While most car buyers today consider sticker price the most significant number when choosing a new vehicle, our editors recommend taking a closer look at a number Kelley Blue Book is expert in calculating: its resale value. Depreciation often is the greatest expense incurred by drivers during the first five years of vehicle ownership, so choosing a vehicle that retains its value better than others is important in keeping your total ownership cost low. The Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards recognize automakers' outstanding achievements in producing vehicles that best retain their value. Awards are presented to top vehicles within 15 vehicle categories, for Overall Top 10 vehicles across all categories and the brand with the best projected resale value across its entire line of vehicles.

Over All Top 10

Honda Civic

In addition to coupe and sedan body styles, the comprehensive Honda Civic lineup includes high-performance Civic Si and highly efficient Civic Hybrid variants. What they all have in common is a famously well-earned reputation for quality and reliability, making Honda’s venerable compact car an easy choice for new- and used-car buyers alike.

Honda Fit

It may be the smallest, most affordable Honda available, but it delivers all the peace of mind that accompanies every Honda badge. It’s also the most versatile, most fun car in its class, making it a winner on all fronts, including resale value.

MINI Cooper

The second-generation MINI Cooper is even more fun and efficient than the first, which is part of the reason buyers are still willing to wait months to take delivery of their very own MINI — and why others will still pay high dollar for a used one. Highway fuel economy of up to 37 miles per gallon is another reason.

Scion xB

The first-generation xB is to Scion what the Beetle is to Volkswagen and the 911 is to Porsche. The square-jawed face of Scion has grown larger and more powerful (and less square) in its second generation, but it’s still a perfectly practical way to make a statement.

Scion xD

The Scion xD is a smaller, more affordable, less boxy alternative to the xB. Based on Toyota’s subcompact Yaris platform, the xD also boasts the advantage of being the most fuel-frugal model in the Scion lineup, returning highway fuel economy up to 33 miles per gallon.

Scion tC

The Scion lineup currently consists of three vehicles, all of which made this year’s list of Best Resale Value Award winners. The tC coupe stands out in the Scion lineup by offering more mainstream styling than either the xB or xD hatchbacks, while still exuding that Scion-branded aura of youthful individuality.

Toyota Corolla

The Corolla has long been a quintessential example of reliable, affordable transportation. Now in its tenth generation, Toyota’s longest-running nameplate also offers such modern conveniences as a navigation system and Bluetooth phone connectivity. From a financial perspective, there aren’t many smarter choices than the Corolla.

Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is the most fuel-efficient mass-produced vehicle in America. It’s no surprise, then, that it’s also the country’s best-selling hybrid. With seating for five and a full complement of available modern conveniences, the Prius is a well-rounded commuter and family car that just happens to also return excellent average fuel economy of 46 mpg.

Toyota Yaris

The sub-compact Yaris is available as a four-door sedan, a three-door hatchback or, new for 2009, a five-door hatchback. It also offers highway fuel economy up to 36 mpg. Combined with a starting price of about $13,000 and Toyota’s reputation for reliability, it’s no wonder the Yaris is a new resale value champion.

Volkswagen Rabbit

The Volkswagen Rabbit combines affordability and refinement like no other car in its class. Designed by engineers who enjoy the option of driving to work at 200 mph, it also delivers a unique blend of agility and comfort.