Photos: The safest vehicles of 2007

Each year, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety puts out its Top Safety Picks for cars, minivans, and SUVs. To make it into the safety shortlist, vehicles must earn "Good" ratings in all three of the IIHS test areas: high-speed front impacts; high-speed side impacts; and head-restraint protection for rear impacts. All cars that make the shortlist are also required to be fitted with electronic stability control, because of its accident-prevention capabilities.

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The safest vehicles of 2007

As part of CNET Car Tech's safety month, we round up the cars that made the cut, many of which we have reviewed over the course of the past 12 months. The 2008 Mercury Sable (pictured) is the only car on the list that is yet to be released.

Photo Credit: CNET Networks

Text By: Kevin Massy