Toyota Prius Tops in Resale Value - KBB 2010 Awards

Once again, the Toyota Prius topped KBB resale value charts for 2010.

For buyers seeking to make a statement about their commitment to saving the world, no car says it louder than the Toyota Prius. Combining EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 50 miles per gallon with outstanding resale value, the Prius delivers value throughout the ownership cycle.

The Prius topped the hybrid/alternative category, plus it made the top 10 list (overall) in KBB 2010 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards.

Hybrids helped push Toyota and Lexus to the top in the brand and top luxury brand categories.

From the Kbb site:

While most car buyers today consider sticker price the most significant number when choosing a new vehicle, our editors recommend taking a closer look at a number Kelley Blue Book is expert in calculating: its resale value. Depreciation often is the greatest expense incurred by drivers during the first five years of vehicle ownership, so choosing a vehicle that retains its value better than others is important in keeping your total ownership cost low. The Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards recognize automakers' outstanding achievements in producing vehicles that best retain their value. Awards are presented to top vehicles within 15 vehicle categories, for Overall Top 10 vehicles across all categories and the brand with the best projected resale value across its entire line of vehicles.

Models with top resale values in individual segments include:

• Mid-size pickup: Toyota Tacoma
• Full-size pickup: Ford F-Series Super Duty
• Compact utility: Honda CR-V
• Mid-size utility: Toyota Highlander
• Full-size utility: Honda Pilot
• Luxury utility: Lexus RX 350
• Hybrid/alternative-fuel utility: BMW X5 turbo diesel
• Sports car: Nissan 370Z
• Van: Toyota Sienna
• Hybrid/alternative-fuel car: Toyota Prius
• Compact car: MINI Cooper Clubman
• Mid-size car: Honda Accord
• Full-size car: Ford Taurus
• Near-luxury car: Lexus IS
• Luxury car: Audi A5
• High-performance car: Chevrolet Camaro SS