Drivers are almost always on the hunt for value when shopping for a new or used car. To help in this search, Consumer Reports recently conducted its annual Best New-Car Value analysis, which evaluates automobiles based on their performance, reliability, fuel economy, vehicle maintenance costs and more.
For the second year in a row, the Toyota Prius topped the organization's value rankings. The hybrid benefited greatly from its excellent fuel economy, and it was also pushed to the top due to its superior handling and the top-notch driving experience it allowed.
"The Prius' 44 mpg overall is the best fuel economy of any non-plug-in car that Consumer Reports has tested," said Rik Paul, Consumer Reports' automotive editor. "Though it's not particularly cheap to buy, the Prius' depreciation is so low that it costs less to own over the first five years than its initial MSRP. We call that a bargain."
In second place behind the Prius was the Honda Fit, which was the champion in the four years before the hybrid took the crown in 2012. On the other end of the spectrum was the Nissan Armada, according to Consumer Reports. The Armada fell in the rankings due to its poor 13 mpg fuel economy and mediocre user reviews regarding reliability.