How "healthy" is your car?

Did you ever wonder where is that new car smell coming from? I know, I know it's something everyone likes, but... According to HealthyCar.org, it is coming from the amalgam of the numerous chemicals added to built the car.

HealthyCar.org includes test results from over 200 of the most popular vehicles in the U.S. market from the 2006 and 2007 model years. In each vehicle, 15 different components were sampled using a portable, hand-held X-Ray Fluoresence (XRF) spectrometry device. The components sampled include: steering wheel, shift knob, armrest/center console, dashboard, headliner, carpet, seat front, seat back, seat base, hard door-trim, soft door-trim, body sealer, wiring, window seal and wheel weights. Based on these findings, each vehicle was given an overall rating, as well as chemical ratings for bromine, chlorine, lead and a group of substances referred to as "other chemicals”.

I will make a list with the cars that represents the low concern and most concern in terms of chemicals, but for a more complete list (and check whether the Prius is green all around), go here.

	Low Concern	High Concern
Small Car	Chevy Cobalt (2007) Pontiac G5 (2007)	Toyota Yaris (2007) Mazda Mazda 3 (2007) VW Jetta (2006) Suzuki Reno (2006) Suzuki Forenza (2006) Hyundai Accent (2007) Kia Rio (2006) Chevy Aveo (2007) Nissan Versa (2007)
Family Sedan	From those tested - None identified	Dodge Stratus (2006) Kia Optima (2006) Hyundai Elantra (2006) Kia Spectra 5 (2006)
Upscale Sedan	Volvo S40 (2007) Cadillac CTS (2007) Lexus IS 350 (2007) Acura TSX (2006)	From those tested - None identified
Luxury Sedan	Lexus ES 350 (2007) Acura RL (2006)	From those tested - None identified
Large Sedan	From those tested - None identified	Chevy Impala (2007)
Coupe	From those tested - None identified	Chevy Monte Carlo (2006)
Convertible	Chevy Corvette (2007) Mercedes SLK280 (2007)	VW Beatle (2006)
Sport/Sporty Car	BMW Z4 3.0 (2006)	Hyundai Tiburon (2006)
Station Wagon	Volvo V50 (2007) Suzuki Aerio (2006) Toyota Matrix (2006) Suzuki SX4 (2007) Pontiac Vibe (2007)	Mazda Mazda 5 (2007) Suzuki Forenza Wagon (2006) Scion xB 5dr (2006)
Pickup Truck	Nissan Frontier (2006) GMC Canyon (2007) Chevy Colorado 2WD (2006) Honda Ridgeline (2007) Nissan Titan (2006) Toyota Tacoma (2006)	Chevy Silverado (2007)
SUV	Chrysler PT Cruiser (2006) Acura RDX Tech (2007) BMW X3 (2006) Honda CRV (2006) Chevy HHR (2007) Pontiac Torrent (2007) Suzuki Grand Vitara (2007) Ford Explorer (2006) Nissan XTerra (2006) Subaru Tribeca (2006)	Toyota FJ Cruiser (2007) Toyota Highlander (2006) Toyota Rav 4 (2006) Hyundai Tucson V6 (2006) Chrysler Pacifica FWD (2006) Kia Sorento (2006) Subaru Forester (2007)
Minivan	Honda Odyssey (2006)	Kia Sedona (2006) GMC Savanna (2007) Chrysler Town & Country (2006)
Heavy Duty Truck	From those tested - None identified	Chevy Express (2007)