SUV Bumpers Fail To Resist Damage
Friday, September 15th, 2000 AutoSome manufacturers are improving the bumpers on automobiles so consumers are less likely to face expensive repairs from low-speed collisions, but these improvements aren‘t carrying over to sport utility vehicles. Four of the five midsize SUVs recently tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety allowed excessive damage in a series of 5 mph crash tests. Best and worst performers: The 2001 BMW X5 "is the only SUV in this group with halfway decent bumpers," said Institute President Brian O‘Neill. "The rear bumper is good. It allowed only about $200 damage in the pole impact, which usually is the toughest of our four bumper tests. The X5 also performed well in the rear-into-flat-barrier test, but there was too much damage in the front-flat and front-angle barrier tests." The worst performer is the 2000 model Isuzu Trooper.
