Consumer Reports: MINI Among Top 5 Best Overall Value

And some good green news came in from Germany, too!

In Consumer Reports 2009 annual auto issue, the Toyota Prius Touring reigned as its best overall value of 300 U.S. and foreign cars reviewed.

The Prius doesn't have the least expensive sticker price in its class, but its excellent fuel economy of 42 mpg overall and solid resale value help give it a low overall owner cost. The Prius has a five-year ownership cost of $26,250 and rated relatively high on its road test.

Rounding out the top five were the Mini Cooper, Volkswagen Rabbit, Honda Civic EX and the Honda Fit. (Looking at the MINI Convertible, which of the five would you honestly most like to drive? Thought so.)

Interestingly – and sadly – not a single U.S. brand was among the 41 vehicles on the group's Best Value list this year.

"All three U.S. automakers continued to be at the back of the class," the magazine said. Although GM and Ford improved their overall scores, Chrysler "disappointed the most." The company's "poor-performing products and sinking reliability results have kept all Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep-badged vehicles off CR's recommended list."

IN A RELATED ITEM…

The Federal Motor Transport Authority in Germany has declared BMW and MINI as the most fuel efficient premium brands available in that market. The agency has calculated fleet average fuel economy for all new cars registered in Germany during 2008 and BMW/MINI came out on top with an average of 39.9 mpg (U.S.) and CO2 emissions of 158 g/km.

So, to review: the top five Best Overall Value and the best fuel economy brand in Germany and drop-top-drop-dead stunning looks. Nice. Very nice.