6 Reputable Brands You Can Trust
When it comes to buying a new car, most people focus on the sticker price, fuel economy or performance. But one factor that can save (or cost) you thousands of dollars down the road is resale value: how much your car is worth when you sell or trade it in. Cars that hold their value well typically depreciate more slowly, meaning you get more money back when it’s time to move on. So which car brands have the best resale value? Here’s how six popular names—Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Kia and Honda—stack up, and what drives their resale performance.
1. Honda: Consistently Excellent Resale Value
If there’s one automaker synonymous with reliability, it’s Honda. Models like the Civic, Accord and CR-V regularly top resale-value charts. Honda vehicles depreciate slowly because they have a reputation for lasting well beyond 150,000 miles with minimal issues.
Buyers trust Hondas because of:
- Proven reliability and low maintenance costs.
- Fuel efficiency that stays competitive year after year.
- A strong used-car market with steady demand.
In short, people are always looking for used Hondas, so their prices stay high. A three-year-old Honda CR-V, for example, often retains more than 60% of its original value—an impressive number for a mass-market SUV.
2. Toyota’s Luxury Cousin: Audi’s Ups and Downs
Audi, the luxury arm of Volkswagen, offers sophisticated engineering and sleek design, but its resale value tends to be a mixed bag. While models like the Q5 and A4 perform decently in resale rankings, others depreciate faster.
Why the variation? Luxury brands generally lose value more quickly due to higher initial prices and costly maintenance. However, Audi’s reputation for advanced technology, safety features and interior quality helps keep depreciation in check compared with some rivals. Certified pre-owned (CPO) programs also boost resale by reassuring second-hand buyers.
Audis that use proven powertrains and avoid the most cutting-edge (and potentially expensive to repair) tech tend to hold value best. For example, the Q5 SUV usually resells better than the more performance-focused S or RS models.
3. BMW: Luxury That Depreciates Quickly—With Exceptions
Like Audi, BMW appeals to drivers who love precision and performance. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always translate to strong resale value. Luxury sedans like the 3-Series and 5-Series often depreciate faster than non-luxury vehicles due to high initial costs and expensive maintenance once warranties expire.
That said, not all BMWs lose value equally. SUVs such as the X3 and X5 hold up better, especially with lower mileage and good service records. Leasing also plays a big role in the resale market—because so many BMWs are leased for three years, the used-car market is flooded with supply, pushing resale values down.
In short, BMW resale value is best when the vehicle is well-maintained, has lower mileage and includes modern tech without being overloaded with costly options.
4. Ford: Improving Resale Through Trucks and Innovation
Among American automakers, Ford stands out for strong resale performance—especially with its trucks. The F-150, America’s best-selling pickup for decades, consistently ranks among vehicles with the highest resale value.
Why? Trucks have enduring demand, especially those known for reliability and utility. The F-150’s broad appeal—from contractors to families—keeps used prices strong. Ford’s SUVs, like the Bronco and Escape, also perform well in resale thanks to strong brand loyalty and improving build quality.
Ford’s newer hybrid and electric models, such as the Maverick hybrid pickup, show promise too, appealing to a growing market segment focused on fuel economy and versatility.
5. General Motors (Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac): Mixed Results
GM’s wide range of vehicles means resale value varies dramatically across its lineup. Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUVs generally perform well—especially the Silverado, Tahoe and Sierra—because of their durability and strong used-truck market.
However, GM sedans and smaller cars, such as the Malibu or Spark, depreciate faster, often due to lower demand and fleet sales that flood the used market. Luxury division Cadillac faces challenges similar to other premium brands: high initial prices and rapid technology turnover that make older models seem dated quickly.
Still, GM’s full-size SUVs and pickups remain bright spots, offering some of the best resale value among American vehicles.
6. Kia: From Underdog to Resale Contender
A decade ago, few would’ve expected Kia to make this list, but times have changed. The South Korean brand has reinvented itself with eye-catching designs, improved build quality and long warranties. Models like the Telluride, Sportage and Sorento have become top sellers, and their resale values reflect that.
The Kia Telluride, in particular, has surprised the market—its combination of luxury features, affordability and strong reliability record makes it one of the best-reselling midsize SUVs in America. Kia’s steady move upmarket has built buyer confidence, boosting used demand and keeping depreciation low.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to resale value, brand reputation, reliability and demand matter most. Hondas and Ford trucks top the list for overall resale strength, while Kia’s recent rise shows that brand perception can change quickly. Audi and BMW, though luxurious, face faster depreciation due to high ownership costs, while GM’s large trucks remain dependable performers.
If you’re buying a new car and want to protect your wallet in the long run, think beyond the purchase price. A vehicle that holds its value well can save you thousands, and make your next upgrade that much easier.
Want to donate an old car instead of selling? Check out these car donation programs across the USA.