Hybrid Car Review

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) announced the best resale value models for 2009 and, not surprising given the high gas price crisis in 2008, hybrids were some of the best models at retaining their value.

Using information gained from Kelley Blue Book's extensive analysis of new- and used-vehicle values, the company determined one vehicle brand as having the best projected overall resale value among its 2009 fleet, named resale value leaders in 15 major vehicle segments and honors the top 10 for 2009 model-year vehicles with the best projected resale value.

The top 10 models in 2009 for best resale value were (in alphabetical order):

• Honda Civic/Civic Hybrid
• Honda Fit
• MINI Cooper
• Scion xB
• Scion xD
• Scion tC
• Toyota Corolla
• Toyota Prius
• Toyota Yaris
• Volkswagen Rabbit

I see a pretty good trend for gas sippers. The worst for re-sale value according to KBB include the 2009 Ford Expedition V-8, Mercury Mountaineer V-8, Dodge Durango V-8, Lincoln Town Car V-8 and the GMC Savannah Van V-8. These 2009 model- year gas misers, with their V-8 engines and older body styles, will only maintain 20 percent of their original value after five years of ownership.

Add in Honda winning the best in resale value for brand and you complete the picture.

The Honda Civic Hybrid beat out the Toyota Prius in the Hybrid Car Category. In the Hybrid Crossover Category, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid won, while in the Hybrid SUV category, the Chevy Tahoe came in first.

As far as hybrids are concerned, KBB believes fuel economy beats out luxury any day.

The values that hybrids saw in the market during 2008 confirmed for Kelley Blue Book that the premium these vehicles garner will hold even at five years of ownership. While hybrids saw an overall increase in residual values, the luxury or performance hybrids like the Lexus LS400h and the Lexus GS400h saw significant declines.

"The hybrid vehicles with the highest fuel efficiencies, which are generally the smaller, more compact hybrids will hold their value well over the next five years," said Ibara. "The luxury or performance hybrids do not offer a significant improvement in fuel economy, especially when compared to the price premium over their non-hybrid sibling. Customers attracted to these models are not necessarily looking for a fuel-efficient alternative, and so far this attraction has not held up well in the used-car market."