IntelliChoice.com's Best Car Values For September Shows Rebates Abound, Post Cash-For-Clunkers
Campbell, CA--CAMPBELL, CA (September 16, 2009)--IntelliChoice.com, the leading source for automotive ownership cost and car values analysis, today announced its "Best Deals of the Month" for new car values for September 2009. The list offers consumers and industry observers insight into which cars, trucks and SUVs offer the best value over a five-year period. This month, brands such as Volvo, Hyundai, Chrysler and Dodge all share the list with long-time winners such as Toyota and Honda.
What's New and Notable
Small car classes remain highly competitive, with Best Deals stalwarts such as the Honda Fit, Toyota Prius, MINI Cooper and Toyota Corolla all vying to remain on top. Very few of the small car classes feature new car rebates of any kind, supporting the trend of consumers remaining on the hunt for greater fuel-efficiency and better car values.
Rebates of the Month
The Pontiac Solstice's $2,500 rebate is enough to put it over the top against the Volkswagen GTI, which won the same class in August and has a very strong following among auto enthusiasts. Also, Volvo car values continue to be competitive with new car rebates of $6,500 on the C70, $7,500 on the S60 and $6,250 on the S80.
Trending Up
Volkswagen, which holds sway in three very competitive classes: the Jetta TDI Wagon holds the top spot among Compacts over $17,000 and among Small/Midsize Wagons. The Touareg, which has not often made IntelliChoice.com's Best Deals list, is tops among Midsize Crossovers.
"The Jetta TDI has the potential to be one of those game-changing cars, much like the Toyota Prius," said Eric Anderson, senior analyst for IntelliChoice.com. "The diesel-powered Jetta TDI has five-year ownership costs that are hard to beat."
The Domestics
There are some bright spots for GM and Chrysler, whose winners have largely come in the large truck classes. This month, with the help of rebates, the Pontiac Solstice Coupe beats out the Volkswagen GTI, and the Jeep Compass takes over the Compact Utility/Crossover class from the Saturn VUE Hybrid.
The Winners
IntelliChoice.com's "Best Deals of the Month" rank which new cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs deliver the best cost of ownership in 31 vehicle classes. The best car values for September 2009 are:
| Class | Brand | Model |
| Subcompact Car | MINI | Cooper Hatchback |
| Compact Car over $17,000 | Volkswagen | Jetta TDI Sedan |
| Compact Car under $17,000 | Honda | Fit |
| Midsize Car over $21,000 | Toyota | Prius |
| Midsize Car under $21,000 | Toyota | Prius |
| Convertible | MINI | Cooper Convertible |
| Luxury Convertible | Volvo | C70 |
| Near Luxury Car | Volvo | S60 |
| Luxury Car | Volvo | S80 |
| Large Car | Hyundai | Sonata 4cyl |
| Base Sport Car | Pontiac | Solstice Coupe |
| Sport Car | Pontiac | Solstice GXP |
| 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 | Jeep | Patriot |
| Midsize Crossover | Volkswagen | Touareg 2 VR6 |
| Luxury Crossover | Lexus | RX |
| Intermediate Utility | Hummer | H3 |
| Utility | Toyota | Land Cruiser |
| Luxury SUV | GMC | Envoy Denali |
| Minivan | Chrysler | Town & Country |
| Full-Size Van | Chevrolet | Express 1500 |
| 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 | Avalanche 2WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD 3/4 Ton | Dodge | Ram 2500 Quad Cab 2WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD One Ton | Dodge | Ram 3500 2WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD 1/2 Ton | Chevrolet | Avalanche 4WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD 3/4 Ton | Dodge | Ram 2500 Quad Cab 4WD |
| Full-Size Pickup Truck 4WD One Ton | Dodge | Ram 3500 4WD |
The Methodology
IntelliChoice.com's 'Best Deals of the Month' analyzes monthly values for new cars and trucks based on the seven primary factors that determine a 's long-term ownership costs: fuel economy, maintenance, repair, retained or resale value, licensing, state fees and taxes. Using these seven factors, IntelliChoice.com determines what it costs to own and operate new cars over a five-year basis. The firm examines each and every new car model-year trim line, as ownership costs can vary significantly among different trim lines of the same model.
IntelliChoice.com updates new cars data several times a month from numerous automotive resources, such as fuel costs from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and captures the latest auto rebates and ongoing incentive programs offered by manufacturers. Visit www.intellichoice.com for a complete breakdown of all the new cars on the market.
About IntelliChoice.com and Source Interlink Companies, Inc.
IntelliChoice.com, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC., is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and car values 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 new cars. The site also connects buyers to the buying alternatives of their choice, including vehicle manufacturers and an online car buying guide. Source Interlink Media LLC is a subsidiary of Source Interlink Companies, Inc., a recognized provider of targeted media and marketing services, a leading U.S. distributor of home entertainment products and services and one of the largest publishers of magazines and online content for enthusiast audiences.
