CAMPBELL, CA (May 26, 2009) – IntelliChoice.com, the leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, and part of media and marketing services company Source Interlink Companies, Inc., today announced its “Best Deals of the Month” for May 2009.
“IntelliChoice.com’s Best Deals list for May highlights the growing mix of brands that deliver significant consumer value, such as Kia, Hyundai and Lincoln,” said James Bell, editor of IntelliChoice.com. “It is not just the state of the economy that makes this such a buyer’s market, but brand and quality parity. I believe we are heading toward a market that will have many equally strong and competitive automakers…the days of certain dominators are over.”
Bell added, “It is noteworthy that we continue to see more Ford models on the list, including the Mustang Coupe and GT. This is fueled in part by rebates, which show how cash on the hood can turn above-average models into great deals for car buyers.”
IntelliChoice.com’s “Best Deals of the Month” identify new cars, trucks, and SUVs with the best ownership cost value in 31 respective classes. Selections are based on current car prices, market conditions and the most aggressive national new car rebates. 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 May 2009 are ranked by vehicle type and size
| Class | Brand | Model |
| Subcompact Car | Toyota | Yaris |
| Compact Car over $17,000 | Honda | Civic Hybrid |
| Compact Car under $17,000 | Toyota | Corolla |
| Midsize Car over $21,000 | Toyota | Prius |
| Midsize Car under $21,000 | Toyota | Prius |
| Convertible | MINI | Cooper Convertible |
| Luxury Convertible | Audi | TT Convertible |
| Near Luxury Car | Lincoln | MKZ |
| Luxury Car | Lexus | LS |
| Large Car | Kia | Amanti |
| Base Sport Car (tie) | Volkswagen | GTi 2-Door |
| Ford | Mustang Coupe | |
| Sport Car | Ford | Mustang GT |
| Small/Midsize Wagon | Volkswagen | Jetta TDI Wagon |
| Sport Sedan/Wagon over $38,000 | Lexus | GS |
| Sport Sedan/Wagon under $38,000 | Mitsubishi | Lancer Ralliart |
| Compact Utility/Crossover | Mazda | Tribute Hybrid |
| Midsize Crossover (tie) | Toyota | Highlander Hybrid |
| Lincoln | MKX | |
| Luxury Crossover | Lexus | RX |
| Intermediate Utility | Hummer | H3 |
| Utility | Nissan | Armada |
| 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 (tie) | GMC | Sierra Crew Cab Hybrid 2WD |
| Chevrolet | Silverado Crew Cab Hybrid 2WD | |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD 3/4 Ton | Chevrolet | Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 2WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD One Ton | Chevrolet | Silverado 3500 HD Regular Cab 2WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD 1/2 Ton | Nissan | Titan 4WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD 3/4 Ton | Chevrolet | Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 4WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD One Ton | Chevrolet | Silverado 3500 HD Crew Cab 4WD |
| Minivan | Toyota | Sienna |
| Full-Size Van | Ford | E150 |
IntelliChoice.com updates vehicle data several times a month to capture the latest auto rebates and ongoing incentive programs offered by manufacturers, giving consumers the most up-to-date analysis. IntelliChoice.com’s “Best Deals” list 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 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. A rebate can often turn a good ownership cost value into a great one, and a great value into an “IntelliChoice.com Best Deal of the Month.”
