Edmunds.com Names its Used Car ``Best Bets'' for 2006

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--June 1, 2006--Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, today announced its used car, truck and SUV "Best Bets" for 2006.

"Because of high gas prices, consumers are looking for additional ways to save on automotive expenses. For those in the market for new wheels, buying a used car is an economical alternative to purchasing a new car, especially compared with many hybrids," said Philip Reed, Edmunds.com's consumer advice editor and co-author of "Strategies for Smart Car Buyers." "New cars are costly because they depreciate about 15 percent after being driven off the dealership lot, and as much as 30 percent in total during their first year on the road."

Edmunds.com's 2006 Used Car Best Bets are:

Economy Car:        1999-2004 Honda Civic
Midsize Car:        1999-2004 Toyota Camry
Large Car:          1999-2004 Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand
                     Marquis
Luxury Car:         2003-2004 Infiniti G35
Sporty Car:         1999-2004 Mazda Miata
Mini-SUV:           1999-2004 Honda CR-V
SUV:                2002-2004 Ford Explorer
Minivan:            1999-2004 Honda Odyssey
Small Pickup:       1999-2004 Toyota Tacoma
Large Pickup:       1999-2004 Ford F-150

Edmunds.com editors emphasized reliability, safety and availability as the most important criteria when developing this list. Based on these considerations, as well as the fact that vehicles incur the most rapid depreciation in their first few years, a low-mileage two- or three-year-old car or truck tends to be the best choice.

"Consumers who purchase a used vehicle can afford to purchase a more luxurious car or one with more performance," added Reed. "For added peace of mind, a manufacturer-certified, pre-owned vehicle can provide used-car buyers with an additional warranty during their purchase."

Take Edmunds.com's "Used Car Quiz" and visit Edmunds.com's "10 Steps to Buying a Used Car" before purchasing your next used car. For information on certified pre-owned vehicles, visit http://www.edmunds.com/cpo/index.html.