Safest Compact Cars There are several models of compact cars for 2008 that may not be the safest cars on the road, but will have more safety features than other 2008 compact models.  The safest small car is one that has been put through safety tests and comes with many safety features.  Compact cars tend to be driven by younger and more inexperienced drivers.  Smaller cars often are involved in more crashes, which is why a compact car may not be the safest car for teens. Two of the Safest Compact Cars for 2008 Two of the safest small cars for 2008 are the Mitsubishi Lancer and the Scion xB.  While these two may not be the safest cars on the road, they are both equipped with many safety features.  The Mitsubishi Lancer tested very high in crash ratings and has safety features such as 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, head airbag, side airbag, and other advanced airbag features.  The Scion xB is another safest small car for 2008.  The Scion has yet to have a crash rating, but has many safety features, some of which include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, a front side airbag, a front head airbag, advanced airbag features, a rear seat head restraint, and electronic stability control to name just a few.  Both these compact cars would be the safest cars for teens, in terms of compact models. To learn more about the safety features of these two compact cars, visit: http://www.motortrend.com/new_cars/safety/27/compact_cars/ Smart or Not So Smart? According to representatives from Smart, their ForTwo mini car is the safest small car, but safety concerns are still present with the two-seater.  The ForTwo comes with many safety features and has the Tridion safety cell, which is a reinforced safety cell.  This safety cell is made to keep the occupant area intact, while other parts of the car absorb the impact from a crash.  Some of the safety features on the ForTwo are standard front and side impact airbags, antilock brakes, and an electronic stability system.  However, many experts think that with such a small car, it is not the safest small car on the road. To learn more about the Smart ForTwo, visit: http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2007/01/more_on_smart_c.html Young Drivers Many young drivers are not experienced and should have a car that is the safest car on the road.  The safest car for a teen may not be a compact car, as studies have shown that compact cars get in just as many accidents as larger cars.  Therefore, the safest small car may not be the safest car on the road.