There are some automotive brands that earn awards not just for one model, but for many vehicles throughout the company’s portfolio. Oftentimes, this lineup of SUVs, cars and trucks has a winning mix of comfort, reliability, resale value, capability, innovation and fun. Here are the 10 brands that have earned the most accolades and awards from Kelley Blue Book for 2018.
#1 Honda
Honda’s extensive array of SUVs and cars, as well as its truck and minivan, have established a decades-long reputation for strong resale value and reliability. In addition, the vehicles are filled with thoughtful touches and are fun to drive. The Accord, Fit, Civic, HR-V, Odyssey, Pilot, Clarity, CR-V, and Ridgeline all earned accolades this year — including seven Best Buy Awards — for an incredible 34 awards.
#2 Toyota
Known for its family-friendly lineup, Toyota’s vehicles combine legendary reliability, a comfortable ride, easy-to-use interiors, and top-notch value. Tough trucks, highly efficient hybrids and excellent cars with strong 5-Year Cost to Own data and enviable resale values are a big part of why Toyota received 28 titles in 2018.
#3 Chevrolet
This year, Chevrolet earned recognition for the excellent resale value and 5-Year Cost to Own numbers of its long-range electric car, full-size SUVs, and pickup trucks, plus SUVs that offer value and versatility, and comfortable sedans that are smart choices for families.
#4 Audi
Audi’s well-balanced lineup of sporty sedans and SUVs offers excellent connectivity and tech, fun-to-drive attitude, and luxury with a healthy serving of value. The company’s Q3 and Q5 SUVs, plus many of Audi’s sedans earned accolades this year, including two Best Buy Awards.
#5 Subaru
Subaru’s all-wheel-drive cars and SUVs are built for four-season confidence. In addition, their vehicles are tops for value, as popular choices for the best AWD vehicles under $25,000, and also have impressive resale value and 5-Year Cost to Own numbers. Families will be happy with Subaru’s commitment to practicality and safety, and driving enthusiasts can look to fun favorites like the WRX.
#6 Lexus
Lexus has a well-rounded line of SUVs, sedans and sporty cars that are built to last. Eight 2018 models, including the GS sedan, and NX and RX SUVs, have received praise for strong resale value, low Cost to Own numbers, or both.
#7 Hyundai
Hyundai’s Sonata midsize sedan, the Elantra compact car, all-new Kona, subcompact Accent, and Santa Fe Sport and Tucson SUVs all received accolades this year thanks in large part to the value proposition on which the brand was built.
#8 Jeep
Starting as one iconic model — which became the Wrangler — Jeep has expanded, now with several models to choose from. The Renegade is a cool smaller SUV that offers value-priced off-roading fun, and the Wrangler won its own share of awards both in two-and four-door form, thanks to strong resale value and low 5-Year Cost to Own numbers.
#9 Ford
Classic names like Mustang and F-Series have been around for decades, but Ford has embraced forward-thinking technology to keep both of them relevant and popular. The F-150 has now been the best-selling vehicle in the USA for more than 35 years and is a four-time Best Buy Award winner, while the Mustang Shelby GT350 boasts strong resale value and Cost to Own numbers. The all-new Expedition, and the Focus and Fusion also earned official Kelley Blue Book recognition this year.
#10 Porsche
Another iconic brand, Porsche has received awards for its Macan and Cayenne SUVs, Panamera four-door executive car, and Cayman and Boxster sports cars. Not only are Porsches a thrill to drive, but they excel when it comes to practical matters like resale value.
