KBB says Subaru ranks lowest among all U.S. car brands

Being ranked lowest of all car brands in the U.S. would normally not be considered a good thing for an automaker. When it comes to what it actually costs to own a vehicle over a five year period, it’s a very good thing. Subaru has been named “Best Brand” in Kelly Blue Book’s (KBB) Cost to Own awards. According to KBB, that makes the Subaru brand tops when it comes to the best value for your car shopping money.

In this year’s KBB 5-Year Cost to Own Awards Subaru and Lincoln were rated the lowest in cost-to-own over a five year period, and both demonstrate excellent long-term value relative to their respective competition. Subaru was named Best Brand and Lincoln named Best Luxury Brand. KBB’s 5-Year Cost to Own information takes into consideration depreciation, expected fuel costs, finance and insurance fees, maintenance and repair costs, and state fees.  

Best Brand : Subaru

KBB says with their multi-purpose all-wheel-drive lineup of vehicles, Subaru claims this year's 5-Year Cost to Own Award for best brand. They site improved fuel efficiency and a strong reputation for long-term reliability as they key reasons they get the nod. KBB says, “Long popular in the northern and elevated areas of the country, Subaru's appeal continues to expand as its sheet metal becomes more stylish and its message even more endearing.”

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KBB editors were also impressed with Subaru’s new infotainment offerings that have recently been upgraded. KBB went on to say, “Long respected as all-weather wonders, Subarus now exhibit recent efforts in the areas of efficiency, functionality and style that have sent them to the top of the CTO class.”

Models driving Subaru's success include the 2015 Subaru Forester SUV, Impreza compact, Legacy sedan, WRX/STI performance line, Outback wagon and XV Crosstrek crossover.  Subaru also recently won the overall brand award in Kelley Blue Book's 2015 Best Resale Value Awards for having the best projected resale value across its entire 2015 model-year lineup.

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Based on analysis of KBB's 5-Year Cost to Own information for 2015 model-year vehicles, Subaru and Lincoln are the big brand winners.  In addition to a low depreciation cost and strong residual values across its full model lineup, Subaru also has competitive fuel costs, making it the 2015 5-Year Cost to Own: Best Brand among all automakers. In this case, it's good to be viewed as the lowest.