Kelly Blue Book --- the handy automotive pricing guide millions of consumers turn to when they want to know if the sales price for a vehicle is fair --- has announced its list of 2013 models with the lowest projected costs over the initial five-years of ownership.
"Kelley Blue Book's 5-Year Cost to Own information allows consumers to evaluate which brands and models make the most sense for their pocketbooks as they prepare for a major purchase decision in buying a new car," said Dan Ingle, vice president of vehicle valuations for Kelley Blue Book.
"New-car shoppers often are most concerned with the upfront cost of a vehicle," he said. "However, consumers would be wise to consider their purchase from a more holistic standpoint by examining the total cost to own a vehicle over the initial five-year ownership period."
The annual cost analysis found Mazda and Lexus offering the best and second-best five-year values, respectively.
The Mazda brand led all manufacturers, surging past last year's winner Kia with the lowest projected ownership costs. Even though the brand generally holds an average Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price higher than several of its competitors, Mazda offers the lowest 5-Year Cost to Own because of its low depreciation, fuel costs, and maintenance and repair costs across its full model lineup, a company release explains.
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price is the price people typically pay a dealer for a new car, based on actual new-car transactions and adjusted regularly as market conditions change.
Mazda's success was based on the performances of the MAZDA3, MAZDA2 and all-new CX-5.
Judged on its the CT 200h, ES and IS models , Lexus came in a the year's luxury brand winner, claiming some of the lowest costs for depreciation, fuel, and maintenance and repairs of any luxury brand.
The 2013 Hyundai Sonata was a repeat winner in the mid-size car category. The three primary competitors in that segment --- the Sonata, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima --- were separated by a mere $200 in projected total ownership costs.
Here is a complete list of the Kelly Blue Book's 2013 5-Year Cost to Own Awards:
TOP BRAND: Mazda
LUXURY BRAND: Lexus
SUBCOMPACT CAR: Scion iQ
COMPACT SUV/CROSSOVER: Jeep Patriot
COMPACT CAR: Hyundai Veloster
MID-SIZE SUV/CROSSOVER: Mitsubishi Outlander
SPORTY COMPACT CAR: Hyundai Veloster Turbo
FULL-SIZE SUV/CROSSOVER: Ford Explorer
MID-SIZE CAR: Hyundai Sonata
LUXURY COMPACT SUV/CROSSOVER: Acura RDX
FULL-SIZE CAR: Chevrolet Impala
LUXURY MID-SIZE SUV/CROSSOVER: Lincoln MKX
ENTRY-LEVEL LUXURY CAR: Buick Verano
LUXURY FULL-SIZE SUV/CROSSOVER: Lincoln MKT
LUXURY CAR: Lexus GS
MID-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK: Toyota Tacoma Double Cab
HIGH-END LUXURY CAR: Porsche Panamera
FULL-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab
SPORTS CAR: Ford Mustang
MINIVAN/VAN: Mazda MAZDA5
HIGH-PERFORMANCE CAR: Ford Mustang GT
HYBRID SUV/CROSSOVER: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
HYBRID/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY CAR: Honda Insight
ELECTRIC VEHICLE: Chevrolet Volt