Toyota Sweeps IntelliChoice's "Best Value" Awards

PRIMEDIA’s IntelliChoice.com, the online source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, has just announced the results of its “Best Overall Value of the Year” awards for model year 2007. The popular Toyota Prius, one of four hybrids on the list, is the Best Car Value Under $23,000 for the second consecutive year. Joining the Prius is the Toyota Tacoma 2WD, which was named Best Overall Truck Value Under $27,000. Suffice to say Toyota Motor Company bagged a total of 11 awards, the most of any auto manufacturer.

Chevrolet was well represented on the list, winning a total of ten awards followed closely by Lexus, which earned seven awards, including the ES sedan for Best Car Value Over $23,000 and the RX 350 for Best SUV Value Over $28,000.

“Toyota continues to prove that value is a critical ingredient for Toyota’s success with the American consumer,” said James Bell, publisher of IntelliChoice.com. “Toyota also went back to their roots with the subcompact Yaris, which wins in a category that saw a lot of strong entries for 2007.”

This year, IntelliChoice.com identified thirty-three winning models by segment and class, plus eight overall category winners. The eight overall category winners are:

• Best Car Value Under $23,000 – Toyota Prius
• Best Car Value Over $23,000 – Lexus ES
• Best SUV Value Under $28,000 – Ford Escape Hybrid
• Best SUV Value Over $28,000 – Lexus RX 350
• Best Truck Value Under $27,000 – Toyota Tacoma 2WD
• Best Truck Value Over $27,000 – Chevrolet Silverado Classic 3500 Extended Cab 2WD
• Best Van Value Under $25,000 – Honda Odyssey Passenger Van
• Best Van Value Over $25,000 – Honda Odyssey Passenger Van

Here's the complete list:

Cars

• Subcompact Class – Toyota Yaris Hatchback
• Compact Class under $16,000 – Honda Civic Sedan
• Compact Class over $16,000 – Honda Civic Hybrid
• Midsize Class under $21,000 – Toyota Prius
• Midsize Class over $21,000 – Toyota Prius
• Large Class – Toyota Avalon
• Near Luxury Class – Lexus IS
• Luxury Class – Lexus ES
• Luxury Convertible – Audi A4 Convertible
• Convertible – Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
• Small Wagon Class – Toyota Matrix
• Midsize/Large Wagon Class – Subaru Outback Wagon
• Base Sport Class – Honda Civic Si Coupe
• Sport Class – Chevrolet Corvette
• Sports Sedan/Wagon under $38,000 – Infiniti G35 (Manual) Sports Sedan
• Sports Sedan/Wagon over $38,000 – Lexus GS

Sport Utilities

• Compact Utility/Crossover – Ford Escape Hybrid
• Intermediate Utility Class – Hummer H3
• Luxury Utility Class – Lexus GX
• Utility Class– Toyota Land Cruiser

Crossovers

• Midsize Crossover Class – Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• Luxury Crossover Class – Lexus RX 350

Trucks

• Compact Pickup Class 2WD – Toyota Tacoma
• Compact Pickup Class 4WD – Toyota Tacoma
• Full-Size Pickup Class 1/2 Ton 2WD – Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab 2WD
• Full-Size Pickup Class 1/2 Ton 4WD – Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab 4WD
• Full-Size Pickup Class 3/4 Ton 2WD – Chevrolet Silverado Classic 2500 HD Crew Cab 2WD
• Full-Size Pickup Class 3/4 Ton 4WD – Chevrolet Silverado Classic 2500 HD Extended Cad 4WD
• Full-Size Pickup Class One Ton 2WD – Chevrolet Silverado Classic 3500 Crew Cab 2WD
• Full-Size Pickup Class One Ton 4WD – Chevrolet Silverado Classic 3500 Crew Cab 4WD

Vans

• Mini-Van Class – Honda Odyssey Passenger Van
• Full-Size Van Class – Chevrolet Express 1500 Passenger Van
• Cargo Van Class – Chevrolet Uplander

Now in its 21^st year, IntelliChoice.com’s “Best Overall Value of the Year” awards recognize vehicles whose cost of ownership is significantly lower than that of peer models. The awards provide a quick reference to finding vehicles that promise the best return on investment. A listing of this year’s winners and additional information on the awards can be found online at www.IntelliChoice.com. Meanwhile for the best replacement Toyota parts visit your trusted online auto parts store.