There was a recent post from Forbes.com that listed the Top Safest Small Cars of 2012 and we were proud to see that 6 of the top 10 were represented by the Jim Ellis family of dealerships. So without further ado, let's take a look at the list provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Be sure to click the links to see our selection of these top safety vehicles that are currently in stock and take them out for a test drive.

Audi A3
This compact luxury vehicle is available in a four door hatchback and has a wealth of passive and active safety features, including front, front-side and side-curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control. The Audi A3 also offers seat-mounted side-impact airbags for rear passengers and all-wheel drive for enhanced wet-road traction as optional equipment.

Buick Verano
The luxury version of the Chevrolet Cruze has a whopping 10 airbags including knee-height airbags for the driver and front passenger and seat-mounted airbags for rear passengers. Also standard is the OnStar system that alerts for help in the case of an accident.

Chevrolet Cruze
For folks that wanted to downsize their vehicle for fuel economy reasons, many have been flocking to the Chevrolet Cruze. They'll be happy to know that it also includes 10 standard airbags, including rear seat-mounted and front knee-height airbags and the OnStar system.

Chevrolet Sonic
The Sonic shares the same powertrain as the Chevrolet Cruze as well as the amazing 10 airbags, rear seat-mounted and front knee-height airbags, and the OnStar system.

Chevrolet Volt
The Chevy Volt has been the belle of the ball with its amazing combined 94mpg. Yes, you read that right. It runs on the battery for the first 40 miles before it even starts utilizing gas. Many Volt owners with a short drive get amazing mileage, but it also has tons of safety features like a wide selection of airbags including knee-height airbags for the driver and front passenger and the OnStar system.

Mazda Mazda3
The Mazda3 is available in compact sedan and 4 door hatchback versions, but also contains active front headrests to reduce whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions and even a blind spot monitoring system to warn of cars or obstructions. Even the headlights pivot slightly during turns to help light way as you make the turn. And of course, it's loaded with airbags.

The other 4 vehicles that made the list, but that weren't represented by Jim Ellis were the Lexus CT 200h, the Scion tC, the Subaru Impreza, and the Toyota Prius.

Come out and test drive these cars for yourself and see why they made it on the list!