10 best car values for 2005

What makes for a great value in a car? The first thing that experts emphasize is that it has very little to do with the sticker price.

"Some people see value as the purchase price only," says Joe Wiesenfelder, a car reviewer at Cars.com. "But price is only one part. A car might cost a little bit more, but be a better long-term value because of good fuel economy, greater reliability, resale value and cost of ownership."

A number of other factors can come into play as well, from safety and versatility to individual concerns such as a vehicle's ability to accommodate car seats or gear.

"If you're looking for a good value -- if you don't have your heart set on a particular car -- the key is research," says James Bell, publisher of IntelliChoice. "When you're looking at value, it's not just about knowing the rebates, the 0 to 60 times or the horsepower. You want to look at how a vehicle performs once you've purchased it."

• Honda Accord ($16,200): Year in and year out, the Honda Accord ranks high on critics' "best bets" lists, and for good reason: It's reliable, safe, and has great resale value. Expect low ownership costs and excellent fuel economy for a V6. Sure, it seems that everyone's driving an Accord, but look at it this way: You'll be in good company.

• Toyota Camry XLE Click image for larger view

  Toyota Camry ($18,045): Refined, quiet, and spacious, the Camry gets excellent gas mileage. Its nimble handling makes the car fun to drive, and complements its track record as a strong, reliable performer over the long haul. It has also performed well in crash tests.

Small Sedans

• Toyota Corolla ($13,680): "This is one car that holds its value well, is inexpensive to maintain, fuel costs are very good," says Bell of the Corolla, a model that's been on the market since 1966. It's safe and has good fuel economy, and its longevity has made it the best-selling passenger car of all time. Like its larger sibling, the Camry, the Corolla may be too popular to turn heads, but it's a wise investment.
• Ford Focus ($13,860): Though foreign cars tend to dominate the best value lists, the zippy, sporty Ford Focus provides a notable exception. It's spacious, fun to drive, and its clean design inside and out makes it more than just a car to get from point A to point B. Even its colors -- infrared and pitch black -- have edge.

Minivans

• Honda Odyssey ($24,995): For 2005, the Odyssey was redesigned, and among the improvements are run-flat tires and side curtain airbags. The Odyssey has good handling, exceptional power and a steady ride. "As a class, minivans have better crash-test ratings than SUVs," notes Wiesenfelder. "And in terms of overall performance, the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna have stolen the crowd."
• Toyota Sienna ($23,225): Most minivans don't qualify as "fun to drive," but the comfortable, quiet-riding Sienna may be the exception that proves the rule. "It's got really good reliability, it has good crash-test results, it gets decent fuel economy for a minivan," says Sally Greenberg, senior product safety counsel at Consumers Union. The Sienna has excellent pickup -- traveling from 0 to 60 in 8.3 seconds. And good news for consumers who are concerned about the environment: the Sienna is a level II ultra-low emissions vehicle.

Upscale sedan

• Lexus ES Click image for larger view

  Lexus ES ($32,625): Everything about the car is smooth. Even the most basic model comes with features that are options on other vehicles, including a leather interior, power windows and a power moon roof. Under the hood, its 225-horsepower V6 engine gives it some serious punch. The safety details are all taken care of: anti-lock brakes, front, side, and curtain airbags all come standard. It's a keeper: Lexus "does very well on depreciation and long-term maintenance," according to Bell.
  

• Subaru Outback ($18,995): The Outback has a firm ride and agile handling, and does well in its class for fuel economy. It's among the safest SUVs according to crash-test ratings, and driver, passenger, and side airbags come standard. Previous models have proved reliable, and the new model should be no exception.
• Chevrolet Equinox ($21,785): Of the many new models being offered for 2005, the Equinox is one worth your attention. It's Chevrolet's first car-based SUV, with such innovative features as a fold-flat front passenger seat and rear seats that can slide back to accommodate taller passengers. It received outstanding crash-test ratings and gets a reasonable 25 miles per gallon. "For a new model, the Chevrolet Equinox is a good bet," says Wiesenfelder.

• GMC Sierra ($19,790): The 300-horsepower V8 engine has more than enough power to do even the heaviest towing, and though you probably won't forget you're in a truck, it's got a remarkably smooth ride. "GMC trucks tend to hold their value once they're in the marketplace," says Bell. "They're consistent winners."

-- Posted: Feb. 15, 2005