Edmunds, Consumer Reports at Odds Over Best Value

Two consumer-information organizations are at odds over which new vehicle offers the best value.

Consumer Reports, in introducing its “first-ever best new-car value list,” named the '09 Toyota Prius Touring as “the best overall value among 300 cars.”

Consumers cite the vehicle's “comparatively low owner-cost estimate of $26,250 over five years, a road-test score of 80 points out of 100, “excellent fuel economy of 42 mpg overall and solid resale value.”

But Edmunds.com, an online automotive resource, says that could mislead cost-conscious consumers.

“Anyone truly concerned about their household expenses should ask some questions about any methodology that finds a premium hybrid vehicle to be an excellent value, especially when gas prices are so low,” says Edmunds CEO Jeremy Anwyl.

Edmunds' pick for consumers “seeking the absolute best new car value”?

“The '09 Honda Civic is the best choice, not the Prius,” which ranks 41st on Edmunds' vehicle-ownership cost list, Anwyl says.

“The industry-leading Honda Civic will cost $8,042 less than the Prius over five years of ownership,” he says.