We recently checked out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Web Site - and found a wealth of knowledge regarding crash test results for Jeep models.

We recently checked out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Web Site - and found a wealth of knowledge regarding crash test results for Jeep models.

The IIHS is a "independent, nonprofit, research and communications organization funded by auto insurers and dedicated to reducing highway crash deaths, injuries, and property losses." As part of this, they crast-test most of the vehicles on the road today and make the results publically available. For example, late last year, the they release a report about their results for crash tests for 11 of the top midsized SUVs - the most crash-worthy were the Acura MDX, Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer, Toyota Highlander, Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7, and Mitsubishi Montero Sport. The MDX and Explorer/Mountaineer also earn the Institute's top designation, "best pick." The only Jeep to be included in the report - the Jeep Liberty was rated "marginal", along with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer (and its twins, Oldsmobile Bravada and GMC Envoy), Isuzu Rodeo (and its twin, the Honda Passport), and Pontiac Aztek.

As for the Jeep models - here'a rundown:

Model Overall Rating Link to Report Best in Class Worst in Class 2002 Liberty Marginal Go! BMW X5 Chevrolet Blazer The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of the Liberty in two 40 mph frontal offset crash tests into deformable barriers. In the first test, the airbag deployed late because an airbag sensor wire shorted out early in the crash. This led DaimlerChrysler to develop a fix for this problem by shielding the wiring, and the manufacturer has initiated a recall. The Institute tested a second Liberty with the fix and the airbag inflated much earlier. Ratings of the Liberty are based on the results of the second test, except structural performance is based on both tests. Head restraint and bumper designs are evaluated separately. The driver space was maintained well in both frontal offset crash tests. However, dummy measures indicate the possibility of head, neck, and leg injuries. 2002 Grand Cherokee Marginal Go! BMW X5 Chevrolet Blazer Structural performance in the frontal offset crash test was somewhat worse than the earlier Grand Cherokee model's. The driver space wasn't maintained well. Footwell intrusion contributed to the possibility of lower leg injuries, and there was far too much steering column movement. 2002 Wrangler Acceptable Go! Hyundai Santa Fe Ford Escape The driver space was maintained reasonably well in the frontal offset crash test. Measures indicate possible left leg injury. Plus the doors on the tested model don't provide optimal lateral restraint. This could be a problem, especially in rollover crashes.

It is important to keep in mind that the ratings are only useful when "compared with other vehicles of the same class--compare ratings only among vehicles of similar weight. Therefore, just because the Wrangler has a better rating than the Grand Cherokee and the Liberty, it does not mean that the Wrangler is a safer vehicle.

Be sure to check out each of the reports for crash images and loads of details about each test.