USAA Names 2014 Best Value Vehicles

PR Web

San Antonio (PRWEB) June 13, 2014

USAA unveiled its fourth-annual Best Value list identifying the top 2014 automobiles rating highest in safety, reliability and affordability. The 2014 Best Value vehicles are:

Small Sedan: Toyota Prius™
Wagon: Mazda Mazda3™ Hatchback
Midsize Sedan: Toyota Camry™
Minivan: Honda Odyssey™
Coupe: Chevrolet Spark™
Midsize Luxury Sedan: Lincoln MKZ™
Small SUV: Mazda CX-5™
Large Luxury Sedan: Volvo S80™
Midsize SUV: Toyota Highlander™
Midsize Luxury SUV: Acura MDX™

Best Value vehicles offer the best overall value of all 2014 model-year vehicles according to the USAA Preferred proprietary rating system, which uses quantitative data to evaluate vehicles' safety, reliability and overall cost, among other factors. They represent the top-rated vehicles in their respective segments from the pool of 24 vehicles that met all USAA Preferred requirements. This year's requirements include the new, more stringent safety standards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

"IIHS's move to increase their standards mirrors the growing feedback we're receiving from our members," said Steve Thompson, vice president responsible for the USAA Car Buying Service. "We know safety is one of the most important factors for our members when car shopping so it's important for us to be able to help them identify reliable, affordable vehicles that have met the highest safety standard."

2014 Top 10 for Teens
For the third year, USAA also created the Top 10 for Teens list. These are USAA Preferred vehicles that have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of less than $26,000 and rank high in reliability and reasonable insurance costs, which parents have indicated are vital when considering cars for their teen driver. This year's Top 10 includes:

1. Chevrolet Spark™
2. Honda Civic™ Sedan
3. Honda Civic™ Coupe
4. Mazda Mazda3™ Hatchback
5. Toyota Prius™
6. Nissan Altima™
7. Toyota Camry™
8. Dodge Dart™
9. Mazda Mazda6™
10. Mazda CX-5™

"Handing over a set of keys to a less experienced teen driver is a difficult thing to do for most parents," says Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®, a recognized automotive expert. "USAA created the Top 10 for Teens so that parents can be better informed when searching for a safer vehicle that won't break the bank."

For more information, visit http://www.usaa.com/bestvalue or access the USAA Mobile App.

About USAA Preferred
USAA Preferred vehicles are those determined to be a good financial value using a USAA-developed proprietary statistical model. The model relates MSRP to vehicle features (engine type, drive train, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, number of airbags, transmission, body additions, curb weight, horsepower-to-curb weight, height and vehicle segment), fuel economy, insurance cost, additional warranty cost, depreciation and IIHS Top Safety Pick to determine the value. USAA Preferred vehicles are those ranked in the top 50 percent for each vehicle segment AND obtained either the Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards from IIHS prior to Dec. 20, 2013. In providing this analysis, USAA does not consider factors other than those disclosed in determining USAA Preferred vehicles.

About the Best Value List
USAA Preferred Best Value vehicles are typically those vehicles ranked highest in each vehicle category and obtain either the Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ crash test ratings from the IIHS and represent vehicles that are determined to be the best financial value using a USAA-developed proprietary statistical model.

About USAA
USAA provides insurance, banking, investments, retirement products and advice to 10.3 million current and former members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving or have honorably served our nation in the U.S. military – and their eligible family members. Founded in 1922, USAA is headquartered in San Antonio. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter ( @USAA), or visit usaa.com.