Showing yet another reason why so many consumers continue to place their faith in Toyota vehicles, Toyota was awarded a third of IntelliChoice 2011 Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) Awards¹ in February at the 2011 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention in San Francisco.

“The most important thing about choosing a car wisely is knowing that it’s not just about the lowest sticker price,” IntelliChoice Executive Editor Charlie Vogelheim. “In fact, the purchase price is just the first cost; there are many other factors to consider when gauging overall cost.”

IntelliChoice determines BOVY Award winners based on the top vehicles in 21 categories that represent the best overall value. Each winner is determined by analysis of ownership costs, including depreciation, maintenance, repairs, fuel, fees, financing and insurance.

Out of nearly 1,800 domestic and import 2011 model-year vehicles, seven Toyota vehicles garnered recognition within their classes for having the lowest cost to own and operate over the first five years of ownership compared to what is expected. Those vehicles included: Toyota RAV4 four-cylinder (compact crossover/wagon), Toyota Tacoma (compact pickup), Toyota Tundra (full-size pickup, light duty), Toyota Avalon (premium passenger car), Toyota Sienna (minivan), Toyota 4Runner (SUV) and the 3rd generation Toyota Prius (passenger car).

“In a tough economy, finding a dependable vehicle that also holds its value over an extended period is one of the most important aspects of buying a new car,” said Don Esmond, senior vice president of automotive operations for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

To find out more about the many valuable features of Toyota’s award-winning vehicles, visit toyota.com.

¹2011 IntelliChoice, www.IntelliChoice.com