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3 On Your Side: Consumer Reports' Best Value Cars

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (CBS) -- With gas prices continuing to climb, you may be looking to trade in your old clunker for something newer and more fuel efficient. Consumer Reports has just come out with its Annual Auto Issue, and 3-On Your Side Consumer Reporter Jim Donovan has the results.

Consumer Reports has named what it considers the best of the bunch for 2011 when it comes to value for your money. They looked at performance, reliability and the cost of ownership, which includes everything from fuel costs to what you'll pay in insurance premiums and maintenance. David Champion of Consumer Reports says "The Japanese still lead in terms of overall reliability. They have the top three spots. In this case, they have tested extremely well and have average or better reliability a cross the board.

The Honda Fit was rated as offering the best overall value of 200 models reviewed. Consumer Reports looked at eight different vehicle types and found the following to be the best value for your money:

Best Value Small Car - Honda Fit
Best Value Family Car - Toyota Prius IV
Best Value Upscale Sedan - Acura TSX
Best Value Luxury Sedan - Hyundai Genesis 4.6
Best Value Sporty Car - Mini Cooper
Best Value Wagons/Minivans - Mazda 5 Grand Touring
Best Value Small SUV - Toyota RAV 4
Best Value Midsized SUV - Hyundai Santa Fe GLS

As far as American manufacturers are concerned, Champion says, "Ford's been doing extremely well. A lot of their new products that have come out have tested extremely well. Over the last five to eight years, their reliability has steadily improved year after year after year."

So what was vehicle was at the bottom of the list? Although the Jeep Wrangler is well known for its off-road capability, Consumer Reports named the Wrangler as the overall worst value.

Watch this video...

To check the entire list visit:
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/03/consumer-reports-names-2011-best-new-car-values.html

Reported by Jim Donovan, CBS 3

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