The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently announced that the 2012 Volvo S60 earned the organization's top crash rating: a five star combined crash score. Last year, NHTSA adopted more stringent guidelines and rigorous testing practices, making it tougher for vehicles to garner the five-star designation. 

The Volvo S60's composite score was composed of five stars across the board: It earned a five in frontal, rollover, side pole and side barrier crashes. Volvo's midsize sedan is the eighth vehicle to be awarded NHTSA's highest combined star rating for the 2012 model year. Other five-star vehicles include the Cadillac CTS, Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Sonic, Saab 9-4X, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat. 

The organization plans to test 74 vehicles for the 2012 model year, including 22 SUVs, eight pickup trucks and two minivans.