GM Ties Honda for Most Models Listed on IntelliChoice.com's Best Deals for August
Rebates, end-of-year models help GM to top of ranking
Alternate fuel vehicles continue dominance
CAMPBELL, CA (August 4, 2006) - PRIMEDIA's IntelliChoice.com, the leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, today announced "Best Deals of the Month" rankings for August that put GM at the top with Honda.
"The August 2006 rankings mark the first time in quite a while that GM has this many models on the list," said James Bell, publisher of IntelliChoice.com. "Part of the reason for GM's showing is that the company is clearing out end-of-year models and some rebate programs continue, but it's important to point out that the Corvette and Silverado are mainstays on our list."
Bell added that the August "Best Deals" ranking also shows that alternative fuel autos are holding strong--despite reports that the shine has come off the segment.
"Alternative-fuel vehicles have proven themselves after several years in the marketplace," said Bell. "Even with higher up-front costs, such as purchase price and slightly higher insurance premiums, Total Ownership Costs over five years are lower than that of non-hybrid counterparts. Consumers should feel confident about the value and performance of these vehicles."
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 August 2006 are ranked by vehicle type and size:
| Class | Brand | Model |
|---|---|---|
| Subcompact | Honda | Insight (Manual) |
| Base Sport | Mazda | MX-5 Miata Club Spec |
| 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 | Mercedes-Benz | E320 CDI |
| 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 | GMC | Yukon XL 1500 SL 4WD |
| Utility under $36,000 | GMC | Yukon SL 4WD |
| Compact Pickup 2WD | Nissan | Frontier King Cab XE 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 | Chevrolet | Silverado 2500 HD Extended Cab LS 2WD Long Bed |
| Full-Size Pickup 2WD One Ton | Dodge | Ram 3500 Quad Cab ST 2WD |
| Full-Size Pickup 4WD 1/2 Ton | Chevrolet | Silverado 1500 Extended Cab LS 4WD Short Bed |
| Full-Size Pickup 4WD 3/4 Ton | Chevrolet | Silverado 2500 HD Extended Cab LS 4WD Long 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.com
Part 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.
