CAMPBELL, Calif.--()--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 April 2009. The list reveals consistency in the mix of brands that have recently edged their way up as top values for consumers and highlights the increasing competitiveness of the U.S. auto market.
“Similar to last month, we have 20 different nameplates on a list with 31 vehicles. It’s not that the brands long known for quality and value are slipping, but that other brands are catching up. The competitive gap is narrowing.”
“IntelliChoice.com’s April Best Deals list shows the growing power of brands such as Hyundai and Lincoln to compete with likes of Toyota and Honda in offering value and quality,” said James Bell, editor of IntelliChoice.com. “Similar to last month, we have 20 different nameplates on a list with 31 vehicles. It’s not that the brands long known for quality and value are slipping, but that other brands are catching up. The competitive gap is narrowing.”
Bell added, “The most noteworthy change on April’s list is in the Luxury car segment, based on the strength of rebates. The Saab 9-5 Wagon no longer features a rebate, so it fell off the list and was replaced by the Cadillac DTS, which features a $2000 rebate, and the Lexus LS.”
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 lowest national manufacturer 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 April 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 (tie) | Lexus LS | |
| Cadillac DTS | ||
| Large Car | Hyundai Sonata 4 Cylinder | |
| Base Sports Car | Volkswagen GTI 2-door | |
| Sports Car | Chevrolet Corvette | |
| 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 (tie) | Mercury Mariner Hybrid | |
| Ford Escape Hybrid | ||
| Mazda Tribute Hybrid | ||
| Midsize Crossover | Toyota Highlander hybrid | |
| Luxury Crossover | Lexus RX | |
| Intermediate Utility | Hummer H3 | |
| Utility | Toyota Land Cruiser | |
| Luxury Utility | GMC Envoy Denali | |
| Compact Pickup Truck 2WD | Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 2WD | |
| Compact Pickup 4WD | Toyota Tacoma 4WD | |
| Full-Size Pickup 2WD ½ Ton | GMC Sierra Crew Cab Hybrid 2WD | |
| Full-Size Pickup 2WD ¾ Ton | Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 2WD | |
| Full-Size Pickup 2WD One Ton | Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 2WD | |
| Full-Size Pickup 4WD ½ Ton | GMC Sierra Crew Cab Hybrid 4WD | |
| Full-Size Pickup 4WD ¾ Ton | Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab 4WD | |
| Full-Size Pickup 4WD One Ton | Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 4WD | |
| Minivan | Toyota Sienna | |
| Full-Size Van (tie) | Chevrolet Express 1500 | |
| GMC Savana 1500 |
IntelliChoice.com Helps Consumers Do Their Homework
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.”
Please visit www.intellichoice.com for more information and the most up-to-date incentives.
About IntelliChoice.com, Source Interlink Media, and Source Interlink Companies, Inc.
IntelliChoice.com, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, 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, 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. Source Interlink Media is a subsidiary of Source Interlink Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SORC), a media and marketing services company. Source Interlink 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. Learn more about IntelliChoice.com and Source Interlink.
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