NHTSA Gives New Ford F-150 Top Marks in U.S. Crash Tests

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2004; Reuters reported that the redesigned Ford F-150 was the only 2004 pickup to earn the government's top rating in the most recent crash tests, regulators said on Thursday.

The report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reflected generally high marks for most pickups in driver's side and right-front passenger tests.

The F-150 earned five stars in frontal tests for both front seat positions but side impact tests were not conducted on that vehicle.

The popular F-150 generates a large part of Ford Motor Co.'s automotive profits and the company hopes to sell a record number this year.

The NHTSA also said Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.'s Quest minivan earned the top rating for side-impact crashes. The vehicle received five stars in front crash tests in January.