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Smart car shoppers know that car costs are not just about the monthly payment or even the total sale price, but the entire cost to own the car, including gas, car insurance, maintenance and repairs. After analyzing the ownership costs for every 2012 model, Intellichoice released its Best Overall Value of the Year, or BOVY, awards, which highlight cars that have low total ownership costs, as well as lower costs than expected over time.

Winners were selected in 24 car categories, including two new categories: full-size crossover/wagon and luxury performance car. To arrive at its results, Intellichoice analyzed over 1,800 models in seven areas, depreciation, maintenance, repairs, fuel, fees, financing and insurance, to assess actual ownership costs over the first five years of ownership.

Toyota was the brand that received the most awards. It was awarded nine BOVYs for FJ Cruiser, Highlander, Matrix, Prius, Pruis v, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra and Yaris.

Tara Baukus Mello writes the cars blog as well as the weekly Driving for Dollars column, providing both practical financial advice for consumers as well as insight into the latest developments in the automotive world. Follow her on Facebook here or on Twitter @SheDrives.