GM Ties Honda in IntelliChoice.com's Best New Car Deals

[doh]

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060804/20060804005255.html?.v=1

GM Ties Honda for Most Models Listed on IntelliChoice.com's Best New Car Deals for August
Friday August 4, 10:00 am ET
Rebates, End-of-Year Models Help GM to Top of Ranking
Alternate Fuel Vehicles Continue Dominance


CAMPBELL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 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 21000 Honda Accord EX w/Leather
(Manual)

Midsize under 21000 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

[MNdudeswitz]

Yeah but they are all SUV's and Trucks...............I wanted some cars on the list !

[Ming]

"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."

Hmmm, wonder if my purchase of an E-85 compatible Impala later this year will have better residual value than I had anticipated? And unlike the Hybrids its a no-cost (to consumers, at least) option.

[Murrow]

Originally Posted by MNdudeswitz

Yeah but they are all SUV's and Trucks...............I wanted some cars on the list !

Except for the Corvette.

[Mrbowtie]

At least we know GM won't have a mini van on this list for a while.

But I think the new Aura and the new Malibu (see spy photos) might come alot closer to this list.

[quinnp12]

Is this including the GMT 900s? I would assume not, but either way, the most important part is that GM get some cars on the list. Although I find it funny it seems to be an all Japanese and American party. The Europeans really haven't done anything recently (except, apparently the 325i aka cheapest bimmer possible and the e320), and it shows.

[GMRULES]

Big deal

[Family Man]

Whoopie... So GM wins for heavy duty trucks/SUVs and a sports car. Wheres the awards for small, intermediate, large and luxury cars?

The future is looking good for GM, but these awards are nothing to brag about. Wake me up when GM starts winning for cars that every person can afford.

[rsbaker]

Originally Posted by MNdudeswitz

Yeah but they are all SUV's and Trucks...............I wanted some cars on the list !

Well there is Corvette. I'd be willing to bet there will be 1 or 2 cars on this list in the next year or two.

[johnny smallblock]

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."

Hybrids are not alternative fuel vehicles. E85 is an alternative fuel. Using less gas is not.

[dindak]

I would really like to see something like the new Aura on the sedan list.

GM does good trucks, nothing new about that.

[momo67]

Originally Posted by MNdudeswitz

Yeah but they are all SUV's and Trucks...............I wanted some cars on the list !

it just reinforces the stereotype that if you want a car you go Japanese (Germany for luxury), and if you want a big, ugly gas-guzzling truck, buy American!