To be fair, some just never had it.  A quick overview for those not in the know:  A car lease is basically you paying for the use of a car within a designated period of time.

It is not renting, and therefore you pay for maintenance, taxes, and insurance.

You have lease payments each month which are similar to auto loan payments, except what you are paying to the lessor goes towards the diminishing value of the vehicle.  Essentially you are paying for the depreciation that occurs while in possession of the vehicle.

Remember also to keep it clean, dent free and under mileage if your lease commands you to do so.

You can negotiate the price of a lease to form lower monthly payments but the bottom line is that the higher the residual, or resale value, of a vehicle is, the lower the monthly payments.  Think about paying off a $20,000 car:  If, in 3 years, the car loses $10,000 in depreciation, that’s going to cost more than paying off $5,000 in depreciation.  Simple, right?

For further education, learn all you’ve ever wanted to know (and some you didn’t) about leasing here:  http://www.leaseguide.com/index2.htm

The best lease cars are the ones we aspire to drive and whose long term residuals stand the test of time.  With that in mind, here are a few options to get the figures rolling:

Best Cars to Lease for the Compact Commuter

Honda Fit Small, economical fun for the city.

Best Cars to Lease for the Sports Ticket

Audi A5 Mercedes and BMW (especially the 3 series) are two often-leased luxury brands, but give Audi a chance too.  The sports coupe gains points for interior and exterior style combined with power and handling substance.  Sensible alternative:  Hyundai Elantra makes the list for price and MPG’s.

Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTec Sedan Diesel curious leasers may want to look into the sedans’ appeal from the vaunted E-Class.

Nissan GT-R Only the credit savvy will be able to touch this street legal rocket, but the dream lease GT-R has the appeal that makes potential drivers drool.  Sensible alternative: Probably anything else.

Best Cars to Lease for the Crossover Appeal

BMW X5 and BMW X6 These crossovers combine BMW brand name with cool image to outrun the family car stigma.  Sensible alternative: Honda CR-V Safety, economy, and price make up for lack of power compared to its luxury counterparts.

Lexus RX and Lexus GX Don’t forget about the overshadowed luxury of Lexus.  All around versatility make these SUV’s appealing options.

Nature inspired alternative: 2011 Subaru Outback For the space conscious outdoors type, Outback provides room for equipment with off-road readiness without the price of more luxurious crossovers.

Best Cars to Lease for the Off-Road Fun

Jeep Wrangler The American off-road institutional vehicle has durability and adventurous appeal.  Just as nice alternative: Toyota FJ Cruiser Ride in comfort whether off-roading or attacking city streets.

Best Cars to Lease for the Work Mode

Ford F Series Super Duty Full size pickup enthusiasts can check out the beastly collection that will haul just about anything.  Midsized pickup alternative: Toyota Tacoma offers hauling/towing action in midsize form.