Kelley Blue Book, the trusted resource for used and new car information, is releasing a forecast of 10 2003 model year vehicles that will best hold their value over the next five years.

Based on current vehicle data, expectations of the future economy and the combined experience of the Kelley Blue Book editorial team, a list was created forecasting which 2003 model vehicles might retain the greatest amount of their original MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price). Savvy consumers in the market for a new vehicle may want to take a closer look at the following list.

  2003 Models KBB Forecasts Will Best Hold Their Value Over Next Five Years           Acura MDX                          Jeep Wrangler         BMW 3-Series                       Lexus LS 430         Chevrolet Corvette                 Mercedes CLK         Honda Civic                        Mini Cooper         Infiniti G35                       Toyota Tacoma    

(High performance, low volume vehicles or vehicles with an original MSRP over $60,000 were not taken into consideration.)

While a new car should not be considered an investment, there are some vehicles that hold a greater percentage of their original value than others. Several factors determine the current market value of a vehicle. The factors that carry the greatest weight are consumer demand, availability, and vehicle quality.

Kelley Blue Book values are the most accurately and frequently reported for the consumer on the Internet today. All Kelley Blue Book used vehicle values are based on data obtained from dealers, auction data, remarketers and consumers through a feedback tool on the company's Web site, kbb.com .

Every Kelley Blue Book value takes into consideration the region of the vehicle, its engine, transmission, trim style, optional equipment, current mileage and current condition. In addition to actual vehicle details, other considerations that determine a vehicle's value include the current marketplace, current economy and again, supply and demand. Kelley Blue Book only reports factual and timely data that best reflects the current marketplace.

For more information on Kelley Blue Book values and definitions, see www.kbb.com or contact media relations.