CAMPBELL, CA (December 15, 2008)–IntelliChoice.com, the leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, and part of media and marketing services company Source Interlink Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SORC), today announced its “Best Deals of the Month” for December 2008 for all new cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles. The monthly ranking shows U.S. automakers upping rebates and incentives to levels among the highest ever as they appeal for government bailout loans.
“December sales are critical for U.S. manufacturers as they anxiously anticipate government support and look to sustain operation,” said James Bell, editor of IntelliChoice.com. “With certain dealers offering a ‘buy one get one for a $1′ program, this is among the most creative incentive eras we have seen. We are also seeing a resurgence of special employee pricing programs–a policy they hoped would not be necessary. Now is a great time for auto buyers, especially if they’re looking for new quality from American manufacturers.”
“Our latest Best Deals roster shows some tremendous bargains from core brands like Chevrolet and Ford – Chevy practically swept the Full Size Pickup class, and this is especially encouraging given the tight gap in quality, design, and fuel efficiency when compared to the import brands.”
There were 14 changes from November to December’s Best Deals list, one of the biggest numbers we have seen in months. 11 out of the 14 are American-made vehicles. One of the biggest rebates on December’s list was the GMC Yukon XL, which edged out the Toyota Sequoia due to a $6,000 rebate. The Cadillac DTS beat out the Infiniti M35 with the same rebate.
IntelliChoice.com’s “Best Deals of the Month” identify new cars, trucks, and SUVs with the best ownership cost value in 33 respective classes. Selections are based on current car prices, market conditions and the lowest national manufacturer consumer new car 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 car model-year trim line over a five-year basis.
The following “Best Deals” for December 2008 are ranked by vehicle type and size
| Class | Brand | Model |
| Subcompact Car | Toyota | Yaris Sedan |
| Compact Car over 17000 | Honda | Civic Hybrid |
| Compact Car under 17000 | Toyota | Corolla |
| Midsize Car over 21000 | Toyota | Prius |
| Midsize Car under 21000 | Toyota | Prius |
| Convertible | MINI | Cooper Convertible |
| Luxury Convertible | Saab | 9-3 Convertible |
| Near Luxury Car | Lincoln | MKZ |
| Luxury Car | Cadillac | DTS |
| Large Car | Hyundai | Sonata |
| Base Sport Car | Ford | Mustang Coupe |
| Sport Car | Ford | Mustang GT Coupe |
| Sport Sedan/Wagon over 38000 | Lexus | GS |
| Sport Sedan/Wagon under 38000 | Chrysler | 300 C |
| Compact Utility/Crossover | Ford | Escape Hybrid |
| Midsize Crossover | Subaru | Tribeca |
| Luxury Crossover | Lexus | RX 400h |
| Small Wagon | Toyota | Matrix |
| Midsize/Large Wagon | Subaru | Outback Wagon |
| Intermediate SUV | Kia | Sorento |
| Full-Size Utility | GMC | Yukon XL 1500 |
| Luxury SUV | GMC | Envoy Denali |
| Compact Pickup Truck 2WD | Toyota | Tacoma Regular Cab 2WD |
| Compact Pickup Truck 4WD | Toyota | Tacoma Regular Cab 4WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD 1/2 Ton | Chevrolet | Silverado 1500 Extended Cab 2WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD 3/4 Ton | Chevrolet | Silverado 2500 HD Regular Cab 2WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD One Ton | Chevrolet | Silverado 3500 HD Regular Cab 2WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD 1/2 Ton | Lincoln | Mark LT 4WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD 3/4 Ton | Chevrolet | Silverado 2500 HD Regular Cab 4WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD One Ton | Chevrolet | Silverado 3500 HD Crew Cab 4WD |
| Minivan | Toyota | Sienna |
| Full-Size Van | Chevrolet | Express Passenger Van |
| Cargo Van | Chevrolet | Uplander Cargo Van |
IntelliChoice.com updates vehicle data several times a month in order to capture the many expiring auto rebates and ongoing incentive programs offered by manufacturers–giving consumers the most up-to-date analysis on which vehicles offer them the best value for their money.
IntelliChoice.com’s “Best Deals” designation enables consumers to identify how car 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 as “IntelliChoice.com Best Deals of the Month” are typically cars and trucks that have good to great ownership cost values before any manufacturer rebate. 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 http://www.intellichoice.com/ for more information or to check the auto rebate section of any vehicle report for the most up-to-date incentives.
IntelliChoice.com, part of Enthusiast Media’s Automotive Digital, is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice.com is committed to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools. Through the IntelliChoice.com 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 an online car buying guide. Enthusiast Media is a division of Source Interlink Companies, Inc., (NASDAQ: SORC), a media and marketing services company. Source Interlink (www.sourceinterlink.com) is one of the largest publishers of magazines and online content for enthusiast audiences and a leading distributor of home entertainment products, including DVDs, music CDs, magazines, games, books and related items.
