SAN ANTONIO -

Along with its selections as the Top 10 models for teen drivers, USAA unveiled its third annual best value vehicles list naming the top 2013 models that offer affordability, safety and reliability.

USAA’s 2013 Best Value list includes three Dodge models. Neither a large luxury SUV nor a small pickup met the USAA Preferred requirements.

This year’s list includes:

—Small Sedan: Mitsubishi Lancer
—Midsize Sedan: Dodge Avenger
—Large Sedan: Dodge Charger
—Midsize Luxury Sedan: Audi A4
—Large Luxury Sedan: Lincoln MKS
—Small SUV: Kia Sportage
—Midsize SUV: Ford Explorer
—Large SUV: Chevrolet Traverse
—Midsize Luxury SUV: Lexus RX 450h (hybrid)
—Large Pickup: Toyota Tundra
—Sports: Scion FR-S
—Coupe: Honda CR-Z
—Wagon: Audi A3
—Minivan: Dodge Grand Caravan

Officials highlighted best value automobiles offer the best overall value of all vehicles USAA evaluates as part of its proprietary rating system called USAA Preferred, which uses quantitative data to evaluate vehicles’ cost, safety and reliability, among other factors.

There are nearly 70 cars, trucks and minivans currently designated as USAA Preferred vehicles. The Best Value list represents the vehicles that rose to the top of each category.

“This year we raised the bar on the importance of safety standards. Vehicles must earn a top safety pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to qualify as USAA Preferred,” said Steve Thompson, vice president responsible for the USAA Car Buying Service.

“A USAA Preferred vehicle is a great value financially, and is among the safest vehicles on the road,” Thompson continued.

2013 Top 10 Cars for Teens

For a second year, USAA also identified the top 10 vehicles for teens.

These USAA Preferred vehicles cost less than $25,500 and they rank highest in safety, reliability and reasonable insurance costs, which are the factors parents indicated to the company are the most important when choosing a vehicle for their teen driver.

The top 10 are:

1. Dodge Dart
2. Dodge Avenger
3. Honda CR-Z
4. Chrysler 200
5. Honda Insight
6. Volkswagen Golf
7. Hyundai Elantra
8. Nissan Versa
9. Kia Optima
10. Chevrolet Malibu

In addition to identifying the top vehicles for teen drivers, USAA now is offering the new Young Drivers Intelligence service to help reduce teen driver accidents and save lives.

The voluntary program includes a GPS-enabled device that plugs into the teen’s vehicle and records driving data such as acceleration, braking, routes, and speed. Parents and teens can review the data online, providing the opportunity to teach safe driving behavior and track progress.

Young Drivers Intelligence is available at no cost for one year to members whose teen drivers are insured by USAA. Officials stressed the program will not be used to modify insurance policies or premiums.

“Studies show that car accidents are the No. 1 cause of teen deaths across the country, and teen drivers are three times more likely to get into an accident than drivers in their 20s,” said Lauren Fix, The Car Coach, a recognized automotive expert.

“The USAA Top 10 for Teens list makes it easier for parents to select a vehicle they can feel more confident about their teen driving, and the Young Drivers Intelligence tool allows parents to turn every trip their teen takes into a learning experience,” Fix continued.

USAA Preferred ratings and Best Value vehicles are designated as such on usaa.com and the USAA Mobile App.

For more information visit www.usaa.com/bestvalue and www.usaa.com/youngdriversintelligence.

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