While the official start of winter is still more than a month away, many areas of the country have already had their first encounter with the white and powdery (and then dirty and slushy) stuff. This means that, unless you live in southern California or Florida, buying a new convertible is not at the top of your list.
In the wake of the government-backed bankruptcy and a failed Penske buyout, GM announced that the Saturn brand would cease to exist in 2010. What do these two dissimilar topics have in common? The Saturn Sky, and the great incentives that are being offered as the sun sets on this convertible and all Saturns, to clean out the dying brand's inventory.
This year has seen a plethora of new luxury CUV's enter the market, including the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and Mercedes-Benz GLK, along with the redesigned Cadillac SRX and Lexus RX350. Lost among this roll-out is the Lincoln MKX. While some may just label the MKX as a Ford Edge rebadge, the MKX offers some important advantages. Read about them, and some available advantageous incentives, after the jump.
As this country slogs through this "Great Recession," almost everyone has been, or knows someone who has been, adversely effected by the current downturn in the economy. As a result, we are all looking to maximize our value for the dollar. Car buyers are no different and the Chevrolet Cobalt is often overlooked by consumers blinded by the popular headlights of Civics, Elantras, Corollas, Foci (yes, that is the plural of Focus) and Mazda3's. But with some enticing incentives, and a money back guarantee, perhaps the Cobalt should be reconsidered?
The sport-coupe segment has always been a tough sandbox for manufacturers to play in. The consumers who buy these types of vehicles tend to be very fickle, tending to gravitate to the freshest vehicles available. This leaves the more seasoned selections with lots of time to work on their tans, as they linger on dealer lots. Mitsubishi's Eclipse is no exception, as sales of this now four-year old model have been steadily declining.
Rivalries have always been good for improving the breed. Whether it is Mac vs PC, Red Sox vs Yankees or Alien vs Predator, competition brings out the best and demands change in the worst. Automotive rivalries are no different, especially the rivalry between luxury leaning Mercedes-Benz and sport leaning BMW. When Mercedes-Benz introduced the 2nd generation SLK four years ago, they realized that if they wanted to make convertible that could compete with the BMW Z-series, they would need to improve its sporting characteristics.
The Hyundai Genesis sedan has been an unqualified hit with both journalists and consumers alike. Inside Line editors have found little to complain about in their long-term Genesis V6. It was even on my short list when I was car shopping a couple of months ago. Although I ultimately went in another direction, I would recommend the Genesis to others almost without equivocation, and have repeatedly done so.
There is no question that value and luxury share the headliner on the Genesis marquee. With the availability of a Lexicon audio system, adaptive front lighting and a cooled driver's seat (among other luxury niceties), the Genesis leaves luxury buyers with little to want for. With a loaded sticker price of $40K, the V6 Genesis offers luxury and performance that under-cuts the competition by more than $10,000 in some cases.
However, there is more to life than sticker prices. Finance and lease rates can greatly impact the actual monthly payment buyers see in the F&I office. Hyundai is offering some attractive rates for both buying and leasing, along with some other incentives, and you can read about them after the jump.
Though it is now five model-years old, the current Chrysler 300 still seems to always catch my eye when I see one. The Bentley-inspired styling was bold in 2005, and it is still distinctive today. While there are full-sized vehicles that might offer more room and/or luxury, subjectively, none have the visual presence of the 300.
The 300 also offers attributes that enthusiasts drool over, namely rear-wheel drive and HEMI V8 power (and even more power in SRT8 guise). Those less-enthusiastic drivers can still enjoy the style without the need for a V8 as a V6 is available, as is AWD for those in less hospitable climates.
Of course you wouldn't be reading about the 300 unless there were some pretty good incentives available. Now through the end of the month, buyers can choose between $4500 customer cash or 0% financing for up to 72 months on the 2009 300. Most regions also offer $500-$1000 in bonus cash.
With those incentives, and some new Italian managers who seem poised to find a way to make Chrysler thrive and survive, the 300 is a sedan that buyers shouldn't overlook. Of course, that mug makes it hard to overlook too. For the latest incentives and rebates on all models, click here. (Sparta!)
Did you forget about the Endeavor? Don't feel bad, most people have. In fact, Mitsubishi even forgot to offer a 2009 model. But that doesn't mean you should forget to look at the Endeavor if you are in the market for a mid-sized CUV.
Back in 2003, the then new Endeavor beat out heavy hitters like the Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot in an Edmunds comparison test. It won that comparison test not by outright dominating, but by being consistently competent.
Though little changed since then, the core features that helped take the top slot in that comparison test are still present today. Edmunds editors noted the Endeavor's well-balanced ride and handling dynamics, a gutsy V6, a roomy, comfortable cabin and solid build quality.
But time waits for no CUV, and the losers in that comparison have all been redesigned since then, while the Endeavor has soldiered on without an update and with few changes. So in the absence of a redesign, Mitsubishi is endeavoring to sell more of their mid-sized CUV by offering up some attractive incentives. Read about them after the jump.
The Mini Cooper has been a run-away hit ever since its reintroduction here in the 2002 model year. This premium-priced compact has been popular with both consumers and the Edmunds editors, with the Cooper making a record (tying) three appearances in the Inside Line long-term fleet.
However, the downside is that the Mini has always been hard to come by, both by selection and by pricing. Even today, some Mini dealers like to try to charge a premium over MSRP on some models. However, Mini is now doing their customers a solid by offering a mini rate on their Mini Cooper. Now through the end of October, buyers can score 1.9% financing for up to 60 months on all Cooper models (including the S, Convertible, Clubman and John Cooper Works).
With a plethora of body styles and options, there is a Cooper for almost everyone. Now with some low financing available, the Mini is can be had for a MINImum payment too. Click here for the latest incentives and rebates on all vehicles.
It is not often that style and substance can be found in the same package. The VW CC is one exception to this axiom. Looking much more sleek and stylish than the Passat architecture it is based on, the CC is not only more expressive, but its starting price is actually lower than the Passat (that is the substance part of this equation, just in case you needed a hint.).
In exchange for the look and the price, however, you do lose that generally unused middle rear seating position and a bit of rear headroom. However, most consumers don't seem to mind as the CC has been outselling the Passat as of late. In the case of August sales, VW sold 1,980 CC's to the Passat sedan's 1,233 sales.
But with the 2010 model year right around the corner, VW would like to move out the remaining CC's that are on dealer lots. Find out what incentives VW is offering to consumers as a way of enticing you to see a CC in your driveway, after the jump.
Everyone seems to have their favorite little "hole in the wall" restaurant where they can get a great tasting meal that doesn't break the bank. While it will never be confused with fine dining, or have the mass-market appeal of a national chain, that restaurant is the place you meet your family and friends for good food and good times.
The Suzuki SX4 is just like that favorite little eatery: not as well known, a bit quirky and not much to look at, but very satisfying and affordable. With hatchback versatility, available AWD capability and a look that will never be confused with a Toyota Corolla, owners of the SX4 rate it very highly and seem quite happy with their off-beat purchase.
However, the SX4's sales number pale in comparison to the top sellers in the segment, so in an effort to help stimulate consumer interest, Suzuki has some attractive incentives on its little hole-in-the-wall crossover. Learn about them after the jump.
Nissan's Sentra sedan is not always at the top of most shopper's compact car shopping list, as the usual suspects (including Civic, Elantra, Focus and Mazda3) often garner more attention. However, the Sentra should not be overlooked.
Room is literally the Sentra's biggest attribute, as it offers more passenger space than most in its category, along with storage touches such as a laptop-sized glove box and the flexibility of a large truck with an available removable bulkhead. Technology options such as Bluetooth and keyless start are also available on some models.
However, if all that room isn't enough to capture your attention, perhaps the available incentives might. Read about them after the jump.
Say you like the idea of driving a luxury vehicle, but you have a large family or you need to carry more than the typical 4-passenger vehicle will comfortably accommodate, what are your choices? Minivans, even the fully loaded $40K top-of-the-line variety, don't offer much in the way of a true luxury experience. Luxury SUV's, like the Cadillac Escallade or the Mercedes GL-class, give you the luxury experience, but at the expense of fuel economy that is measured in the teens. Is there a happy medium?
The Buick Enclave might just be that very solution, silly commercials not withstanding. With a library-quiet interior, premium materials and such luxury amenities as cooled seats, panoramic sunroof and power everything, it offers a luxury experience that no Honda Odyssey can match. At the same time, it promises fuel economy that is significantly better than those of most other full-sized luxury SUV's.
Of course, just because you are interested in a luxury ride doesn't mean you don't want to get a good deal. Read about the incentives that are available on Buick's luxury cross-over, after the jump.
There was a time when the mention of an SUV congered up images of Ford Explorers, Chevy Blazers, Nissan Pathfinders and Toyota 4Runners. These were vehicles that could tow, travel off the beaten path and have the ability to carry the entire family and a lot of their stuff. Thanks to factors such as rising gas prices and consumer's desire for a more compliant ride, SUV's have given way to CUV's like the Ford Flex, Chevy Traverse, Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is clearly in the SUV camp, exemplified by its unmatched off-road capability. While it may not have the fuel economy or car-like ride of its CUV cousins, where the Grand Cherokee can go (or tow), those CUV's can't follow. That capability, along with its choices of four different powertrains and handsome styling, means that for some consumers, their needs can be satisfied "only in a Jeep."
Some enticing incentives never hurt either. See what is available on the Grand Cherokee this month, after the jump.
The Infiniti G37 sedan is generally well-received amongst the staff here at Edmunds. Two of the few criticisms include a less-than-class-leading interior and a trunk that falls a few cubic feet short of ideal.
For the 2008 model year, Infiniti introduced the EX35. This is a vehicle that, for all intents and purposes, is a G-wagon. While its passenger and cargo room can't match competitors like the Acura RDX, Audi Q5 or Volvo XC60, it does offer interior appointments that challenges (and may in fact exceed) most vehicles in its class. In this aspect, it is also superior to the G-sedan it is based on.
Another way it is superior to the G37 is in its available incentives. These incentives can help make it less expensive to buy or lease than the G37, or any of the EX35's competition. Read about these incentives after the jump.
Sometimes you just need a cheap car. You just want a low monthly payment on a car that will get you from point A to point B. Leasing is usually the best way to achieve that low payment, especially if you don't want to have to spend a lot at the start.
The Honda Civic has long been a popular compact car with the buying public. Edmunds' editors note the Civic's high build quality, sporty driving dynamics, rock-solid reputation for reliability and impressive fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, the purchase price for one can often be discouraging for many budget-minded buyers.
However, the very attributes that make the Civic an appealing choice also help to bolster a higher-than-average resale value. That high resale value, coupled with lease incentives, means you can get now get into a Civic on the cheap. How cheap? Find out after the jump.
For buyers looking to spend less than the average new car price, but who also want some style, hatchback flexibility, better-than-average fuel economy and performance that won't leave you sucking Prius fumes (huh?), Chevrolet offers the HHR.
While some may call it the Chevy PT Cruiser, the HHR (Heritage High Roof) actually takes its exterior styling cues from the '49 Suburban. Edmunds' editors like the HHR's interior appointments that belie the outdated stereotypical notion of "cheap" looking GM interiors. Those who crave higher performance, albeit at a higher price, the HHR SS offers the turbo-charged goodness of 260 hp.
But if you are reading this, you are looking for some great incentives and rebates. Well, considering its price, there are some pretty good offers on the HHR. Read about them after the jump.
There is an all-new Mercedes Benz E-Class coming for the 2010 model year. It will no doubt be a "more-better" luxury car than its predecessor in every measureable way. Of course, the current 2009 E350 is no slouch either. Though the current model has been around since the 2003 model year, Mercedes continued to make incremental improvements to its mid-sized luxury car, and it remains a vehicle that almost any car owner would be proud to park in their driveway.
In an effort to help dealers make room for the redesigned E-Class, Mercedes is offering some enticing incentives on the current 2009 E350. Read about them after the jump.
Subaru redesigned its compact Impreza for 2008, and made some additional, and notable, improvements for 2009. These improvements include standard stability control and 4-wheel disc brakes, along with a "hill holder" feature on manual transmission models. Couple this with standard AWD, a torque-rich boxer engine and superb crash test scores and you have a vehicle that should appeal to people both in and out of the snow-belt.
Of course, the compact segment is full of competent competitors like the Ford Focus, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra and Honda Civic. In an effort to make more consumers take notice of the sometimes overlooked Impreza, Subaru has rolled out some impressive Impreza incentives. Read about them after the jump.
For 2010, Ford updated its retro-styled Mustang with some less-retro style, a more powerful V8, updated interior appointments and materials and improved footwork. However, it will also cost you more, especially when you consider that there are no significant incentives available.
The '09 Mustang GT, on the other hand, still offers enthusiasts the classic style and performance that has helped to sell over nine million examples of this iconic muscle car over the course of the last 45 years. However, it does this in conjunction with significant discounts and some enticing incentives. Those incentives make the '09 Mustang GT our deal of the week. Details after the jump.
While Saturn's days as a GM division are numbered, it looks as though the brand (along with some of its products) will live on under the Penske guidance. The Saturn Aura is one of those products that will continue to see life, at least for a few years.
While the Aura shares its architecture with the Chevrolet Malibu and the Pontiac G6, it sets itself apart with more Euro-centric style and, of course, that famed Saturn buying experience. Edmunds' editors liked the efficient combination of a 6-speed transmission and the standard 4-cyl engine. Those looking for more thrust, and less economy, can opt for a V6 in the XR model that can deliver 0-60 acceleration in 6.4 seconds.
Of course that has not adequately helped speed the Aura off of dealer lots, so GM is offering a selection of incentives that they hope will help will help overcome issues of corporate bankruptcy and the brand changing hands. Read about them after the jump.
Form and function are often mutually exclusive when it comes to the task of moving people and stuff. Minivans excel at the latter, but fall short on the former. CUV's and wagons often look stylish, but at the expense of cargo capacity (Audi A4, I'm lookin' at you!). The Ford Flex looks to crack the form vs function formula with a space-maximizing boxy shape, while at the same time not looking like the box it came in.
Edmunds' editors said that the Flex should appeal to any family looking for a winning combination of panache and practicality and suggest that consumers looking at either a minivan or a large crossover SUV give it strong consideration. However, sales have not been as strong as Ford would have liked (yeah, the recession certainly hasn't helped). In an effort to stimulate sales, Ford is offering some "flex"ible incentives for its stylish people-mover. Read about them after the jump.
The upstart Hyundai Genesis Coupe has been garnering all sorts of attention recently. Much to the detriment of Hyundai's other sports coupe, the Tiburon, which has been around in its current form since 2003.Taking a hiatus for the 2009 model year until an all-new replacement is available, the 2008 Tiburon's styling is still eye catching and fairly unique when compared to other sport coupes.
Edmunds' editors liked this combination of upscale and eye-catching looks with interior controls that "would do a Honda proud" along with a price and warranty that most competitors can't touch. While it is down on power when compared to the competition, Hyundai has some great offers that they hope will make you overlook that deficiency. Find out about them after the jump.
Are you kidding me? How could the BMW M6, let alone the 6-Series, be highlighted as a deal of the week? I mean, this is the vehicle that had Edmunds' editors gushing over its phenomenal V10 (and that unique howl) that helped to offer exotic car performance without the associated exotic car price tag. Of course, it still ain't cheap. So BMW also offers much of the unique look in the less powerful 650i that offers seamless acceleration from its V8, agility that belies its size and a quiet and luxurious cabin. Most importantly, the price of entry is over two Salmon Chases less than the M6.
However, being fast and luxurious doesn't make you a deal-of-the-week. See what makes these Bavarian barn-stormers a deal, after the jump.
The Mazda6 was redesigned for the 2009 model year, offering contemporary styling and more space, while maintaining its reputation for sportiness and affordability. It was this combination that helped it achieve victory over the more powerful VW CC in a recent Inside Line comparison test. If the Mazda6 has what you are looking for, hit the jump to see what incentives are available and what kind of deal you might be able to wrangle one for.
The Dodge Ram 1500 just eked out a victory in a recent Inside Line comparison test, where editors lauded its smooth-riding and capable rear coil-sprung suspension, healthy track and towing performance, efficient dimensions and plethora of convenience and comfort features. While the sticker price was the highest of the group, we all know that the reality of the situation is that the sticker price is literally just a suggestion, one that is usually overlooked by customers and dealers alike. In addition, Dodge is offering a truck-load of cash incentives that can be used to either drive down the sales price, or to just fill up the bed. Get the details, and make your choice, after the jump.
For as long as it has had sliding doors, the Honda Odyssey minivan has been at the top of its class. In the last huge minivan comparison test, the Odyssey finished first with Inside Line's editors saying, "brimming with clever touches, the eminently comfortable and polished Odyssey is the alpha dog of minivans." Honda's "alpha dog" has now been bestowed with some pretty doggone good incentives too. Read about them after the jump.
For 2009, Nissan reinvented the Maxima by looking backwards. From its introduction in 1977 (as the Datsun 810) through 1999, the Maxima was the affordable four-door sports car (4DSC, as Nissan used to label it). However, with the dawn of the new millennium, the Maxima seemed to lose its way while competitors (and even Nissan's own Altima) became more adept at dialing in the Maxima's previous successful formula of performance, features and style.
So when Nissan redesigned the Maxima for 2009, it brought back those very attributes in spades. It now offers better performance, class-leading amenities and crisp styling. Of course some enticing incentives never hurt either. Read what Nissan is offering on its 4DSC after the jump.
Mitsubishi has had a tough time in the US over the last decade, with sales falling at a precipitous rate. In the first three months of this year, Mitsubishi's US sales have fallen more than 50%. Meanwhile, in Canada, Mitsubishi's sales are actually up this year. Product, as always, is the key here. While Mitsubishi can offer up a winner like the Lancer Evolution X, which has been a relative hit in the Edmunds' long-term fleet, most of their offerings in this country are either overlooked or are just not competitive. The Galant mid-sized sedan is certainly one of them. But as they say, money talks. See what it has to say after the jump.
By now it is a cliche, "the ultimate driving machine." For decades, the BMW 3-Series has been the yardstick by which all other sport sedans are measured against. While many have come close, none have been able to match the combination of deft handling, telepathic steering feel, brisk acceleration, extensive luxury amenities, leading technology, superior resale value and plain old consumer desirability.
That desirability is partially due to the fact that the 3-Series comes in the proverbial 31-flavors with a variety of choices in body styles and drive-trains. You can get one in sedan, wagon, coupe, convertible forms powered by normally aspirated and twin-turbo gas engines, and now a new diesel engine, along with your choice of manual or automatic transmissions across the entire line-up with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive putting the power down.
Now through May, BMW is offering a variety of incentive choices too. Read about them after the jump.
The Infiniti M35 sedan is a vehicle that is typical of the mid-sized luxury class, as it blends the sportiness of a compact sport sedan with the amenities and space of larger full-size luxury sedans. While it is all-too easy to be a jack of all trades and a master of none, the M35 is able to side-step this pitfall quite gracefully as it offers stout V6 power, a refined powertrain, adept handling, comfortable and handsome interior and a long list of luxury features. The few negatives include a noisier-than-average highway ride and overly complicated center stack controls. Of course, one of the best ways to overcome an objectionable attribute is to offer a compelling price, and this month Infiniti is offering exactly that. Read on to see what Infiniti is doing to motivate you into buying an M35.
Ford is in the midst of a real product renaissance, with each new model achieving higher class marks in refinement, fuel economy and performance. This has helped to make Ford the strongest of the three domestic manufacturers, with a more competitive product mix than either GM or Chrysler. One vehicle that helped to kick off Ford's recent product overhaul is the Fusion mid-sized sedan. With a refreshed 2010 model going on sale now, there are great deals to be had on the still desirable 2009 model. Read about them after the jump.
Despite the recent popularity of SUV's, nothing can carry people and stuff better than a minivan, and when it comes to minivans, nobody has sold more than Chrysler. They have essentially owned this market ever since they introduced the modern minivan 25 years ago. While they may not be at the top of class (Inside Line's long-term Caravan has taken a beating), the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country are still competitive and popular. VW even thought highly enough of the Chrysler product to put its name on their Routan version. For this week's deal, there are some nice incentives on all three models. heos
The Jeep Wrangler is an icon, the quintessential American off-road vehicle. In a world of do-everything cross-overs, the Wrangler makes no excuses for its intentions as a vehicle with the singular purpose of being the best off-road vehicle it can be. While this results in the Wrangler being unmatched off-road, it limits its ability (and appeal) on-road. Despite this single-minded objective, Wrangler sales have usually been particularly strong, especially when compared to its competitors. Strong sales have usually resulted in limited incentives being placed on the Wrangler. However, this month, there are deals to be had. Read the details after the jump.
Last month I named the Toyota Camry a deal-of-the-week. Now it is the Lexus ES350's
turn. The very attributes that makes the Camry a top-selling vehicle also apply to the ES350: roomy, reliable, smooth and innocuous. But it adds the features that the majority of upscale buyers want: luxury features and materials, longer warranties and a dealer experience designed to cater to the customer's needs. This combination is so successful that the ES350 is routinely Lexus' top-selling car. However, last month, sales were down more than 46% and Lexus dealers still need to move 2008 models. Learn what Lexus is doing to try to get you to put an ES350 in your driveway.
"Pontiac's best car ever.
" That is what Edmunds' editors had to say about the 2009 G8 GXP. How could it not be? When you combine the 415 hp V8 from the Corvette along with its available six-speed manual transmission, an aggressive numerically high 3.70 rear end, large 14" brakes with Brembo rotors, 19" forged lightweight rims, oh, and a roomy back seat, you have a combination of performance and practicality that no other vehicle can match for the price. What could make it better? How about some deal-of-the-week worthy incentives?
Even those considering a used Porsche 911 can appreciate a bargain, especially in these economically depressing times. If we told you that you could buy a nice, low-mileage (25k to 35k miles) Porsche 911 for $25 to $30 grand, you might wonder if we've been spending too much time inhaling fuel fumes and burning rubber at the test track.
As they say, in life, timing is everything. The Kia Borrego is suffering from bad timing. Kia launched the truck-based Borrego SUV at the same time last summer when gas was hitting an all-time high. An all-new SUV that is rated as low as 15 mpg and gas prices over $4/gallon are like oil and water, they don't mix. Gas prices are down now, but so are overall vehicle sales. We all know that the recession has continued to decimate the sale of all cars and trucks. As a result, last month, Kia sold 272 Borregos. Do I smell a deal of the week?
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