New government ratings confirm SUV rollover propensity.

A new testing method by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates individual vehicle models on their likelihood of rollover. Its first results show that SUVs are more likely to roll over than passenger cars and many pickup trucks and minivans. The test lets consumers compare models to select the safest car.

"Rollovers are dangerous incidents that have a higher fatality rate than other types of crashes," the agency said. Even though less than 3 percent of crashes involve rollovers, they account for about one-third of occupant fatalities, killing more than 10,000 people in the United States every year.

The agency's Fatality Analysis Reporting System showed that 2003 SUV rollover deaths increased 6.8 percent from 2,471 the previous year to 2,639, while rollovers declined in passenger cars and pickup trucks.

Nevertheless, SUV registrations increased 11 percent in 2003, and sales continue to grow. In response to concerns that NHTSA's star-rating system for rollover likelihood did not provide enough information (most SUVs garnered three to four stars, five indicating the safest), Congress ordered NHTSA to develop a track test to supplement the star ratings, which are calculated using vehicle dimensions and mathematical formulas.

The new test involves up to 10 twisting turns that replicate what happens when drivers lose control and swerve to compensate. The agency used the track test to calculate the chance of a vehicle's rolling over in a single-vehicle crash and to determine its rank among similar vehicles.

In August, the agency unveiled the results of the new testing method for 68 model-year 2004 vehicles. The four-star-ranked Chrysler Pacifica 4x4 had a 13 percent chance of rollover; the safest passenger car, the fore-star-ranked Mazda sedan, showed an 8 percent chance. The two-star Ford Explorer Sport Trac SUV had the highest rollover risk, 34.8 percent. It, as well as four other three-star-ranked SINs, also tipped up on two wheels during the rollover test.

Pickup trucks ranged from a 15.9 percent chance to a 28.3 percent chance of rollover; minivans from 12.1 percent to 15.9 percent.

GM recalled its Saturn Vue because the SUV's suspension broke during the track test.

For complete results, go to the Web site www.safercar.gov.