Consumer Reports: Best & Worst Value Cars

Consumer Reports crunches is out with its annual list of Best and Worst New-Car Values. The value score is based on the car’s five-year ownership cost when you take everything into account, including depreciation, fuel, depreciation and so on. And then factor in how well a car performs and how likely it is to have problems.

Among the 200 plus cars Consumer Reports analyzed, the worst value is the Nissan Armada. It costs more than $55,000, gets only 13 miles per gallon, isn’t very reliable and it didn’t score well at the test track.

The best value car is the Toyota Prius, with its 44 miles per gallon, comfortable ride, and outstanding reliability.

Large luxury vehicles get some of the lowest ratings for value in Consumer Reports’ study. They guzzle gas and have high depreciations so they lose their value quickly.

Just because a car is cheap to buy doesn’t make it a good value. Take the Nissan Versa. At around $15,000, it’s one of the least expensive cars Consumer Reports has tested. But it’s a poor choice.

NBC 5 reached out to Nissan representatives for comment  on both the Versa and Armada and this is what they had to say:

While Nissan respects the opinions of Consumer Reports, regarding the Versa and Armada we would also point out...

  • The buying public has responded to the Nissan Versa’s value proposition very well. The Versa is poised to be the top selling subcompact in America for the second straight year, and its sales are up almost six percent year over year. The Versa is available in four well equipped trim levels from the Versa S to the SL, with numerous combinations of standard equipment and available options that meet the requirements of a wide range of subcompact car buyers.
  • Regarding Nissan Armada, the starting MSRP of the Armada is a little over $37,200, which is very competitive for a full sized SUV (they singled out the Platinum, or highest priced trim level that starts at $49,610). Its fuel economy is 13 city and 19 highway, which is also competitive in a full size SUV that seats eight and can tow 9,000 lbs. We have found that Nissan Armada owners have generally been quite satisfied with their vehicles since its introduction in 2004.

The Honda Fit costs a little more, but it’s a better value. It’s more fun to drive. It’s more reliable and it’s cheaper to own.

And the Subaru Forester costs $2,000 more than the Hyundai Tucson, but Consumer Reports says the Forester is a better value.

Complete Ratings and recommendations on all kinds of products, including appliances, cars & trucks, and electronic gear, are available on Consumer Reports’ website.

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