Best & worst values

Last updated: February 2013

We think that real value is not necessarily how much you spend but what you get for your money. Vehicles that are reliable, perform well, and don't cost much to own represent the best values. Overall, small cars and sedans provide the best bang for the buck.

Our list (shown in rank order) below highlights models that offer the best or worst combination of performance, utility, and reliability for the money, considering all owner costs over a five-year period. All have an automatic transmission, except where noted, and typical options. Best values are all recommended.

   

E-mail Newsletters

FREE e-mail Newsletters!
Choose from safety, health, cars, and more!
Already signed-up?
Manage your newsletters here too.

Cars News

Short circuit: $500-a-month Tesla electric-car lease doesn't add up

Tesla created much buzz this week by offering "lease" for the Model S luxury car with payments as low as $500. That sounds pretty tempting, especially for an electric car with expensive batteries...

Coming soon: A wider variety of diesel-powered cars

Over the years, with Consumer Reports' extensive testing, we've found that diesel engines provide a significant fuel economy advantage, typically reducing consumption by 30 percent over a convent...

500-hp 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 declares horsepower war

Taking a page from the Ford Mustang playbook, Chevrolet has resurrected a classic moniker (and order code) with the Camaro Z/28. Sure, fuel economy may be the buzz of the New York International A...

BMW integrates books to go, with bookmarks and Kindle synching

It's amazing what you can find out from an auto show. This year, in the course of covering the New York International Auto Show, we came across some exciting electronics news: Readers no longer n...

Our favorite cars at the New York Auto Show

With the media days at the New York International Auto Show behind us, the cars team has had time to reflect on the approximately 1,000 vehicles on display. Many new models made impressions, and ...

Connect

and safety with
subscribers and fans

Follow us on:

Cars

Cars New Car Price Report
Find out what the dealers don't want you to know! Get a great price on a new car with the Consumer Reports New Car Price Report.

Order Your Report

Mobile

Mobile Get Ratings on the go and compare
while you shop

Learn more