Cars That Hold Their Value

Our list below of cars that hold their value may hold a few surprises. It could be of no surprise to some but Japanese automakers dominated the list taking seven of the eleven spots with Subaru leading the way with three cars. This is followed by three American made cars and one lowly German made car.

Also note that high-performance cars make up a large chunk of our list. This may be due to their limited production runs which may lead to the car one day reaching collector status.

Each car includes a brief description and a depreciation curve along with historical price information to visualize the depreciation of the car.

Our list does not include luxury cars or trucks or suvs. Those lists will be coming shortly. Also our list of cars that hold their value only includes models with 2020 versionsavailable for purchase.

Continue below to find out which cars hold their value and hopefully it will help you with your purchasing decisions.

1st - Tied) Nissan GT-R

Tied for first place in our 2020 shootout of cars with the lowest depreciation is the Nissan GT-R.

The GT-R models historically depreciate only 39% in its first five years.

The successor to the iconic Skyline GT-R, the Nissan GT-R was first produced in 2007 and launched to the USA market in July 2008. The cars are hand built on a special assembly line at Nissan’s Yokohama plant.

The Nissan GT-R is an all-wheel-drive sports car powered by a high performance 3.8L twin turbocharged engine that puts out 562 hp at 6400 rpm and 467 lb-ft of torque at 5800 rpm.

The rear mounted six speed dual clutch semi-automatic transmission is used in conjunction with Nissan’s ATTESA E-TS AWD system and its Vehicle Dynamic Control(stability control computer) to drive power to all 4 tires.

Famous for being a monster on the track, the GT-R posts times comparable or better times than high end Porsches, Corvettes et al.

1st - Tied) Subaru WRX

Along with the Nissan GT-R above, based on past pricing history, a Subaru WRX is forecast to depreciate only 39% from it’s original MSRP after 5 years.

Only available as a sedan, the 2020 WRX is a sports sedan that features a turbocharged 2.0L Subaru Boxer Engine that produces 268 hp and 258 lb.-ft of peak torque while achieving 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The 2020 Subaru WRX comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission.

The WRX STI model features a 2.5L turbocharged Subaru Boxer Engine that produces 310 hp and 290 lb.-ft. of peak torque while achieving 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The STI also features high-performance sport-tuned four wheel independent suspension.

The 2020 Subaru WRX received a IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.

3rd) Dodge Challenger

The 3rd generation Dodge Challenger takes third place on our list of cars that depreciate the least. Based on past Challenger models, the Challenger is forecast to depreciate 40% in five years.

The Dodge Challenger is a pure muscle car. The basic package is equipped with a 305hp V-6 with options for supercharged V-8’s that make 717 hp or 797 hp depending on the configuration!

Depending on the version, six speed manual transmissions are available as are all-wheel-drive models.

4th) Ford Mustang

Next, at fourth on our list of cars that hold their value, is the Ford Mustang. The Mustang is forecast to depreciate 42% in five years.

The venerable Mustang has been around since 1965 and is as popular as ever.

The 2019 GT and Bullitt models made Car and Driver’s 10Best list.

5th Tied) Chevrolet Corvette

Tied for fifth on AutoPadre’s list of cars that hold their value is the Chevrolet Corvette. The Corvette has an expected depreciation of 43% after five years based on past model depreciation.

Also known simply as a “Vette”, the Corvette has spanned 8 generations from 1953 to the most recent re-design in 2020. Originally a front engine car, the 2020 model, known as the C8, now has a mid-engine configuration.

The 2-seater C8 lives up to its performance heritage with a 6.2L V8-LT2 puts out 495 hp at 6450 rpm and 470 lb-ft of torque at 5150 rpm.

The 2020 Corvette is the recipient of MotorTrend’s North American Car of The Year Award.

5th Tied) Subaru Impreza

Tied alongside the C8 on our list at number 5 is the Subaru Impreza.

Based on past pricing history, a Subaru WRX is forecast to depreciate only 43% from its original MSRP after 5 years.

The Impreza is available in either a five door hatchback or a 4 door sedan and comes with only one engine option, the 152 hp and 145 lb.-ft peak torque 2.0L naturally aspirated Boxer engine. The Impreza’s engine is rated for 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

The Impreza comes standard with a five speed manual transmission that can be upgraded to a CVT transmission in higher trim levels.

The Impreza comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive System that provides excellent all-weather/all-condition handling and performance.

Like the WRX, the Impreza’s (CVT equipped) come with SI-Drive modes but the Impreza is limited to 2 modes… the Sport Mode and And the Intelligent Mode.

The 2020 Subaru Impreza received a IHSS 2020 Top Safety Pick+ award and a NHTSAFive-Star Overall Safety Rating.

7th Tied) Honda Fit

Tied for seventh on our list of cars with the least depreciation is the Honda Fit. The Honda Fit is forecast to depreciate 45% over five years.

Sadly, the Honda Fit is being discontinued in North America after the 2020 model year in favor of higher production volume of the HRV crossover.

The Honda Fit debuted in 2007 and immediately won Car And Driver’s 10Best Award and followed up by winning several more over the next few years.

The Fit is noted for it’s ‘Magic Seating’ system which allows the driver to easily configure the Fit’s seating to allow for transportation of large awkwardly sized items and even makes the Fit somewhat ideal for camping/sleeping inside.

The North American model comes equipped with a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine putting out 130 hp at 6600 rpm and 114 lb.-ft torque at 4600 rpm.

Transmission options include either a six speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic transmission.

In 2015 the Fit received a five star safety score from the NHTSA.

Honorable Mentions

7th Tied) Volkswagen Golf-R

The Volkswagen Golf-R is expected to depreciate 45% over the next five years

9th Tied) Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is expected to depreciate 48% over the next five years

9th Tied) Subaru BRZ

The Subaru BRZ is expected to depreciate 48% over the next five years

9th Tied) Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris is expected to depreciate 48% over the next five years