IntelliChoice, a company that develops and distributes consumer automobile pricing, specifications and ownership and leasing cost data, gave out its 16th annual “Best Overall Value of the Year” awards for 2002 vehicles.
The awards recognize cars, trucks and SUVs that will cost less to own than would be expected of vehicles at their purchase prices. A listing of this year's winners and more information on the awards can be found at www.intellichoice.com. Overall category winners include:
Best Car Value under $24,000 - Honda Civic DX Sedan
Best Car Value over $24,000 - Mercedes-Benz CLK320 Cabriolet
Best Truck Value under $26,000 - Dodge Dakota Sport Club Cab 4WD
Best Truck Value over $26,000 - Ford F150 XLT Styleside SuperCab 4WD
Best Sport Utility Value under $28,000 - Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD
Best Sport Utility Value over $28,000 - Mercedes-Benz ML320
“The cars, trucks and SUVs awarded with this distinction have proven their value and exceeded expectations in many areas that vehicle owners must consider when purchasing, including maintenance, repairs and insurance costs,” says David Wurster, publisher of IntelliChoice, a PRIMEDIA company.
He adds, “The Best Overall Value of the Year awards are useful indicators that very clearly determine what new vehicles provide the best value and they serve as another resource tool for new-car purchasers.”
IntelliChoice's value calculation accounts for the price of a vehicle and the accumulated costs of depreciation, maintenance, repairs, fuel, fees, financing and insurance.
The value measurement analyzes data compiled on more than 1,000 car, truck and SUV models and projects what these costs will be for the upcoming five-year ownership cycle.
