Do Japanese Cars Have a Strong Body?
Japanese cars have a reputation for being well-built and reliable. But do they also have strong bodies? Here’s a look at the evidence.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
The IIHS is a non-profit organization that conducts crash tests on vehicles. It rates vehicles on a scale of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. In recent years, Japanese cars have consistently earned top ratings from the IIHS.
For example, in the 2021 IIHS crash tests, the following Japanese cars earned a Good rating in all six crash tests:
- Honda Accord
- Honda Civic
- Mazda3
- Subaru Outback
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota Corolla
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
The NHTSA is a federal agency that regulates vehicle safety. It also conducts crash tests on vehicles. The NHTSA rates vehicles on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars being the highest rating.
In recent years, Japanese cars have also consistently earned top ratings from the NHTSA. For example, in the 2021 NHTSA crash tests, the following Japanese cars earned a 5-star overall safety rating:
- Honda Accord
- Honda Civic
- Mazda3
- Subaru Outback
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota Corolla
What Makes Japanese Cars So Strong?
There are several factors that contribute to the strength of Japanese cars.
- High-strength steel: Japanese car manufacturers use high-strength steel in the construction of their vehicles. This steel is stronger than traditional steel, which helps to protect occupants in the event of a crash.
- Advanced design: Japanese car manufacturers use advanced design techniques to create vehicles that are both strong and lightweight. This is achieved through the use of computer-aided design and engineering.
- Quality control: Japanese car manufacturers have a reputation for high-quality control. This means that they take great care in the manufacturing process to ensure that their vehicles are built to the highest standards.
Conclusion
The evidence suggests that Japanese cars do have strong bodies. They consistently earn top ratings from both the IIHS and the NHTSA. This is due to the use of high-strength steel, advanced design techniques, and high-quality control. As a result, Japanese cars are a good choice for drivers who are looking for a safe and reliable vehicle.
