IntelliChoice's Best Deals of the Month - October 2006
Toyota takes top rankings in SUV and Truck segments
CAMPBELL, CA (October 10, 2006) - PRIMEDIA's IntelliChoice.com, the leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, today announced its "Best Deals of the Month" for October 2006, with Toyota notching an impressive ten vehicle turnout on the list.
In addition to carrying the car segment with its Prius and Avalon, which it has done consistently for most of the past year, Toyota is putting pressure on Detroit with top rankings in the SUV and truck categories.
"Toyota's impact in the truck market, with the continuing success of the Tacoma and impending arrival of the all-new 2007 Tundra, continues to be at the forefront of debate in the automotive industry," said James Bell, publisher of IntelliChoice.com. "And Toyota is effectively increasing the pressure with big rebates to clear out the 2006 Tundra line-up."
Bell added, "Even with the impact of higher-fuel prices in the full-size truck and SUV markets, Toyota continues to build reliable and affordable product lines that consumers desire. Add in the more aggressive rebates, and the impact on the other major players in these markets is noticeable."
IntelliChoice.com's "Best Deals of the Month" identify new cars, trucks and SUVs with the best ownership cost value in 29 respective classes. Selections are based on current vehicle pricing, market conditions and the lowest national manufacturer consumer rebate. In addition, IntelliChoice.com uses the latest information from numerous automotive resources to evaluate what it costs to buy, own, and operate each new model-year trim line over a five year basis.
The following "Best Deals" for October 2006 are ranked by vehicle type and size:
| Class | Brand | Model |
|---|---|---|
| Subcompact | Honda | Insight (Manual) |
| Base Sport | Honda | Civic Si (Manual) |
| Compact over $16,000 | Honda | Civic Hybrid (Auto) |
| Compact under $16,000 | Honda | Civic DX (Auto) |
| Midsize over $21,000 | Honda | Accord EX w/Leather (Manual) |
| Midsize under $21,000 | Toyota | Prius |
| Large | Toyota | Avalon Touring |
| Sport | Chevrolet | Corvette |
| Near Luxury | BMW | 325i |
| Luxury | Lexus | GS 300 RWD |
| Small Wagon | Scion | xB (Auto) |
| Midsize/Large Wagon | Subaru | Outback 2.5i |
| Mini-Van over $24,000 | Honda | Odyssey EX w/Leather |
| Mini-Van under $24,000 | Honda | Odyssey LX |
| Full-Size Van | Chevrolet | Express 1500 Passenger Van |
| Compact Utility over $21,000 | Ford | Escape Hybrid 2WD |
| Compact Utility under $21,000 | Toyota | RAV4 2WD |
| Intermediate Utility over $29,000 | Toyota | Highlander Hybrid 2WD |
| Intermediate Utility under $29,000 | Honda | Pilot LX 2WD |
| Utility over $36,000 | Toyota | Land Cruiser |
| Utility under $36,000 | Toyota | Sequoia SR5 2WD |
| Compact Pickup 2WD | Toyota | Tacoma Regular Cab PreRunner 2WD (Manual) |
| Compact Pickup 4WD | Toyota | Tacoma Regular Cab 4WD (Manual) |
| Full-Size Pickup 2WD 1/2 Ton | Toyota | Tundra Regular Cab 2WD (Auto) |
| Full-Size Pickup 2WD 3/4 Ton | Ford | F250 Super Duty Crew Cab XL 2WD Short Bed |
| Full-Size Pickup 2WD One Ton | Dodge | Ram 3500 Quad Cab ST 2WD |
| Full-Size Pickup 4WD 1/2 Ton | Toyota | Tundra Double Cab SR5 4WD |
| Full-Size Pickup 4WD 3/4 Ton | Ford | F250 Super Duty Crew Cab XL 4WD Short Bed |
| Full-Size Pickup 4WD One Ton | Dodge | Ram 3500 Quad Cab ST 4WD |
The Importance of Research
IntelliChoice.com updates vehicle data several times a month in order to capture the many expiring rebates and ongoing programs offered by manufacturers-giving consumers the most up-to-date analysis.
IntelliChoice.com's "Best Deals" designation enables consumers to identify how rebates affect a vehicle's value throughout ownership and not just at the time of purchase. Ownership costs can vary significantly among different trim lines of the same model. Additionally, IntelliChoice.com continuously updates fuel costs based on the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Vehicles designated an "IntelliChoice.com Best Deal of the Month" are typically cars and trucks that have good to great ownership cost values before any manufacturer rebate. However, a rebate can often turn a good ownership cost value into a great value, and a great value into an "IntelliChoice.com Best Deal of the Month."
Please visit www.IntelliChoice.com for more information or to check the rebate section of any vehicle report for the most up-to-date incentives.
About IntelliChoice.comPart of PRIMEDIA's Enthusiast Media, IntelliChoice is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice is committed to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools. Through the IntelliChoice web site (www.intellichoice.com), consumers get the help they need to research, compare, configure and price vehicles. The site also connects buyers to the buying alternatives of their choice, including vehicle manufacturers and online buying services.
