Hot off the press, the all-around vehicle-safety watchdog the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has just released its awards for safe cars to 19 passenger vehicles and eight SUVs for the 2010 model year.

Each year, IIHS recognizes cars that perform with flying colors when tested for protecting folks in front, rear, side and rollover crashes. This year, IIHS rolled up its sleeves and got tougher with the requirements for vehicle roof strength. The automakers that received the most awards were Subaru, Ford Motor Co. and its Volvo unit, followed by Volkswagen, its Audi unit and Chrysler. But, hey, what about Toyota and Lexus, which kicked butt last year with 11 awards. This year, the powers that be at the two automakers are probably sitting in the corner of some dark room, rocking their frustrations away. Take a closer look, and you'll also see that BMW, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Saab also didn't make the grade. Tsk, tsk, fellas.

Below is the list of the 27 winners of the prestigious "Top Safety Pick" award for 2010. Noticeably absent are the Nissan Altima, Ford F-Series truck and the Chrysler 300, which by the way are the top three most-purchased models by African Americans, according to a study done by the research firm Strategic Vision.

Is your vehicle on the list?

Large cars

Buick LaCrosse
Ford Taurus
Lincoln MKS
Volvo S80

Midsize cars

Audi A3
Chevrolet Malibu built after October 2009
Chrysler Sebring 4-door with optional electronic stability control
Dodge Avenger with optional electronic stability control
Mercedes C class
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Volkswagen Jetta sedan
Volkswagen Passat sedan
Volvo C30

Small cars

Honda Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control
Kia Soul
Nissan Cube
Subaru Impreza except WRX
Volkswagen Golf 4-door

Midsize SUVs

Dodge Journey
Subaru Tribeca
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90

Small SUVs

Honda Element
Jeep Patriot with optional side torso airbags
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan