http://editorial.autos.msn.com/slidesho ... =1172487#2
Top Brand: Subaru
Retained value: 39.0 percent
Subaru bests perennial winner Toyota as the top resale brand for 2011. According to Eric Ibara, KBB's director of residual consulting, this is because Subaru has a newer model lineup and its cars don't sit on dealer lots for long. The perception of limited supply creates a high demand and, thus, higher resale values.
Our take: Subaru's vehicles are capable and reliable, offer useful space and provide the security of all-wheel drive. The automaker is well worthy of this top honor.
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/slidesho ... 1172487#11
Wagon: Subaru Outback
Retained value: 41.3 percent
A wagon segment was added to KBB's rankings for 2011, and Subaru took the class title with its all-wheel-drive Outback. That's impressive, given that it went up against entries from Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, and it beat them all by at least 6 percentage points.
Our take: Redesigned for 2010, the Outback received new styling and a powerful new 6-cylinder engine. We are impressed by the ride quality and the responsive engine. Plus, its raised ride height helps the Outback avert the stodgy image suffered by other wagons.
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/slidesho ... 1172487#19
Sports Car: Subaru Impreza WRX
Retained value: 42.7 percent
The Subaru Impreza WRX supplants the Nissan 370Z as the champion in the sports car class. While the WRX has always been a contender, Subaru's sales surge and a consistently strong track record catapulted it to the top this year.
Our take: Both WRX trims are fun to drive, with 265 horsepower available in the base WRX and 305 horsepower packed in the tricked-out WRX STI. The STI may be a bit too high-strung for some tastes, though. Both offer useful space, especially in the hatchback body style, and can be driven year-round thanks to standard all-wheel drive.
