Rear crash protection: Buick

For each seat/head restraint, rear-end crash protection is an assessment of occupant protection against neck injury in rear impacts at low to moderate speeds. Although such injuries usually aren't serious, they occur frequently.

The overall ratings are based on a two-step evaluation. In the first step the geometry (distance behind and below the head of a seated average-size man) is rated good, acceptable, marginal, or poor. Seats with good or acceptable geometry then are subjected to a dynamic test simulating the forces in a stationary vehicle that's rear-ended by another vehicle of the same weight going 20 mph. Seat/head restraints with marginal or poor geometry aren't tested dynamically because they cannot protect taller people in rear-end crashes. These seats are rated poor overall.

In the dynamic tests measurements are recorded on a dummy (BioRID) representing an average-size man. BioRID is designed specifically for rear-end testing at low to moderate speeds. The dynamic ratings are derived from two seat design parameters (acceleration of the dummy's torso and time from impact initiation to head restraint contact with the dummy's head) plus tension and shear forces recorded on the dummy's neck. Overall ratings are based on both geometric measurements and dynamic results.

More about the procedures for rating seat/head restraints

Good Acceptable Marginal Poor

Model	Seat type	Dynamic rating
Century 2001-2005	Cloth seats	not tested (see note)
Century 2001-2005	Leather seats	not tested (see note)
Enclave 2013	Power leather seat
Enclave 2008-2012 (mfg. after March 2008)	Manual-power cloth seats
Encore 2013	Power leather seats
LaCrosse 2010-2013	Power seats with lumbar
LaCrosse 2005-2009	Cloth seats without adjustable lumbar
LaCrosse 2005-2009	Leather seats with adjustable lumbar	not tested (see note)
LeSabre 2003-2005	All seats (AHR)	not tested (see note)
Lucerne 2009-2011	Power leather seats
Lucerne 2006-2008	Manual-power cloth seats
Park Avenue 2003-2005	All seats	not tested (see note)
Rainier 2004-2007	All seats
Regal 2011-2013	Power leather seats
Regal 2001-2004	All seats	not tested (see note)
Rendezvous 2004-2007	All seats
Terraza 2005-2007	All seats
Verano 2012-2013	Manual/power leather seat

Note: Seat/head restraints with marginal or poor geometry aren't tested dynamically because they cannot protect taller people in rear-end crashes. These seats are rated poor overall. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are also tested dynamically.

Rear crash protection test details (technical information)

Geometric ratings of other Buick models

Ratings of seat/head restraints in newer model cars are based on restraint geometry and a dynamic test. The Institute has been publishing model-by-model ratings of the the geometry of the head restraints in older models since the mid-1990s. Geometry is the necessary first step toward a seat/head restraint that provides effective protection in rear-end crashes at low to moderate speeds.

More than one rating: Ratings are for individual vehicle models. More than one rating may be shown for a model because vehicle seat options can affect head restraint geometry.

No rating shown/no model year listed: The Institute has not evaluated the head restraints in every vehicle model during every model year. If a rating box is blank or if a model year is not listed, no rating is available. If a box is shaded gray, the model was not manufactured that year.

AHR: active head restraint. These are designed to move closer to the backs of occupants' heads in rear-end crashes. These are not rated for geometry at this time.

Model	2004	2003	2002	2001	2000
Century	see table above	see table above	see table above	see table above
Estate Wagon
LeSabre	see table above	see table above	AHR	AHR	AHR
Park Avenue	see table above	see table above
Regal	see table above	see table above	see table above	see table above
Rendezvous	see table above
Riviera
Roadmaster
Skylark

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