IntelliChoice Announces the Winners of its 2013 Best Overall Value of the Year Vehicle Awards

23 New Vehicles That Have Lower Than Expected Costs Over Time

Campbell, Calif. (PRWEB) February 12, 2013

IntelliChoice, the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis for more than 25 years, announced today the winners of its 2013 Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) awards.

Each year, IntelliChoice compiles and analyzes data on every new model sold in the United States to identify those that not only have low total ownership costs, but also lower than expected costs over time when compared to other similar models. The BOVY awards help consumers understand that the total cost to own a vehicle is influenced by a variety of factors beyond initial purchase price.

The 2013 BOVYs represent 23 diverse but popular vehicle segments, which enable shoppers to easily compare similar vehicles over time regardless of the type of vehicle they may be shopping for. Two manufacturers in particular took multiple classes with their associated brands. Collectively, Lexus and Toyota won 13 classes, while models from VW/Porsche/Audi garnered five.

“This year's list of winners sees some compelling vehicles that have not previously been eligible to win,” said Eric Anderson, Ownership Cost Supervisor of IntelliChoice. “As a result, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Wagon, Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTEC and Toyota Prius c are all tops in their respective classes for 2013.”

The 2013 BOVY award winners are as follows:

Compact Passenger Car    - Toyota Prius c
Premium Compact Passenger Car    - Lexus CT 200h
Passenger Car - Toyota Prius
Premium Passenger Car - Lexus ES 350
Luxury Passenger Car - Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTEC
Convertible - MINI Cooper Convertible
Premium Convertible - Lexus IS 250C
Performance Car - Subaru Impreza WRX STI Wagon
Premium Performance Car - Porsche Boxster S
Luxury Performance Car    - Porsche 911 Coupe
Sporty/Coupe - Toyota Yaris 2-Door Hatchback
Premium Sporty/Coupe - Audi     TT Coupe
Compact Crossover/Wagon - Volkswagen Jetta TDI Wagon
Premium Compact Crossover/Wagon - Audi A3 TDI
Crossover/Wagon - Toyota Prius v
Full-Size Crossover/Wagon - Toyota Highlander V6
Premium Crossover/Wagon - Lexus RX 450h
Luxury Crossover/Wagon - Acura MDX
SUV    - Toyota FJ Cruiser
Premium SUV - Lexus GX 460
Full-Size SUV    - GMC Yukon Denali
Minivan - Toyota Sienna V6
Full-Size Pickup LD    - Toyota Tundra CrewMax

“Alternative fuel vehicles are, by and large, selling well,” said Anderson. “The E350 BlueTEC alone represents about 15% of all E-Class sales for Mercedes-Benz, while the Jetta TDI accounts for about 30% of Jetta sales.”

Other shifts this year include the GMC Yukon Denali winning the Full-Size SUV segment. Despite the current model being in its seventh year of production, it still demonstrates a strong residual value and Excellent Overall Value. Conversely, the Lexus ES, all-new for the 2013 model year, saw an improvement in fuel costs which helped boost it to the top of the Premium Passenger Car class.

Throughout the year, IntelliChoice aggregates and analyzes data on more than 2,000 vehicle models to determine its Best Overall Values. Data gathered from auto manufacturers, the U.S. government and third-party resources are used to determine the actual costs of ownership for each new vehicle over a five-year period. IntelliChoice then assigns a value rating to each vehicle and compares that rating to peer models to determine a Best Overall Value in each vehicle class.

About IntelliChoice: IntelliChoice, part of the Motor Trend Automotive Group, is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice is committed to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools. Through the IntelliChoice.com website consumers can research, compare, configure and price new cars. The site also connects buyers to affiliated dealers nationwide through the IntelliChoice Auto Buying Program. Motor Trend Automotive Group is an operating division of Source Interlink Media, a recognized provider of targeted media and marketing services and one of the largest publishers of magazines and digital content for enthusiast audiences.

About Source Interlink Media: Source Interlink Media is the premier source of special interest media in the United States. With more than 70 publications, 90 websites, 400 branded products, 65+ events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, marine and other niche activities. The division's strategy is to wholly focus on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading brands through a multiplatform media approach.

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