New Car Rebates and Incentives: May 17, 2012

May's warmer winds continue to blow favorable rebates and incentives on brand new cars and trucks into dealerships across the country.  This week, our list of the best bargains currently available starts out with the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport compact crossover, which features the choice between zero percent financing or $500 cash back.  Next is the mid-size 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible, which combines 0.0% financing with $500 in cash rebates or provides the option of $1,500 total cash back, followed by the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee full-size SUV and its offer of 0.0% financing or $1,000 in factory cash rebates.  The 2012 Nissan Altima Coupe keeps things interesting for mid-size two-door fans thanks to a 0.0% financing incentive or the choice of $2,000 in cash back, while the 2012 Toyota RAV4 mid-size crossover caps our roundup with a zero percent financing offer or the availability of $750 cash back.

We'll be right here next week to bring you another round of the most appealing bargains available on the new vehicle market, so make sure to check back with us before you head out to pick up your next ride.

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is an aggressively-styled entry into the affordable crossover segment.  The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is configured to seat up to five passengers, and with the rear row of accommodations out of the picture the vehicle can haul up to 49.5 cubic feet of cargo.

Underneath the hood the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport features a 148 horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.  Also capable of generating 145 lb-ft of torque, this unit is matched with a five-speed manual transmission as its standard gearbox, with the option of a continuously-variable automatic in its place (as well as all-wheel drive).  Fuel mileage for the Outlander Sport checks in at 25-mpg in city driving and 31-mpg on the highway.

There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $500 cash back on the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport available until 05/31/2012.

2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible

The 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible is one of the few inexpensive mid-size drop tops that isn't based on a retro-themed muscle car.  The Chrysler 200 Convertible also offers the choice between either a standard soft roof or a retractable hard top, with the latter available when the vehicle is ordered in range-topping Limited trim.

The 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible is initially offered with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that provides 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque.  Fuel mileage for this engine - which is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission - shows as 19-mpg in stop and go driving and 29-mpg on the highway.  It is also possible to order the 200 Convertible with a 3.6-liter V-6 that boosts output to 283 horses and 260 lb-ft of torque while maintaining the same transmission.  Fuel economy for the more robust motor matches that of the entry-level mill.

There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest plus $500 cash back or $1,500 total cash back on the 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible available until 05/31/2012.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a full-size SUV that combines an off-road spirit with legitimate around-town comfort, making it the perfect compromise for drivers who need a practical vehicle that can also double as a weekend toy.  The Jeep Grand Cherokee, which seats up to five people as well as pack in 69 cubic feet of total cargo, can be loaded up with a number of all-terrain features including a ride height adjustable air suspension system, skid plates and one of three different four-wheel drive systems.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is blessed with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 as its base motor.

Capable of generating 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and managed by a five-speed automatic transmission, this unit delivers fuel economy of 16-mpg around town and 23-mpg on the highway.  The Grand Cherokee's 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 option introduces 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of twist (also shifted via a five-speed autobox) while knocking fuel mileage down to 13-mpg city and 20-mpg highway.

There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $1,000 cash back on the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee available until 05/31/2012.

2012 Nissan Altima Coupe

The 2012 Nissan Altima Coupe injects a little bit of fun into the daily commute without asking buyers to break the bank.  The mid-size Nissan Altima Coupe rides on a sporty platform derived from the lauded Altima sedan, and can be equipped with a stiff suspension system, HID headlights, dual automatic climate control and a navigation system.

A 2.5-liter, four-cylinder leads the way when it comes to the 2012 Nissan Altima Coupe's drivetrain options.  This motor offers up 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque and can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a continuously-variable automatic transmission.  Fuel mileage numbers for the base engine are listed at 23-mpg city and 32-mpg highway.  The Altima Coupe 3.5 SR churns out 270 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque from a 3.5-liter V-6, and even though its transmission options don't change the quicker edition of the car sees its fuel mileage sink to 20-mpg city and 27-mpg during highway cruising.

There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $2,000 cash back on the 2012 Nissan Altima Coupe available until 05/31/2012.

2012 Toyota RAV4

The 2012 Toyota RAV4 compact crossover is one of the few in its class to boast seven passenger seating across three rows.  Behind the front two positions the Toyota RAV4 also provides 73 cubic feet of total cargo space, accessible via a simple fold-flat feature.

The 2012 Toyota RAV4 comes in both four and six-cylinder editions.  The base 2.5-liter unit is good for 179 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque, while the top-of-the-line 3.5-liter V-6 kicks those numbers up to 269 ponies and 246 lb-ft of twist.  Of the two motors, the four-cylinder manages to post the most impressive fuel economy (22-mpg city and 28-mpg highway), but only by a few miles per gallon for each respective measure.  Four and five-speed automatics represent the available transmissions while all-wheel drive can be ordered as an option.

There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $750 cash back on the 2012 Toyota RAV4 available until 06/04/2012.