Acura first carmaker ever to get top IIHS and NHTSA ratings for entire lineup

It's not every day that an automotive first is achieved - the industry is over a century old, after all. So that makes Acura's first-ever sweep of top marks in IIHS and NHTSA safety ratings impressive as a first as well as for the safety of its vehicles.

The final vehicle to get the top scores was the new 2009 Acura TL (pictured above). With that, all of Acura's vehicles are now certified as 5-star (NHTSA NCAP) or 'Good' (IIHS) - the top marks possible in the U.S.

But there's bound to be at least one asterisk next to the entry in the record books: Acura isn't really a full-line carmaker. Sure, it offers a crossover, an SUV, and a trio of sedans, but compared to BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Lexus Acura's five models are but a drop in the bucket.

Still, considering recently tightened safety regulations and electronic stability control requirements, the win across its lineup does mean Acura's cars are also some of the more technologically advanced when it comes to safety features.

Things like Acura's ACE body structure, designed to help absorb the energy of a frontal crash, and standard features like full airbags, ABS, stability and traction control are supplemented by more advanced tech like the Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) that interacts with the front side airbags to provide intelligent airbag deployment.

Together, the whole package yields the safest lineup in the industry - no matter the size.