This time around, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested mid-size sedans.

A pair of expensive imports - the BMW 3 series and the Lexus IS - took top honors.

Ford's new Fusion sedan received the lowest rating of the cars tested. In fact, the Insurance institute says the Fusion is the "lowest-rated moderately-priced car" it's evaluated.

By the way, these results also apply to the 2006 Mercury Milan, the Fusion's corporate twin.

Ford wants a retest. The company says the side air bags and curtains will be standard on the 2007 Fusion built in the fall.

For More Information:

www.iihs.org