Top 3 2012 Best Cars for their Value

With a sleek, new look the Kia Sportage is at the top of the small, affordable SUV class. The Sportage starts at $18,500 but costs $22,300 with the cheapest, 4-wheel-drive upgrade. That's a pretty darn-good price for an SUV with 4WD. The gas mileage is excellent as well, with 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Not to mention, Kia prides itself on its 10-year warranty and superior reliability. While Kia might not be as well recognized as the Honda, this Korean car company is quickly rising in ranks due to its elegant designs, remarkable reliability, and low price-points. The Kia Sportage is definitely the right option if you want the reliability of a Honda, gas mileage of a sedan, and look of a more expensive small SUV. Plus, the exterior design is sure to turn heads for its sporty look, which is comparable to the more expensive VW Tiguan.

Yet another incredible deal is the Kia Optima. Kia is definitely upping its game with this luxurious family-sized sedan. Sitting inside the Optima, you will notice how incredibly roomy it is -- in fact, it is very comparable to the pricey BMW 7 series. And Kia doesn't skimp on the interior finishes; the EX model features leather for the low price of $23,200. Not only is it an excellent cost, but Kia gives unheard of 10-year warranties. However, the most striking feature of the Optima is its sleek exterior. Its exterior design is far superior, in my opinion, to comps like the Toyota Camry or the Honda Accord. The Optima has a sportier, younger appearance whereas cars like the Camry and Accord are more utilitarian and plain. And as I mentioned above, Kia is just as reliable as any other Asian car brand. If you are looking for an inexpensive sedan, but want the look and feel of a BMW or Mercedes, I would highly recommend a look at the Kia Optima.

The Hyundai Sonata is a lot of look for an inexpensive, family-sized sedan. You'd swear you were driving a Lexus, with the Sonata's plush leather interior. The base price is $19,795, which is excellent compared to others in its class. And the Hybrid version of the Sonata is not too expensive either-- at $25,850. Toyota's equivalent, the Camry, starts at $23,000. The Korean car brands (Kia and Hyundai, namely) are giving the Japanese car brands a run for their money. While people assume Honda and Toyota are the most reliable, and that no car maker can compare, that is largely not the case anymore. With 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, the Sonata is an excellent choice considering that gas is soon expected to peak over $5/gallon in the US.