A series of reports show that five new vehicles have been added to the list of cars that achieved IIHS Top Safety Pick + status.

About seven months ago, 11 luxury models were not able to perform well in the new small-overlap frontal test. Now, all five models tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have achieved either acceptable or good scores, which are the top scores for all safety tests performed by the IIHS. The models tested included the 2014 Mazda6 sedan, the 2013 Volvo XC60 SUV, the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe and Sedan and the 2013 Lincoln MKZ. All models mentioned previously perform well in the most challenging of safety tests, which recreates an accident with a pole or a tree.

Frontal collisions in the U.S. account for 10,000 deaths annually.

The automaker behind the MKZ has reportedly observed last year’s tests in order to develop a safer version this year around.

As an attorney, I find it important that automakers are developing safer and more reliable vehicles. I urge California consumers to make sure they learn about the safety features the vehicles they are interested in purchasing before making up their mind.

If you are a former lemon car owner and you would like to learn more about how well these vehicles and others did in recent crash tests, click here for the full article.