Cars That Hold Their Value Best
The models with the strongest five-year resale value
Depreciation is the single biggest cost of owning a car — usually more than fuel, insurance and maintenance combined. Buying a model that holds its value means you get more money back when you sell or trade in. Below are the vehicles in our data with the strongest five-year value retention.
Top value holders right now
Why some cars hold value
Strong resale value comes down to demand outpacing supply. Trucks and body-on-frame SUVs hold value because they're expensive to replace and stay useful for decades. Brands with reputations for reliability (Toyota, Honda, Subaru) command a premium used. And a handful of limited-production halo cars actually appreciate.
A car that retains 70%+ of its value after five years is exceptional; most mainstream cars land closer to 55–65%, and fast-depreciating luxury models can lose 60% or more.
How to use this list
If you buy new, these models cost you the least to own per year. If you buy used, they're the ones where a lightly-used example still commands a strong price — but you're also paying closer to new. Either way, knowing the curve before you buy is the whole point.
Check any car's value
Look up resale value and depreciation for any make, model, or VIN.
Estimates are for informational purposes only and are not a guarantee of value.