IntelliChoice's Best New Car Deals for July Shows Little Impact of U.S. Automaker Incentives
CAMPBELL, CA (July 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 July 2006. The new list shows that despite the renewed onslaught of incentives from U.S. manufacturers, they have yet to make a dent in the dominance of foreign automakers in the traditional car categories.
"Despite efforts since last year's heavy incentive sales, the U.S. manufacturers have not been able to exceed the value of the imports in the car categories. Of note, this month's 'Best Deals' list has only one American model among the non-utility categories: the Chevy Corvette," said James Bell, publisher of IntelliChoice.com. "It's important to remember that heavy incentive and rebate programs can accelerate the rate of depreciation on vehicles. Given that most vehicles are owned less than four years, low residual values tend to lessen owner satisfaction with the brand and impact loyalty purchases."
Bell added, "Although U.S. manufacturers are noted as having the best known and most aggressive year-end close out sales, all manufacturers are currently offering some sort of incentive. It is a buyer's market right now and purchasers should carefully research these programs before entering a dealership."
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 July 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 |
| Near Luxury | BMW | 325i |
| Sport | Chevrolet | Corvette |
| 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 |
| 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 | Dodge | Ram 2500 Quad Cab ST 2WD Short 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 | Dodge | Ram 2500 Quad Cab ST 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.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.
