Safest, Most Reliable and Cost Effective Cars 2013

Thinking of buying a new car? USAA just released the 2013 top fourteen best cars for overall cost, reliability and safety. Those same cars received a top safety pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to qualify.

Most of you know I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE USAA!  So I’m very happy to share this list with you – they do a great job researching and looking out for their special customers — YOU!

• Large Sedan:  Dodge Charger
• Midsize Sedan:  Dodge Avenger
• Small Sedan:  Mitsubishi Lancer
• Large Luxury Sedan:  Lincoln MKS
• Midsize Luxury Sedan:  Audi A4
• Large SUV:  Chevrolet Traverse
• Midsize SUV:  Ford Explorer
• Small SUV:  Kia Sportage
• Large Luxury SUV:  No vehicle ranked*
• Midsize Luxury SUV:  Lexus RX 450h (hybrid)
• Large Pickup:  Toyota Tundra
• Small Pickup:  No vehicle ranked*
• Sports:  Scion FR-S
• Coupe:  Honda CR-Z
• Wagon:  Audi A3
• Minivan:  Dodge Grand Caravan

Best Value automobiles offer the best overall value of all vehicles USAA evaluates as part of its proprietary rating system called USAA Preferred, which uses quantitative data to evaluate vehicles’ cost, safety and reliability, among other factors. There are nearly 70 cars, trucks and minivans currently designated as USAA Preferred vehicles. The Best Value list represents the vehicles that rose to the top of each category.

“This year we raised the bar on the importance of safety standards. Vehicles must earn a top safety pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to qualify as USAA Preferred,” said Steve Thompson, vice president responsible for the USAA Car Buying Service. “A USAA Preferred vehicle is a great value financially, and is among the safest vehicles on the road.”

2013 Top 10 for Teens

For a second year, USAA also identified the top 10 vehicles for teens. These USAA Preferred vehicles cost less than $25,500 and they rank highest in safety, reliability and reasonable insurance costs, which are the factors parents indicated are the most important when choosing a car for their teen driver.

1. Dodge Dart
2. Dodge Avenger
3. Honda CR-Z
4. Chrysler 200
5. Honda Insight
6. Volkswagen Golf
7. Hyundai Elantra
8. Nissan Versa
9. Kia Optima
10. Chevrolet Malibu

In addition to identifying the top cars for teen drivers, USAA now is offering the new Young Drivers Intelligence^TM service to help reduce teen driver accidents and save lives. The voluntary program includes a GPS-enabled device that plugs into the teen’s vehicle and records driving data such as acceleration, braking, routes, and speed. Parents and teens can review the data online, providing the opportunity to teach safe driving behavior and track progress. Young Drivers Intelligence is available at no cost for one year to members whose teen drivers are insured by USAA. The program will not be used to modify insurance policies or premiums.

“Studies show that car accidents are the No. 1 cause of teen deaths across the country, and teen drivers are three times more likely to get into an accident than drivers in their 20s,” said Lauren Fix, The Car Coach^®, a recognized automotive expert. “The USAA Top 10 for Teens list makes it easier for parents to select a vehicle they can feel more confident about their teen driving, and the Young Drivers Intelligence^TM tool allows parents to turn every trip their teen takes into a learning experience.”

*No vehicles met the USAA Preferred requirements in the large luxury SUV and small pickup categories this year. 

About USAA Preferred 

USAA Preferred vehicles represent vehicles which are 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 category), fuel economy, insurance cost, additional warranty cost, depreciation, and IIHS Top Safety Pick to determine the value. USAA Preferred vehicles are those vehicles ranked in the top 40 percent for each vehicle category AND obtain either the Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick crash test ratings from IIHS. In providing this analysis, USAA does not consider factors other than those disclosed in determining USAA Preferred vehicles. 

About USAA

USAA provides insurance, banking, investment and retirement products and services to 9.4 million 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. For more information about USAA, or to learn more about membership, visit USAA online today.

If you are interested in learning more, please see the full USAA Best Value and Top Ten for Teens lists in the news release below. In addition, I would be happy to connect you with USAA to discuss the vehicles that made this year’s lists, the methodology behind the rankings and safe teen driving habits.