By Rick Newman, U.S. News & World Report
1. Toyota Matrix
Starting price: about $17,000.Discontinuation date: unconfirmed.
Five-year residual value: 35%.
This cute and practical wagon isn't as trendy as the Honda Fit or as spacious as the Toyota RAV4. But it's comfortable and affordable, with a strong reliability record and gas mileage close to 30 mpg. Because it has been a popular car for years, the Matrix should remain appealing for a long time.
It's worth noting that the Pontiac Vibe is nearly identical to the Matrix; the two models are built on the same assembly line as part of a joint venture. And the Vibe is being discontinued as part of the Pontiac wind-down. But the Vibe's residual value -- 27% -- is lower than that of the Matrix because Pontiac has a weaker brand image than Toyota.
2. Toyota FJ Cruiser
Starting price: about $25,000.Discontinuation date: unconfirmed.
Five-year residual value: 33%.
Toyota's answer to the Jeep Wrangler has been a hit with off-roaders and beach bums, but the FJ Cruiser has never garnered the mainstream appeal Toyota sought. Still, this retro rambler boasts strong safety and reliability ratings, and its rugged looks have a kind of timeless appeal.
3. Honda S2000
Starting price: about $35,000.Discontinuation date: 2009.
Five-year residual value: 32%.
If you can find one of these roadsters, grab it. Honda stopped building the S2000 in mid-2009, and dealers would probably be completely sold out if not for the miserable economy. Those cars that are left will be labeled as 2009 models, because there is no 2010.
The S2000's design barely changed for 10 years, yet this finely engineered, rear-drive sports car continually wowed critics with its precise handling and thrilling acceleration. And the S2000's curves should wear as well as some of the classics.
4. Chevrolet Colorado
Starting price: about $18,000.Discontinuation date: unconfirmed.
Five-year residual value: 30%.
This compact pickup never really found its niche, with less towing capacity than competitors and a cabin that wasn't quite as refined. When outfitted with a few options, it came close in price to its big brother, the Chevrolet Silverado, a much more rugged truck.
But the Colorado is still a serviceable pickup that's great for light hauling. Its nearly identical cousin, the GMC Canyon, will be retired around the same time as the Colorado and has the same residual value.
5. Lexus SC 430
Starting price: about $65,000.Discontinuation date: unconfirmed.
Five-year residual value: 30%.
The power retractable hardtop was a marvel when this high-priced sports car debuted in 2002, and the SC 430 has always impressed critics with its plush, precise interior. Reliability is superb. The styling hasn't changed much since the 2002 debut, but this will remain a classy ride years into the future.
6. Volkswagen GLI
Starting price: about $25,000.Discontinuation date: 2009.
Five-year residual value: 28%.
Technically speaking, this lively sedan hasn't been discontinued. It's merely sitting out the 2010 model year as Volkswagen winds down its current production plan and focuses on a redesigned GLI that will debut for 2011.
The asterisk doesn't change the fact that this Jetta-GTI hybrid is a barnburner that blends grin-inducing performance with the space and respectability of a four-door vehicle.
7. Hyundai Veracruz
Starting price: about $28,000.Discontinuation date: 2012.
Five-year residual value: 28%.
For the price, this seven-passenger SUV offers a generous set of standard features, such as a full set of air bags and safety equipment, rear-seat climate control and a backup warning system. And the cabin earns high marks for its luxury feel and quiet ride. Competitors such as the Mazda CX-9 and Chevrolet Traverse have a sportier ride or better packaging, but the Veracruz offers a lot of transportation for a fair price.
8. Pontiac G8
Starting price: about $28,000.Discontinuation date: 2009.
Five-year residual value: 26%.
For all of its empty promises, parent company
GM truly did build excitement when it created the G8, which hits nearly every base required of a premium sports sedan: It offers muscle-car acceleration, crisp handling, good looks and a spacious rear seat. The upgraded GXP model even compares favorably with the BMW 5 Series, which costs $20,000 more. That explains why the G8 ranks highest among the discontinued GM products on our list.
will continue to honor warranties and provide service. That's a good thing, because some enthusiasts predict the G8 may even become a collector car9. Pontiac Solstice
Starting price: about $27,000.Discontinuation date: 2009.
Five-year residual value: 26%.
It's tiny and impractical, but this two-seat roadster sure is fun. And it's relatively cheap for a vehicle with real sports car performance. Critics ding the Solstice for a subpar interior, but you might be so delighted by the ride that you don't notice. The Saturn Sky, incidentally, is nearly identical, with some refinements that raise the price by a couple of thousand dollars. Yet the Sky's residual value is 4 percentage points lower than the Solstice's.
10. Mercury Sable
Starting price: about $25,000.Discontinuation date: 2009.
Five-year residual value: 24%.
The Sable's twin, the Ford Taurus, was completely redesigned for 2010, but the Sable was put out to pasture. So remaining models are built on a dated platform. Still, the Sable has earned praise as a spacious and comfortable family car and is one of U.S. News' Best Cars for the Money. It's got more cargo space than a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry and a high seating position that will let buyers cruise into the future in confidence.
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