Hannah Elliott, 03.30.09, 04:15 PM EST
From fuel efficiency to maintenance costs, these cars, trucks and SUVs get top ratings
Amid the dire news for America's car companies comes a ray of light for beleaguered General Motors. An annual value study released Monday by Vincentric, an auto-industry analysis firm in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., gives 10 GM models top ratings. Only one model from fellow-sufferer Chrysler, the Jeep Compass, made the cut. Ford, which has yet to require government funding to help maintain its viability, had three models that earned top billing. …
The study, titled the "Best Value in America" report, evaluates the cost of owning specific models by accounting for depreciation, fuel, insurance, opportunity costs, financing, maintenance, taxes and state fees and repairs.
Each car was evaluated in every state and in Washington, D.C. The cars studied racked up annual mileages of 10,000, 15,000 and 20,000. Vincentric used varied insurance profiles (new drivers, less experienced drivers and experienced drivers) to determine the value for each vehicle.
Vincentric identified superior value by measuring which vehicles had the lowest ownership costs given their market segment and price.
To some extent, the Vincentric ratings reflect American automakers' strengths and weaknesses, says David Wurster, who leads product development and industry analysis for Vincentric. GM will pull through its current dire straits, he predicts. Chrysler may not. …
Other highlights in the report are the Volkswagen Routan van and Tiguan crossover. Each has high residual values that enhance the overall value, especially the Tiguan in the growing but precarious crossover market.
The value of any vehicle relies in part on gas prices, and that affects crossovers more than most. They offer good value to consumers who would otherwise drive a large SUV, but their car-like handling with extra cargo space doesn't offer the best value for everyone.
"Smaller cars and midsize vans have made a rebound in the economy, so bigger vehicles generally are taking a hit, and I think that's because people are asking themselves, 'What do I really need?'" says Karl Brauer, the editor in chief at Edmunds.com, a car research Web site.
In Pictures: America's Best Cars For The Money
