SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Aug. 8, 2006) — Edmunds.com recently ranked vehicles that would show the highest residual values after a five-year period, assuming 75,000 miles on the odometer. According to the company's lists announced this morning, the Honda S2000 and the Mini Cooper come in first and second, retaining the highest residual value in the car category.

"Vehicles with higher expected residual values have lower monthly lease payments and higher resale values," said Warren Clarke, content editor at Edmunds.com. "On the other hand, vehicles with lower projected residual values can often be purchased at bargain prices whether new or used.

Company officials said their residual value percentages are based on Edmunds.com True Market Value price for a vehicle equipped with typical options, plus destination charge. Each model's ranking represents an average of all trim levels in each model's lineup, executives added. All vehicles listed are 2006 models.

The cars with the highest projected residual values include:

1. Honda S2000, at 51.7 percent
2. Mini Cooper, at 51.5 percent
3. Acura TSX, at 47.7 percent
4. BMW M3, at 47.6 percent
5. Mercedes-Benz SL Class, at 47 percent and Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG, at 47 percent (tie)

Trucks and SUVs with the highest projected residual values are:

1. Toyota 4Runner, at 49.3 percent
2. Honda CRV, at 49 percent
3. Toyota Sequoia, at 48.9 percent and Lexus GX 470, at 48.9 percent (tie)
4. Toyota RAV4, at 48.8 percent

Meanwhile, Edmunds.com executives also forecasted which cars will have the lowest residual values:

1. Kia Rio, at 20.7 percent
2. Hyundai Accent, at 23 percent
3. Kia Spectra, at 24 percent
4. Dodge Stratus, at 26 percent
5. Hyundai Elantra, at 26.3 percent

As for trucks and SUVs with the lowest projected residual value, Edmunds.com includes:

1. Isuzu Ascender, at 30.8 percent
2. Mazda B-Series Truck, at 31.8 percent
3. Buick Rendezvous, at 31.9 percent
4. Suzuki XL-7, at 32.2 percent
5. Suzuki Grand Vitara, at 33.8 percent