7 Car Brands With Great Resale Value & 7 With Terrible Depreciation

Buying a car feels exciting at first—the test drives, the new-car smell, the sense of upgrade. But that excitement fades once you realize how quickly some cars lose value. That’s because resale value often separates smart buyers from regretful ones. The moment you drive off the lot, depreciation begins. Some brands manage that drop gracefully, keeping strong resale prices for years thanks to reliability and consistent demand. Others, however, plummet in value before your first service reminder even pops up. 

Interestingly, it’s not just bad luck, as factors like maintenance costs, reputation, and market trust play a huge role. And understanding this early can save you thousands when it’s time to sell or trade in. So before you pick your next set of wheels, it’s worth knowing which car brands protect your investment—and which ones drain it fast. 

First, here are seven car brands that make your money work harder by holding their value year after year.

When it comes to holding their value, Toyota vehicles are in a league of their own, clinching the Best Brand title for the eighth time in nine years. The numbers tell the story: Toyota models retain an impressive 63.6% of their value after five years, while dominating seven award categories. 

Building on its legacy of market-leading value retention, Lexus has once again claimed the luxury resale crown for 2025. The brand's commanding presence spans six category victories, with the ES and LS models leading a portfolio that demonstrates exceptional value preservation across both sedans and SUVs in the premium segment.

From an investment perspective, Honda's 60.7% value retention after five years positions it as the third-strongest automotive brand for depreciation defense. This portfolio strength extends across multiple segments, with the CR-V and Civic leading resale performance.

Retaining an impressive 58.9% of its value after five years, Subaru stands out as one of the most reliable investments in the auto market, ranking fifth overall. Its success lies in a smartly balanced lineup of cars and SUVs, all featuring standard all-wheel drive—an enduring draw that keeps models like the Crosstrek leading the subcompact SUV segment.

With an incredible 83% value retention after five years, Porsche—especially the iconic 911—dominates the luxury resale market, surpassing even the most dependable SUVs and trucks. This exceptional performance isn’t limited to one model; it reflects the enduring desirability woven through the entire Porsche sports car lineup.

Jeep’s impressive 46.5% value retention after five years is driven by the lasting popularity of the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. Their design, off-road credibility, and timeless appeal keep demand high in the used market—firmly securing Jeep’s place among the top brands for strong resale performance.

This one's solid 51.3% value retention after five years places it comfortably among the top dozen automotive brands, and recent models are pushing those numbers even higher. Plus, the revived Bronco has become a resale standout, while the compact Maverick pickup is making waves in its segment. 

Now, here are seven brands that lose value so fast, they’ll make you wish you’d checked the resale charts first.

For prospective car buyers exploring European brands, market research reveals a sobering reality about Fiat's ownership costs. Industry analysis consistently ranks the Italian manufacturer among brands with the poorest value retention, as comprehensive depreciation data shows Fiat vehicles shed a remarkably high percentage of their purchase price within five years.

While the electric vehicle revolution reshapes luxury motoring, Jaguar's I-PACE stands out for all the wrong reasons as one of the few electric SUVs hemorrhaging value at an alarming rate. This depreciation story echoes across Jaguar's entire lineup, particularly with the F-PACE.

Start with that shiny new Land Rover's premium price tag, then watch the financial free-fall begin. These status-symbol SUVs, while turning heads in upscale neighborhoods, rank consistently among the worst brands for value retention, shedding a substantial chunk of their worth in the first few years alone. 

While most automakers strive to keep their vehicles' values from plummeting like a lead balloon, Chrysler seems to have mastered the art of depreciation. The brand stands at the bottom of resale value charts, with its Pacifica and Voyager models performing a particularly impressive vanishing act.

Mitsubishi vehicles experience some of the steepest depreciation rates in the market. Within just five years, their value drops significantly compared to competitors. Mitsubishi also performs poorly in resale rankings, making it a tough choice for buyers concerned about long-term value retention.

If you're eyeing a new Lincoln, brace yourself for a financial reality check. These luxury vehicles drop value like stones, with depreciation rates that make other premium brands look stable by comparison. Even Lincoln's star players tell the story, as the Navigator, Aviator, and Nautilus all lose more than half their worth in just five years.

Buick vehicles are among the hardest hit by depreciation. Compared to mainstream rivals, their resale values drop sharply, placing the brand near the bottom of retention rankings. Across its lineup, Buick has developed a reputation for losing value quickly, making it a poor performer in long-term worth.