The Most Value-Packed Cars

Prices at the pump are holding steady for the moment, but there's still plenty of uncertainty. So buying a new, affordable car that you can count on to provide some bang for the buck over the long term should be a sure thing.

"Consumers have had plenty of surprises over the last 12 months, and don't want more," says Jeff Bartlett, online deputy editor at ConsumerReports.org. (The automakers probably don't want many more surprises either, what with Ford Motor announcing its worst-ever quarter last week.)

With automakers trying to regain consumers' attention, they're offering a range of vehicles designed to appeal to value-conscious buyers who want a quality ride, better than average long-term reliability and a low-cost ownership experience. Extra safety features like multiple airbag systems, and conveniences like power-adjustable seats, are all now easier than ever to come by--if those are the specific things you're looking for.

Behind the Numbers

Value, of course, is very subjective, since what may be a must-have for some buyers, like a multiple-airbag system, may not be as important to someone who wants bells and whistles, like a navigation system that comes standard. As a result, these vehicles are not necessarily the cheapest, most fuel-efficient or most reliable in their class, but instead offer an extensive, attractive mix of features and attributes.

Lexus LS 460

© Lexus

To compose the list, we started with market research firm Strategic Vision's 2008 Total Quality Index, a survey of drivers that measures the vehicle ownership experience by looking at things like perception of quality, overall satisfaction and experience and emotional attachment to the vehicle. Warranty, safety features, fuel economy and reliability are also measured.

We then looked at Consumer Reports' Predicted Reliability scores to find vehicles that rated "excellent" or "very good." Edmunds.com's True Cost to Own data--which project average vehicle ownership cost for depreciation, financing, taxes, fees, insurance premiums, fuel costs, maintenance and repairs--was also considered.

Starting Small

The values are packed even into small cars like the Honda Fit ($14,750), which is loaded with value-driven features such as power windows and door locks, side curtain airbags and adjustable steering column as standard equipment. If switching from a gas-guzzling SUV to a small car such as this is too much of a downgrade, roomy, midsize utility vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner ($28,415) or a midsize crossover utility like the Ford Edge ($25,735) over-deliver for the category.

The latter, in particular, offers as part of the base package a peppy 3.5-liter V6 engine for drivers who want more robust power, adjustable head restraints to help reduce whiplash in an accident, and a tire-pressure monitoring system that reminds owners when to add air (which can improve fuel economy).

There's even value to be found in a luxury car. The Lexus LS 460 is the most expensive car on our list of 10 value-packed vehicles, at $62,900. Despite the high price, the car comes equipped with a voice-activated navigation system; push-button ignition start/stop; and a multiple airbag system that includes knee airbags for front-seat occupants. The car even has a headlamp washer that cleans off bugs and other debris stuck to the lights' surface.

But the real value is that Lexus picks up the tab for maintenance and repairs during the first three years of ownership. None of this was lost on LS owners; the car has a Total Quality Index of 922 out of 1,000, meaning surveyed owners truly enjoy owning that particular car. No other vehicle on the list has a higher TQI experience.

Rounding out our list of top 10 value-packed vehicles are the Scion xB ($16,700), the Subaru Impreza ($17,995), the Buick Lucerne ($27,275), the Lexus IS 250 ($32,025), Honda Element ($19,780) and the Lincoln MKX ($35,840).

Change in Perceived Value

The current high price of gas has had a significant impact on what motorists perceive as added value. In an annual Consumer Reports Auto Pulse survey of car owners released in June, it was found that 31%--up from 16% a year ago--now rank fuel economy as the No. 1 priority when purchasing a car, beating out reliability and quality (No. 2) as well as safety (No. 3). Interest in safety features was down slightly to 18%, compared with 21% the previous year.

The drop, however slight, may signal that consumers are willing to trade safer vehicles for better fuel economy.

Honda Element (Entry Utility)

© Honda

But none of the vehicles on the list are short on safety features. In the Honda Element, for example, both rows of occupants are protected with side curtain airbags that have a rollover sensor that determines the rate of roll and deploys the airbags accordingly. An anti-lock braking system, brake assist and electronic stability control, all designed to help a driver maintain better control of the vehicle in adverse situations, are standard equipment.

For some buyers, value also means performance and high technology. The Lexus IS 250 has a peppy, 2.5-liter V6 engine with dynamic radar cruise control; it pumps out favorite sounds through a 13-speaker sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer. The air system even has a dust and pollen filter, which allergy sufferers would find particularly appealing.

So no matter what the value priority may be, it all comes down to one thing, says Alexander Edwards, automotive division president of Strategic Vision: "How much am I getting for every dollar spent?"

If you can't answer that question immediately, auto experts say, you may want to take a little extra time before closing the deal. There are enough surprises in life. The experience of owning a car, particularly without a feature you were expecting to come standard, shouldn't be one of them.