NADAguides.com Names the Auto Industry's 'Best Car Buys' For 2010

COSTA MESA, Calif., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- NADAguides.com, the leading provider of pricing information and market research for new and used cars, classics, RVs, motorcycles and boats, today announced the names of the auto industry's "Best Car Buys" for 2010. Fresh off the heels of the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, NADAguides.com is providing consumers with the industry's most comprehensive list of best buys for cars, trucks, wagons, crossovers, SUVs and hybrids. The NADAguides.com Market/Data Analysts (MDAs) conducted their annual in-depth study to identify the criteria that matter most to consumers when considering their next car purchase. If the car received high marks in each of the selected categories, it was recognized as a NADAguides.com "Best Car Buy" for 2010.

"With thousands of new cars and ever-changing purchase intent in today's marketplace, we are continually looking for ways to make the car buying experience easier for the consumer. Our "Best Car Buys" list not only highlights the top criteria buyers look for in a new or used car, but gives them a complete NADAguides.com list of cars that meet such criteria," said Michael Caudill, spokesperson, NADAguides.com. "Consumer purchasing processes are also impacted by the economy and many consumers are broadening their vehicle search. We were very careful in how we identified the needs of consumers and worked to offer a varied selection of popular categories."

Car buyers face tough decisions when considering their next vehicle purchase. The development of the "Best Car Buys" for 2010 list was to establish a helpful guideline of criteria for new car purchases. The NADAguides.com MDAs identified certain criteria as being the most important to consumers: fuel efficiency, warranty coverage, safety and depreciation. Once the criterion was set, NADAguides.com cross-referenced the information with the most current 2010 make and model data to calculate which vehicles qualified. Aside from the usual compact models, highlighting the list for Top Sports Car is the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro and clinching a spot on the Top Crossovers list is the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. All cars in the study proved they are the automobile industry's (combined) most fuel efficient, have the best warranty and come with the highest safety ratings, while at the same time all holding their value with the slowest rates of depreciation.

The following are the vehicles that ranked top five in each category:

Top Coupes

1. 2010 Toyota Yaris 3dr LB Man SE – MSRP: $12,605, 32 MPG, 25% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"We never thought coupe and Yaris would go together in the same sentence, but this 2010 is an exceptional car for everyday fun and functionality." – NADAguides.com

2. 2010 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2dr Coupe S – MSRP: $22,300, 30 MPG, 24% Depreciation year 1, 4 years/50,000, 4-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"A great fun-to-drive car with international design cues and worldly appeal." – NADAguides.com

3. 2010 Ford Focus 2dr Cpe SES – MSRP: $18,780, 29 MPG, 29% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"Ford got it right again, showcasing its stylish American design and assertive style with the Focus." – NADAguides.com

4. 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt 2dr Cpe Base – MSRP: $14,990, 30 MPG, 40% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 4-star frontal crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"Function, affordability and attractive lines make the Chevrolet Cobalt a 2010 Best Buy." – NADAguides.com

5. 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2dr 2.0T Man Premium – MSRP: $24,250, 25 MPG, 32% Depreciation year 1, 5 years/60,000, 3-star frontal driver crash rating

"Sporty design cues coupled with exceptional performance and handling makes the Genesis Coupe a standout." – NADAguides.com

Top Crossovers

1. 2010 Chevrolet Equinox 4dr FWD LS – MSRP: $22,615, 27 MPG, 27% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"Chevy continues to get better year after year. With a five-star frontal driver crash rating and 27 mpg, this American car is a perfect fit for the NADAguides.com Top Five for Crossovers." – NADAguides.com

2. 2010 Lexus RX450h 4dr FWD Hybrid – MSRP: $42,685, 30 MPG, 24% Depreciation year 1, 4 years/50,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"Lexus is raising the bar with its hybrid RX450h. Impressive MPG and safety make this an exceptional crossover." – NADAguides.com

3. 2010 Mazda CX-7 FWD 4d i SV – MSRP: $21,550, 24 MPG, 23% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

"Finding a multi-functional crossover with exceptional amenities has never been so easy!" – NADAguides.com

4. 2010 Nissan Rogue FWD 4dr SL – MSRP: $21,930, 24 MPG, 19% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 4-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"One of the industry's most fun-to-drive sporty crossover vehicles." – NADAguides.com

5. 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan FWD 4dr Man S – MSRP: $23,200, 22 MPG, 31% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

"Volkswagen's 2010 Tiguan is setting a new bar for what it means to be a cool crossover," – NADAguides.com

Top Luxury Cars

1. 2010 Audi A4 4dr Sdn CVT 2.0T FrontTrak Prem Plus – MSRP: $31,450, 26 MPG, 34% Depreciation year 1, 4 years/50,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"The ultimate in refined performance and sophisticated style." – NADAguides.com

2. 2010 Acura TSX 4dr Sdn I4 Auto – MSRP: $29,310, 25 MPG, 16% Depreciation year 1, 4 years/50,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"Acura's done it again by producing one of the most well-balanced luxury cars on the market." – NADAguides.com

3. 2010 Cadillac SRX FWD 4dr Performance Collection – MSRP: $41,350, 21 MPG, 27% Depreciation year 1, 4 years/50,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

"The 2010 SRX takes top honors for American luxury!" - NADAguides.com

4. 2010 BMW 3 Series 4dr SDN 328i RWD – MSRP: $33,150, 23 MPG, 29% Depreciation year 1, 4 years/50,000, 5-star frontal passenger crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"The most affordable performance luxury sedan on the market." – NADAguides.com

5. 2010 Hyundai Genesis 4dr Sdn 3.8L V6 – MSRP: $33,000, 22 MPG, 28% Depreciation year 1, 5 years/60,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"2 years and running – Hyundai sets the mark again with luxury, affordability and style with the Genesis." – NADAguides.com

Top Pickup Trucks 2WD & 4WD

1. 2010 Toyota Tacoma 2WD Reg I4 MT (GS) – MSRP: $15,345, 23 MPG, 22% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"The Tacoma is establishing itself as America's #1 truck and remains one of the most affordable trucks on the market." – NADAguides.com

2. 2010 Nissan Frontier 2WD King Cab I4 Manual XE – MSRP: $17,540, 21 MPG, 33% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 4-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"The Nissan Frontier has great looks and functionality for a light duty truck." – NADAguides.com

3. 2010 Ford Ranger 2WD 2dr SuperCab 126" XLT– MSRP: $20,580, 23 MPG, 34% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"The Ford Ranger remains America's top light duty work truck with added affordability, improved MPG and a 5-star frontal driver crash rating." – NADAguides.com

4. 2010 Honda Ridgeline 4WD Crew Cab RTL – MSRP: $34,430, 17 MPG, 25% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

"Honda jumped into the truck category with a well-built, dependable truck that's certain to change the minds of diehard truck fans." – NADAguides.com

5. 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid 4WD Crew Cab 143.5" 2HY – MSRP: $47,820, 21 MPG, 35% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"This full size work truck can handle any job. The new Hybrid engine and improved MPG make it a NADAguides.com Best Car Buy." – NADAguides.com

Top Sedans

1. 2010 Hyundai Elantra 4dr Sdn Auto GLS PZEV – MSRP: $16,895, 30 MPG, 29% Depreciation year 1, 5 years/60,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"Hyundai has come on the scene with many affordable and dependable vehicles and the Elantra is quickly becoming a consumer favorite." – NADAguides.com

2. 2010 Kia Forte 4dr Sdn I4 Man LX – MSRP: $13,695, 29 MPG, 42% Depreciation year 1, 5 years/60,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"Already awarded the 2009 NADAguides.com Car of the Year, the Kia Forte is back on top as one of the NADAguides.com Best Car Buys." – NADAguides.com

3. 2010 Honda Fit 5dr HB Man Sport – MSRP: $16,410, 30 MPG, 25% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"Incredibly affordable and very versatile." – NADAguides.com

4. 2010 Mazda3 4dr Sdn Man i Touring – MSRP: $17,875, 29 MPG, 26% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"Practical, yet fun-to-drive, the Mazda3 embodies everything Zoom-Zoom." – NADAguides.com

5. 2010 Nissan Sentra 4dr Sdn CVT 2.0S – MSRP: $17,160, 30 MPG, 28% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"The Sentra is comfortable, stylish and affordable." – NADAguides.com

Top Sports Cars

1. 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 2dr Cpe 1LT – MSRP: $23,880, 22 MPG, 22% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 4-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"The Camaro is one of America's most revered muscle cars! With performance, style, and speed topping the list, the Camaro is definitely an NADAguides.com Best Buy for 2010." – NADAguides.com

2. 2010 Ford Mustang 2dr Cpe – MSRP: $21,395, 22 MPG, 25% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"American muscle cars are alive and kicking. With horsepower under the hood and smooth lines, the 2010 Ford Mustang is a pack leader for the NADAguides.com Best Buys for 2010." – NADAguides.com

3. 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2dr 2.0T Man Premium – MSRP: $24,250, 25 MPG, 32% Depreciation year 1, 5 years/60,000, 3-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"Performance and affordability position the Genesis Coupe high in the sports car segment as well." – NADAguides.com

4. 2010 Audi S4 4dr Sdn S Tronic Prestige – MSRP: $47,300, 23 MPG, 26% Depreciation year 1, 4 years/50,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"Clearly one of the best sports cars on the market." – NADAguides.com

5. 2010 Dodge Challenger 2dr Cpe SE – MSRP: $22,735, 21 MPG, 16% Depreciation year 1,3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"Unrivaled retro design, blistering American horsepower, fun-to-drive, affordable." – NADAguides.com

Top SUVs

1. 2010 GMC Terrain 4dr SLE-1 – MSRP: $24,250, 27 MPG, 30% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"American quality inside and out, the 2010 GMC Terrain is one of the best SUVs on the road with its affordable price and stylish looks." – NADAguides.com

2. 2010 Mazda Tribute FWD I4 Manual Sport – MSRP: $20,090, 25 MPG, 33% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"The Mazda Tribute is one of the best SUV's on the market today. Whether affordability, interior creature comforts, MPG or safety, this SUV is a 2010 NADAguides.com Best Buy." – NADAguides.com

3. 2010 Honda CR-V 2WD 5dr LX – MSRP: $21,545, 24 MPG, 19% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"With solid MPG, warranty and a 5-star NHTSA rating, the Honda CR-V is a great buy." – NADAguides.com

4. 2010 Toyota RAV4 FWD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT (SE) – MSRP: $21,675, 25 MPG, 29% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"The RAV4 is perfectly sized and reasonably priced. Despite Toyota's recall woes, they still produce a great SUV and the RAV4 is worth every penny." – NADAguides.com

5. 2010 Ford Escape FWD 4dr XLT – MSRP: $24,045, 25 MPG, 25% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"NADAguides.com selected the Escape because it's the complete package for a smaller SUV." – NADAguides.com

Top Vans

1. 2010 Volkswagen Routan 4dr Wgn SEL Premium – MSRP: $42,500, 21 MPG, 29% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"A van that's full of amenities and fun to drive." – NADAguides.com

2. 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan 4dr Wgn SE – MSRP: $23,175, 20 MPG, 37% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"The Grand Caravan is the leader in building an innovative and modern van." – NADAguides.com

3. 2010 Toyota Sienna 5dr 7-Pass XLE FWD (GS) – MSRP: $29,725, 20 MPG, 24% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 4-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"Sophisticated interior and plenty of room, the Sienna is an NADAguides.com Best Buy." – NADAguides.com

4. 2010 Honda Odyssey 4dr Wgn LX – MSRP: $26,805, 19 MPG, 28% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"The Odyssey is luxurious, spacious and practical, making it a true family minivan." – NADAguides.com

5. 2010 Chrysler Town & Country 4dr Wgn LX – MSRP: $25,175, 20 MPG, 26% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/ 36,000, 5-star frontal crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"Living up to its name, the Town & Country is a great all-around minivan." – NADAguides.com

Top Wagons

1. 2010 Audi A4 4dr Wgn Auto 2.0T Quattro Premium – MSRP: $35,350, 24 MPG, 34% Depreciation year 1, 4 years/50,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"Impressive, performance, safety and its warranty make this wagon worthy of a Best Buy." – NADAguides.com

2. 2010 Ford Flex 4dr SE FWD – MSRP: $28,950, 20 MPG, 22% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

"Part wagon, part SUV, part car - The Ford Flex is extremely versatile and functional, but let's face it, it's simply cool to drive." – NADAguides.com

3. 2010 Subaru Impreza Wagon 5dr Man Outback Sport – MSRP: $19,995, 23 MPG, 24% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

"Incredibly sporty and quick." – NADAguides.com

4. 2010 Chevrolet HHR FWD 4dr LT w/1LT – MSRP: $19,720, 27 MPG, 34% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

"A modern twist with versatility mixed in." – NADAguides.com

5. 2010 Honda Fit 5dr HB Auto – MSRP: $15,700, 31 MPG, 23% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

"The perfect package and it's also fun-to-drive." – NADAguides.com

Top Hybrids

1. 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sdn L4 CVT w/Leather – MSRP: $25,000, 42 MPG, 16% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"The Civic remains a top player in hybrid technology." – NADAguides.com

2. 2010 Toyota Prius 5dr HB II (GS) – MSRP: $22,400, 50 MPG, 26% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 4-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"No matter what pitfalls the company faces, the Prius is a well built car and continues to be the benchmark for hybrid technology." – NADAguides.com

3. 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid 4dr Sdn – MSRP: $26,150, 33 MPG, 21% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

"Don't sell Toyota short, the Camry still embodies a true full-size hybrid sedan…and hits a homerun." – NADAguides.com

4. 2010 Honda Insight 5dr CVT EX PZEV – MSRP: $21,300, 41 MPG, 28% Depreciation year 1, 3 years/36,000, 5-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"The Insight is quickly establishing itself as a top hybrid sedan." – NADAguides.com

5. 2010 Lexus HS 250h 4dr Sdn - MSRP: $34,650, 35 MPG, 20% Depreciation year 1, 4 years/50,000, 4-star frontal driver crash rating

- Current incentives & rebates are available at NADAguides.com

"Aggressive, sexy and impressive MPG makes this Lexus a standout."

About NADAguides.com

NADAguides.com (http://www.NADAguides.com) is the largest publisher of vehicle pricing and information for new and used cars, classic cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and manufactured homes. NADAguides.com offers in-depth shopping and research tools in addition to the most market-reflective pricing available. The company also produces print guidebooks, software, web services, raw data and web syndicated products.

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