The A+ to F methodology

We take each model's estimated five-year cost to own and divide it by its purchase price. A car that costs close to its sticker to run over five years earns a top grade; one whose running costs balloon well past what you paid drags down to the bottom. Because the score is a ratio, an affordable sedan and a pricey SUV can both earn an A — value isn't about being cheap, it's about not bleeding money after you sign.

• A+ / A — exceptional value
• B — strong, better than average
• C — fair, costs roughly track price
• D — weak, expensive to keep
• F — poor, running costs dwarf price