Forbes Top 5 Best Used Cars

Japanese automakers get reliability. According to three trusted vehicle resources – Consumer Reports, Cars.com and Kelley Blue Book – Japanese vehicles locked up the top five spots on this years most reliable used cars list.

Results were based on an “even measure of value, reliability and performance.” Said Hannah Elliott, of Forbes.com, who published the results.

• Two & Five year residual values
  
• Reliability ratings – dating back to 1999
• Trade-in values – dating back to 1999

The Top Five Best Used Cars list winners are:

Best: Used Honda CR-V (2WD)

Segment: Small SUV

Residual value after two years: 58 percent of MSRP retained

Residual value after five years: 35 percent of MSRP retained

Trade-in value for 2004 Honda CR-V: $10,600

Trade-in value for 1999 Honda CR-V: $3,950

Best: Used Lexus ES

Segment: Premium Sedan

Residual value after two years: 56 percent of MSRP retained

Residual value after five years: 33 percent of MSRP retained

Trade-in value for 2004 Lexus ES 330: $16,365

Trade-in value for 1999 Lexus ES 300: $8,075

Best: Used Subaru Impreza WRX

Segment: Sport Compact

Residual value after two years: 59 percent of MSRP retained

Residual value after five years: 36 percent of MSRP retained

Trade-in value for 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX: $9,750

Trade-in value for 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX: $7,300

Best: Used Toyota Prius

Segment: Mid-Size Sedan

Residual value after two years: 59 percent of MSRP retained

Residual value after five years: 37 percent of MSRP retained

Trade-in value for 2004 Toyota Prius: $10,100

Trade-in value for 2001 Toyota Prius: $5,825

Best: Used Acura TL

Segment: Premium Sedan

Residual value after two years: 60 percent of MSRP retained

Residual value after five years: 37 percent of MSRP retained

Trade-in value for 2004 Acura TL: $12,200

Trade-in value for 1999 Acura TL: $3,500

Was Forbes on the mark with this list, or did they leave someone off?

What would you add?