The value of a vehicle can be difficult to judge. Prospective buyers have to balance the initial price tag with the cost of fuel, insurance, loan payments and potential auto repair or maintenance expenses. That's all in addition to elements like personal style, technology and performance, and combining all of these qualities into one vehicle can be extremely difficult. 

To help drivers judge value, Consumer Reports releases an annual report detailing the vehicles that offer the best value. For the second year in a row, the Toyota Prius topped the list, thanks in large part to its impressive fuel economy. It also offers a low rate of depreciation, ensuring that motorists who are trying to find used cars like this hybrid are getting plenty bang for their buck. 

"The Prius' 44 mpg overall is the best fuel economy of any non-plug-in car that Consumer Reports has tested," said Rik Paul, Consumer Reports' automotive editor. "Though it's not particularly cheap to buy, the Prius' depreciation is so low that it costs less to own over the first five years than its initial MSRP. We call that a bargain."

Also ranking highly was the Honda Fit. This vehicle generally offers a low initial price, but its dependability, fuel efficiency and safety features make it a worthy investment. The brands that achieved the best results include Subaru and Mazda, both of which had a number of high-ranking automobiles land among the top choices. 

When you're searching for a car with plenty of value, you'll want to look through the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, including some that offer tremendous value for drivers.