When it comes to purchasing a car, many buyers are wary of sacrificing quality for value.  Does a lower-priced car necessarily mean you're getting an inferior quality product than something priced higher?  Not at all, says U.S. News and World Report, which recently doled out the 2012 U.S. News Best Cars for the Money Awards.  In this comprehensive study, U.S. News ranked the contenders by compiling the following data:

1.    Average price paid
2.    Five-year total cost of ownership
3.    Owner feedback ratings

The results covered 23 automotive categories, and revealed a varying mix of brands both domestic and foreign, illustrating that no single car company has a lock on value.  Over half of the winners had been introduced or significantly redesigned in the last three years, pointing to the fact that newer cars not only offer better value but also hit the mark in customer satisfaction with the latest technology in styling.  The winners list can provide a great starting point for buyers navigating a confusing automotive market and looking to score the best deal for the money.

Of the 23 winners, we noted several stand-outs:

2012 Chevrolet Cruze:  Best Compact Car for the Money
- Extremely roomy cabin
- Upscale feel and features
- Excellent fuel economy, especially in the ECO trim level
- IIHS Top Safety Pick


2012 Buick Regal:  Best Upscale Midsize Car for the Money
- Fun to drive
- Long powertrain warranty
- High-tech features
- Less expensive than competitors


2012 Chevrolet Equinox:  Best 2-Row Compact SUV for the Money
- Long powertrain warranty
- Handy features like a slide-and-recline rear seat
- Good fuel economy and cargo space
- IIHS Top Safety Pick


2012 Chevrolet Suburban: Best Full-Size SUV for the Money
- Seats up to 9
- Long powertrain warranty
- Powerful towing capabilities
- Comfortable and easy to maneuver


Additional winners:
Subcompact Car:  Ford Fiesta
Upscale Small Car:  Volkswagen GTI
Hatchback:  Ford Fiesta
Affordable Midsize Car:  Ford Fusion
Affordable Large Car:  Ford Taurus
Hybrid Car:  Ford Fusion Hybrid
Affordable Sports Car:  Mazda MX-5 Miata
Wagon: Subaru Outback
Affordable 3-Row Compact SUV:  Toyota Rav4
Luxury Compact SUV:  Audi Q5
Luxury Midsize SUV:  Lexus RX 350
Affordable 2-Row Midsize SUV:  Ford Edge
Affordable 3-Row Midsize SUV:  Mazda CX-9
Luxury Large SUV:  Cadillac Escalade
Minivan:  Mazda Mazda5
Hybrid SUV:  Lexus RX Hybrid
Off-Road SUV:  Jeep Wrangler
Compact Pickup Truck:  Toyota Tacoma
Full Size Pickup Truck:  Ram 1500