(May 11, 2011) Honda dominated the 2011 NADAguides Best Car Buys Report with five models, while Kia, Toyota and Chevrolet each had three models selected across multiple categories. The annual report was released today.

Additionally, Kia and Toyota are the only manufacturers to have the top vehicle in more than one category. New to the report this year is Mitsubishi with the 2011 Outlander Sport leading the sports segment.     

Unlike other such rankings, the NADAguides report bases its selections using what it says "criteria that matters most to consumers when considering a purchase — price, first year depreciation value, fuel efficiency, warranty coverage and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ratings — vehicles across various segments that offer value, efficiency and peace of mind."

Import models saw a large increase in the number of vehicles named to 2011 NADAguides Best Car Buys Report as compared to 2010.  In 2010, import models accounted for roughly 62 percent of the vehicles on the Best Car Buys Report, while in 2011 that percentage has increased to 74 percent.

Of the import models named to the 2011 report, roughly 55 percent were Japanese models while Korean models made up 25 percent and the remaining 20 percent belonged to European manufacturers. 

These percentages show that the Korean models took roughly 10 percent of the share from Japanese models as compared to the 2010 NADAguides Best Buys Report where Japanese models accounted for nearly 65 percent and Korean models nearly 15 percent. European models remained consistent both years making up 20 percent of the import models. 

Top Model in Each Segment

Van — 2011 Kia Sedona Four Door LWB LX:  The 2011 Kia Sedona offers improved horsepower, more standard equipment than ever before, a class leading warranty with five years and 60,000 miles, and a great starting price of under $25,000.
"The 2011 Kia Sedona is a great minivan that offers the perfect balance of features, safety, and value."
Runners-up: Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna

Wagon — 2011 Ford Fiesta Four Door Hatchback SE: The all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta achieves up to 40 MPG.  With a starting price of just over $15,000 and a Five Star NHTSA safety rating, the Fiesta is a NADAguides Best Buy. 
"The all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta offers consumers a smooth drive and a ton of options all at the right price." 
Runners-up: Kia Soul, Subaru Outback

Sedan — 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Four Door Sedan ECO with 1XF: Making the NADAguides Best Buy Report, Chevrolet's 2011 Cruze provides a combined 34 MPG and a highly competitive base price of just over $18,000. 
"With fuel economy, style, features and a great price, what is not to love about the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?"
Runners-up: Ford Fiesta, Honda Civic MT

Luxury— 2011 BMW 5 Series Four Door Sedan 528i RWD: The 2011 BMW 5-Series received a Five Star safety rating from NHTSA, achieves 27 MPG combined, offers a four year, 50,000 mile warranty along with low depreciation, all for a starting price of just over $45,000. 
"Style, the latest in technology, comfort and serious performance, all in one package."
Runners-up: Lexus RX 450h, Audi A4 Preminum

Coupe — 2011 Honda CR-Z Three Door Manual: Achieving up to 34 MPG combined, the 2011 Honda CR-Z is a sporty coupe that combines fuel efficiency with value, safety, and a low depreciation rate.
"The 2011 Honda CR-Z not only offers great value; its fun to drive and you look good doing it." 
Runners-up: Hyundai Accent, Mini Cooper Clubman

Sports — 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Two Wheel Drive Four Door CVT SE: Offering the lowest price point, $21,695, yet the highest fuel efficiency, 28 MPG combined, the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport beat out the competition.
"Fuel efficiency, price and a great warranty make the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport a NADAguides Best Buy."
Runners-up: Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T, Audi A3 3.0 Premium

SUV — 2011 Kia Sorento Two Wheel Drive Four Door I4 EX: Kia's industry leading five year, 60,000 mile warranty combined with the 2011 Kia Sorento's Five Star NHTSA Safety Rating, 25 MPG combined fuel efficiency, great starting price of $24,995 and low depreciation make it a NADAguides Best Buy. 
"The 2011 Kia Sorento is an SUV that offers fuel efficiency and value; words not commonly used in the same sentence as SUV."
Runners-up: Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain
   
Truck — 2011 Toyota Tacoma Two Wheel Drive Reg I4 MT: The 2011 Toyota Tacoma offers consumers the lowest price point, $16,365, lowest depreciation rate, 26 percent and the highest fuel efficiency, 23 MPG combined, making it a NADAguides Best Buy.
"The 2011 Toyota Tacoma gives consumers everything they look for in a truck, without the steep price and low fuel economy."
Runners-up: Chevrolet Silverado regular cab, GMC Sierra regular cab

Hybrid — 2011 Toyota Prius Five Door HB: Best in class fuel economy achieving up to 50 MPG combined and a Five Star NHTSA safety rating coupled with a great starting price and low depreciation make the 2011 Toyota Prius a NADAguides Best Buy. 
"If fuel economy is your priority, the 2011 Toyota Prius is your car." 
Runners-up: Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda CR-Z