Top 10 Safest Cars Under $30,000

Each year as new cars are rolled out, new safety features also introduced. As of now, there are tons of safety features included in a new car. Antilock Brakes (ABS), airbags (front and side), active head restraints, tire pressure monitor system, and traction control are among the most common features included on most vehicles. Now, we have been introduced to Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Most analysts will not even consider a car to be at the top of the list of safest cars unless it has ESC. After my experience using ESC in a light rain, you can bet that I will never purchase another car without it. Consumers do not need to spend money on a luxury car just for safety features anymore. Below, you will see my picks for some of the safest cars under $30,000. Each of these received great crash ratings and they have some of the best safety features included.

2008 Volvo C30 - approx $26,000 MSRP

Standard Safety Features: Side Impact protection system; whiplash protection system; inflatable curtain; collapsible steering column; Volvo On Call; ABS; anti-skid system;

2008 Honda Accord EX-L - approx. $28,000

Standard Safety Features: Trunk release; tire pressure monitor; front, head, and side airbags; rear head restraints; auto-dimming rear-view mirror; four wheel ABS. ECS is also a standard feature on the Accord.

2008 Ford Taurus X SEL SUV - approx. $28,000

Standard Safety Features: ESC; four wheel ABS; front, head and side airbags; rear head restraints.

2008 Honda CR-V EX SUV - approx $23,000

Standard Safety Features: ESC; trunk release; tire pressure monitor system; front, side, head airbags; dynamic head restraints.

2008 Toyota Highlander - approx $29,000

Standard Safety Features: ABS; front, and side advanced airbag system; child protector read door locks; traction control; ESC (has cutoff switch);

2008 Toyota Camry - approx $25,000

Standard Safety Features: ABS; front, side, and head airbags; child protector rear door locks; rear head restraints; auto-dimming rearview mirror;

2008 Honda Element SC - approx $23,000

Standard Safety Features: ESC; side, front and head airbags; rear head restraints; tire pressure monitor system; trunk release; integrated safety belts.

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS - approx $24,000

Standard Safety Features: ESC; tire pressure monitor; trunk release; side and head airbags; rear head restraints.

2008 Ford Taurus Limited - approx. $27,600

Standard Safety Features: side and front airbags; front head airbags; rear head restraints; tire pressure monitor; traction control; trunk release; and tire pressure monitor. ECS is an optional upgrade on this one.

2008 Kia Sedona EX Minivan - approx. $26,000

Standard Safety Features: ESC; four wheel ABS; trunk release; tire pressure monitor system; head, side and front airbags; rear head restraints.