Took my 10 Sport AT with Nav on Kentucky snowy roads today. Felt traction control kick on going slowly up slippery hill. Didn't have vsa kick in rest of drive bc I took it slow and easy. But I did take it to an uncleared, empty parking lot and tried to slip and slide. It did slide, but less than a VSA-less car. Then I shut off vsa and the car was a mess. It did not want to go anywhere I steered it. VSA did almost as well as my AWD Subaru outback. I am really impressed!

Anyway, wanted to know other members opinion of VSA and if it has kept anyone on the road and out of a ditch or saved them from an accident. I know it is not a cure for bad drivers, but my opinion is, it is worth the extra money if it keeps you out of the ditch or prevents an accident just once.

 

According to Consumer Reports, stability control can save more then 10,000 lives every year. Here are some videos that show the effectiveness of stability control:

1. Consumer Reports Video Hub - Cars - Safety - Stability Control
2. Consumer Reports Video Hub - Cars - Safety - Safety Features
3. YouTube - How Effective is Stability Control

Let me know what you think of these videos. I learned alot, and I won't buy a car without stability control.

Do you use winter tires? Winter tires in combination with stability control can reduce slidding even more. Consumer Reports rated the Michelin X-Ice XI 2 as the best performing winter tires. Here are more informative videos on winter tires you might find interesting:

1. YouTube - Winter Tire Demonstration - Module 1 of 6
2. YouTube - Winter Tire Demonstration - Module 2 of 6
3. YouTube - Winter Tire Demonstration - Module 3 of 6
4. YouTube - Winter Tire Demonstration - Module 4 of 6
5. YouTube - Winter Tire Demonstration - Module 5 of 6
6. YouTube - Winter Tire Demonstration - Module 6 of 6

 

Here is the European test of VSA first with it off and then with it on.

YouTube - Euro NCAP | Honda Jazz | 2009 | ESC test