<p>roshke, the IIHS data is interesting, but must be used with caution, as it is strongly influenced by the kind of driver attracted to various cars. For example, any idea why Buicks have the lowest injury losses? Hint: The folks that buy them rarely drive above 50 mph.</p>
<p>Regarding the VW suggestion, as a VW owner, I can tell you that service is a challenge and expensive. Many of the parts needed are dealer only parts, are priced outragiously and some shops don’t like to work on them. </p>
<p>Regarding Civics and Corollas, consider that the smallest cars are wildly popular now. You might do better with a larger car. For example, right now a 2002 Civic averages about $12,000 dealer retail. A used Accord, $13,000. Which is a better deal? Actually, neither. Consider, for example, a 2002 Taurus at an average dealer retail price of $6,900! You can buy a lot of gas, and pay for a lot of repairs, for the $5,000 price difference. And its IIHS data is better, too.</p>
<p>Following the hot fads has a cost. </p>
<p>BTW, I use the Taurus as an example. There are many other boring US models that are much better buys precisely because they are boring run of the mill cars, but cars you can have repaired just about anywhere, with cheap parts.</p>