<p>The NHTSA star ratings changed in 2011, so the current ones are not comparable to earlier ones. The 2011-current NHTSA star ratings are based on more stringent tests than the 1990-2010 NHTSA star ratings. (Think of it like grade deflation.)</p>
<p>[5-Star</a> Safety Ratings | Safercar – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)](<a href=“Safer Car Vehicle Safety, Ratings and Recalls | NHTSA”>Safer Car Vehicle Safety, Ratings and Recalls | NHTSA)</p>
<p>For example, the 2010 Camry had 5 stars for all of the older NHTSA front and side crash ratings, but the 2011 Camry (same design as the 2010 model) had 3 star NHTSA front and side crash ratings (upgraded to 4 stars later in the model year).</p>
<p>The 2001 Expedition had 5 star older NHTSA front crash ratings, no NHTSA side ratings, and 2 star rollover rating.</p>