IntelliChoice.com Announces Best Overall Values of the Year (BOVYs) For 2010 Cars, Trucks, Crossovers and SUVs

-Toyota Nets Most Winners - Value Ratings withstand Impact from Recalls -

CHICAGO AUTO SHOW, Chicago, IL, February 10, 2010 - IntelliChoice.com, the leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, today announced the winners of its annual "Best Overall Value of the Year" awards for 2010 cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs. The annual BOVY Awards identify best-in-class vehicles that deliver outstanding value and lower than expected costs over time.

"IntelliChoice.com's annual Best Overall Value of the Year awards are designed to instruct buyers on the cars, trucks and SUVs that deliver the most value for the money over a five year period of ownership," said Charlie Vogelheim, executive editor of IntelliChoice.com. "We rank every model on the market based on the most important cost of ownership factors, including retained value, fuel, maintenance and repair, insurance, licensing and fees."
2010 Overall Winners

For 2010, IntelliChoice.com identified winners in 31 vehicle classes, with nine overall category winners:

* Best Car Value Under $24,000 - Toyota Prius
* Best Car Value Over $24,000 - Chevrolet Corvette
* Best Crossover/SUV Value Under $28,000 - Toyota FJ Cruiser
* Best Crossover/SUV Value Over $28,000 - Lexus RX
* Best Truck Value Under $28,000 - Toyota Tacoma
* Best Truck Value Over $28,000 - Chevy Silverado 2500 HD / GMC Sierra 2500 HD (tie)
* Best Van Value Under $26,000 - Toyota Sienna
* Best Van Value Over $26,000 - Honda Odyssey

The Big Stories for 2010

Recalls hurt Toyota image, but not Toyota value. Toyota and Lexus badges took five of the eight overall rankings for cars and trucks, and 11 of 31 total vehicle segments, once again giving Toyota the highest number of winners. "In light of the current recalls we reevaluated the data factoring in a potential drop in desirability, and 16 Toyota vehicles were still value leaders in their class," said Vogelheim. "Specifically, we analyzed the long term impact on resale values and ownership costs of vehicles that had been subject to well publicized recalls in the past. And what we found is that while the vehicles take a short-term hit, over a typical ownership period the changes are barely measurable, and fall within the range of fluctuations one typically sees in retained value over time. Also, given Toyota's history of strong long-term resale values, we expect these cars will continue to recapture competitive to above average retained value at resale time. Toyota has built up a significant level of goodwill among the consumer over the past 20 years. Given that Toyota and Lexus vehicles excel in every facet of cost ownership, they managed to lead the pack again this year, despite the issues created by the recalls."

GM showing strength. GM boasts the second highest number of winners for the 2010 BOVYs. GM dominated all of the full-size truck segments between the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra and received awards in sports cars and vans as well. "GM's emphasis on product quality and value for the dollar in pricing is showing up in these rankings," said Vogelheim.

The importance of being green. Competition for the BOVYs continues to tighten every year, and 2010 is no exception. "Many of our winners won narrowly," said Vogelheim. "Automakers are generally putting out quality vehicles, and more and more vehicles are very good at retaining their value. Consequently, powertrains have become an important factor in determining value. That's why year after year you see several alternative powertrains, such as hybrids and diesels, on the list. Cars like the Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Jetta TDI Wagon won their segments by a wide margin."