick” designation.

(Cars are listed in alphabetical order. Ratings and other information from J.D. Power and Associates.)

2012 Buick Regal

J.D. Power and Associates

Base MSRP: $27,055

Gas: Highway 27 MPG/City 18 MPG

Predicted Reliability: 4 out of 5

Overall Performance and Design: 3 out of 5

Overall Quality: 2 out of 5

2012 Chevrolet Cruze

J.D. Power and Associates

Base MSRP: $16,800

Gas: Highway 36 MPG/City 25 MPG

Predicted Reliability: 3 out of 5

Overall Performance and Design: 3 out of 5

Overall Quality: 3 out of 5

2012 Chevrolet Sonic

J.D. Power and Associates

Base MSRP: $13,865

Gas: Highway 35 MPG/City 25 MPG

Predicted Reliability: 3 out of 5

Overall Performance and Design: 4 out of 5

Overall Quality: 3 out of 5

2012 Chrysler 300

J.D. Power and Associates

Base MSRP: $27,670

Gas: Highway 23 MPG/City 14 MPG

Predicted Reliability: 3 out of 5

Overall Performance and Design: 5 out of 5

Overall Quality: 4 out of 5

2012 Dodge Charger

J.D. Power and Associates

Base MSRP: $25,595

Gas: Highway 23 MPG/City 14 MPG

Predicted Reliability: 3 out of 5

Overall Performance and Design: 5 out of 5

Overall Quality: 2 out of 5

2012 Honda Accord Sedan

J.D. Power and Associates

Base MSRP: $21,480

Gas: Highway 30 MPG/City 20 MPG

Predicted Reliability: 4 out of 5

Overall Performance and Design: 2 out of 5

Overall Quality: 5 out of 5

2012 Honda Civic Sedan

J.D. Power and Associates

Base MSRP: $15,955

Gas: Highway 31 MPG/City 22 MPG

Predicted Reliability: 4 out of 5

Overall Performance and Design: 3 out of 5

Overall Quality: 4 ou tof 5

2012 Hyundai Elantra Sedan

J.D. Power and Associates

Base MSRP: $15,345

Gas: Highway 38 MPG/City 28 MPG

Predicted Reliability: 4 out of 5

Overall Performance and Design: 3 out of 5

Overall Quality: 3 out of 5

2012 Hyundai Sonata

J.D. Power and Associates

Base MSRP: $19,785

Gas: Highway 34 MPG/City 22 MPG

Predicted Reliability: 4 out of 5

Overall Performance and Design: 4 out of 5

Overall Quality: 3 out of 5

2012 Kia Optima

J.D. Power and Associates

Base MSRP: $19,500

Gas: Highway 34 MPG/City 22 MPG

Predicted Reliability: 3 out of 5

Overall Performance and Design: 5 out of 5

Overall Quality: 3 out of 5

2012 Scion tC

J.D. Power and Associates

Base MSRP: $18,575

Gas: Highway 31 MPG/City 23 MPG

Predicted Reliability: 3 out of 5

Overall Performance and Design: 2 out of 5

Overall Quality: 3 out of 5

2012 Toyota Camry

J.D. Power and Associates

Base MSRP: $22,055

Gas: Highway 30 MPG/City 21 MPG

Predicted Reliability: 4 out of 5

Overall Performance and Design: 3 out of 5

Overall Quality: 4 out of 5

2012 Toyota Prius

J.D. Power and Associates

Base MSRP: $24,000

Gas: Highway 48 MPG/City 51 MPG

Predicted Reliability: N/A

Overall Performance and Design: 3 out of 5

Overall Quality: 4 out of 5

2012 Volkswagen Passat

J.D. Power and Associates

Base MSRP: $20,590

Gas: Highway 28 MPG/City 20 MPG

Predicted Reliability: 2 out of 5

Overall Performance and Design: 5 out of 5

Overall Quality: 2 out of 5

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What are the Safest 2012 Cars under $30,000? - J.D. Power and Associates