In 1984, the Alliance Safety Center conducted a crash test with 7 currently available minibuses or "transporters", among them a Vanagon (2 Toyotas, 2 Nissans, 1 Isuzu, and 1 Mitsubishi).

The test cars were driven into concrete wall at approximately 25 mph.

Test Results:

All drivers, with exception of the Vanagon, would have been injured. And only the Vanagon would have been worthwhile to repair.

The passenger cell of the Vanagon retained its shape with only negligible distortion. The crash dummy sat loosely in seat and neither the torso nor legs were compressed. The impact on the knees was harmless.

Cockpit after crash	Crash Test

In 1999 a similiar crash test was performed with various minibuses (including the Eurovan). None of the tested vehicles approached the crash qualities of the Vanagon!!

The Vanagon performed well due to the two continuous side members on the chassis that smoothly direct the impact from the front, and/or rear bumper. Stability won and remained unequalled for many years.

Front beam & side members	Another crash test.