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Chicago Auto Show, Chicago, IL (Vocus) February 11, 2010

IntelliChoice.com, the leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, today announced the winners of its annual “Best Overall Value of the Year” awards for 2010 cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs. The annual BOVY Awards identify best-in-class vehicles that deliver outstanding value and lower than expected costs over time.

“IntelliChoice.com’s annual Best Overall Value of the Year awards are designed to instruct buyers on the cars, trucks and SUVs that deliver the most value for the money over a five year period of ownership,” said Charlie Vogelheim, executive editor of IntelliChoice.com. “We rank every model on the market based on the most important cost of ownership factors, including retained value, fuel, maintenance and repair, insurance, licensing and fees.”

2010 Overall Winners

For 2010, IntelliChoice.com identified winners in 31 vehicle classes, with nine overall category winners:

    Best Car Value Under $ 24,000 – Toyota Prius
    Best Car Value Over $ 24,000 – Chevrolet Corvette
    Best Crossover/SUV Value Under $ 28,000 – Toyota FJ Cruiser
    Best Crossover/SUV Value Over $ 28,000 – Lexus RX
    Best Truck Value Under $ 28,000 – Toyota Tacoma
    Best Truck Value Over $ 28,000 – Chevy Silverado 2500 HD / GMC Sierra 2500 HD (tie)
    Best Van Value Under $ 26,000 – Toyota Sienna
    Best Van Value Over $ 26,000 – Honda Odyssey

The Big Stories for 2010

    Recalls hurt Toyota image, but not Toyota value. Toyota and Lexus badges took five of the eight overall rankings for cars and trucks, and 11 of 31 total vehicle segments, once again giving Toyota the highest number of winners. “In light of the current recalls we reevaluated the data factoring in a potential drop in desirability, and 16 Toyota vehicles were still value leaders in their class,” said Vogelheim. “Specifically, we analyzed the long term impact on resale values and ownership costs of vehicles that had been subject to well publicized recalls in the past. And what we found is that while the vehicles take a short-term hit, over a typical ownership period the changes are barely measurable, and fall within the range of fluctuations one typically sees in retained value over time. Also, given Toyota’s history of strong long-term resale values, we expect these cars will continue to recapture competitive to above average retained value at resale time. Toyota has built up a significant level of goodwill among the consumer over the past 20 years. Given that Toyota and Lexus vehicles excel in every facet of cost ownership, they managed to lead the pack again this year, despite the issues created by the recalls.”

    GM showing strength. GM boasts the second highest number of winners for the 2010 BOVYs. GM dominated all of the full-size truck segments between the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra and received awards in sports cars and vans as well. “GM’s emphasis on product quality and value for the dollar in pricing is showing up in these rankings,” said Vogelheim.

    The importance of being green. Competition for the BOVYs continues to tighten every year, and 2010 is no exception. “Many of our winners won narrowly,” said Vogelheim. “Automakers are generally putting out quality vehicles, and more and more vehicles are very good at retaining their value. Consequently, powertrains have become an important factor in determining value. That’s why year after year you see several alternative powertrains, such as hybrids and diesels, on the list. Cars like the Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Jetta TDI Wagon won their segments by a wide margin.

Repeat Winners

Certain cars and trucks are making repeat appearances on IntelliChoice’s Best Overall Values ranking. Models on a multi-year winning streak include the Chevrolet Corvette, the Volkswagen GTI and Jetta TDI, the Toyota Yaris, the Chevy Silverado and the Lexus RX. Vogelheim noted, however, that the most impressive achievement belongs to the Toyota Prius, which, despite current negative media attention, has not relinquished its grip on the Midsize car segment since the car was redesigned in 2004.

The BOVY’s: Value over Price

Now in its 23rd year, IntelliChoice.com’s “Best Overall Value of the Year” awards recognize vehicles whose cost of ownership is significantly lower than expected compared to competitive models in the same class. The awards provide a quick reference to finding vehicles that promise the best value.

“One of the biggest things IntelliChoice.com emphasizes is that choosing a car wisely is not just about the lowest sticker price or even the lowest ownership costs,” said Vogelheim. “The BOVYs recognize cars and trucks whose total cost of ownership is significantly lower than expected compared to its peers. Most of us would assume that a vehicle’s price would largely determine its cost of ownership. But that’s not the case, and it’s the reason the Best Overall Values of the Year awards are so important”

How IntelliChoice.com Determines “Best Overall Value”

For the Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) awards, IntelliChoice.com analyzes nearly 1800 models to identify the vehicles that promise the best value within their respective classes. IntelliChoice.com aggregates and analyzes data from auto manufacturers, the U.S. government, and third-party data resources to determine the actual costs of ownership of new vehicles over a five-year period, and assigns a value rating to all mainstream vehicles sold in America each year. This insightful value rating factors the accumulated ownership costs of depreciation, maintenance, repairs, fuel, fees, financing, and insurance to identify the true standout models in each class.

About IntelliChoice.com, Source Interlink Media, and Source Interlink Companies, Inc.

IntelliChoice.com, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and car values analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice.com is committed to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools. Through the IntelliChoice.com web site (www.intellichoice.com), consumers get the help they need to research, compare, configure and price new cars. The site also connects buyers to the buying alternatives of their choice, including vehicle manufacturers and an online car buying guide. Source Interlink Media LLC is a subsidiary of Source Interlink Companies, Inc., a recognized provider of targeted media and marketing services, a leading U.S. distributor of home entertainment products and services and one of the largest publishers of magazines and online content for enthusiast audiences.

For more information, contact:

Jocelyn Johnson, 917-406-5886, jjohnson(at)gravitas-pr(dot)com

INTELLICHOICE.COM

2010 BEST OVERALL VALUES OF THE YEAR

Cars

    Subcompact – Toyota Yaris Hatchback
    Base Sport – Volkswagen GTI 2-door
    Compact under $ 17,000 – Honda Civic Sedan
    Compact over $ 17,000 – Golf TDI
    Midsize Car – Toyota Prius
    Convertible – MINI Cooper Convertible
    Wagon – Volkswagen Jetta TDI Wagon
    Full-Size Car – Toyota Avalon
    Near Luxury Car – Audi A3
    Luxury Car – Audi A5 Coupe
    Luxury Convertible – Volvo C70
    Sports Car – Chevrolet Corvette
    Sport Sedan/Wagon – Subaru Impreza WRX STI Wagon
    Luxury Sports Sedan/Wagon – Lexus IS 350 Sedan

Sport Utilities and Crossovers

    Compact SUV/Crossover – Honda CR-V
    Midsize Crossover –- Toyota Highlander
    Luxury Crossover – Lexus RX
    Luxury SUV – GMC Yukon Denali
    Midsize SUV – Toyota FJ Cruiser
    Full-size SUV – Toyota Sequoia

Trucks

    Compact Pickup 2WD – Toyota Tacoma 2WD
    Compact Pickup 4WD – Toyota Tacoma 4WD
    Full-Size Pickup 2WD ½ Ton – Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Hybrid 2WD,
GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Hybrid 2WD (tie)

    Full-Size Pickup 2WD ¾ Ton – Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 2WD,
GMC Sierra 2500 HD Crew Cab 2WD (tie)

    Full-Size Pickup 2WD One Ton – Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Crew Cab 2WD,
GMC Sierra 3500 Crew Cab 2WD (tie)

    Full-Size Pickup 4WD ½ Ton – Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Hybrid 4WD,
GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Hybrid 4WD (tie)

    Full-Size Pickup 4WD ¾ Ton – Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 4WD,
GMC Sierra 2500 HD Crew Cab 4WD (tie)

    Full-Size Pickup 4WD One Ton – Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Crew Cab 4WD,
GMC Sierra 3500 Crew Cab 4WD (tie)

Vans

    Full-Size Van – Chevrolet Express 1500
    Minivan – Toyota Sienna

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