  urlLink Here is a basic overview of car seats by the American Academy of Pediatrics . They don't rate qualitatively, just the facts. urlLink This NHTSA site has a little more information regarding the transitions from rear facing to car seat to booster. urlLink On this page they rate specific brands according to, albeit limited, specs. Practically everyone in forward facings got As for securing the child. Sure sign that the test is dumbed down => corporate stakeholders designed specs. Notably, the pure boosters performed poorly in securing the child, as did many combos. urlLink This Canadian gov site is a little more clear on advice for the rear facing-forward facing car seat/booster transitions. urlLink This site lists car seat recalls. urlLink car seat safety forum at car-seat.org urlLink Best site I've seen all day!
Compares seat compatablility with car makes and models with certified car seat technicians checking for safety. They also have urlLink this page , which includes a buying guide. For example, don't buy the Century Smart Move if you have a smallish back seat. It rotates backward in a crash. But that's a nice feature if you drive a giganto-mobile. Here's urlLink the most recent Consumer Reports article on car seats. 
