Ten Best June Deals

Outside of traveling to Aunt Bee’s sunny-side trailer and having a bbq in the backyard, the start of summer is meant for car shopping. Dealers are in sales frenzy overload, slashing prices and making deals – while automakers support this frenetic buying season by cutting down prices to lure customers into dealerships. Generally, the more inventory an automaker has of a car, the more money buyers get back. Hot sales periods such as these are also opportune times for automakers to boost sales on popular vehicles. You may also find automakers discounting cars that will soon be updated or replaced by newer models, such as the Kia Sedona, thus making room on dealer lots for a new, more exciting model. Listed on these pages are ten vehicles with notable good deals that expire at the end of June or the start of July. These vehicles offer either a bag full of cash back, great interest rates or are popular vehicles -- the kind of top seller that rarely gets discounted. The list factors manufacturer rebates and safety scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). Dealer incentives and regional specials are not included, and buyers should always read a review and do thorough research before purchasing.

2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 0 - 4.9 percent financing, $2,500 rebate - expires 07-05-2005 NHTSA: Three star rating for front driver impact; four stars for passenger front impact; five stars side impact, front and rear; three stars rollover rating In an effort to boost sales, Chevrolet is discounting its most popular SUVs, including the TrailBlazer. The TrailBlazer gets $3,000 off sticker. Special financing is also available on all three SUVs from 0 percent to 2.9 percent. Offers expire on May 31st. 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Though it's smaller than the Tahoe and the Suburban, the 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer is nonetheless big -- seating up to five passengers (the extended version seats seven) that's available in 4 trims, ranging from the LS 2WD to the LT 4WD. The LS 2WD is equipped with a standard 4.2-liter, I6, 275-horsepower engine rated at 16-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway. The LT 4WD is equipped with a standard 4.2-liter, I6, 275-horsepower engine rated at 15-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims. The 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer is a carryover from 2004. The Chevrolet TrailBlazer has a sticker price that ranges from $26,465 to $31,365.

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT Convertible

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT CONVERTIBLE 0 - 4.9 percent financing, $2,500 rebate -- expires 06-30-2005 Not rated by NHTSA or IIHS Convertible weather is here at last, and if you're in the market for some top down fun, you would be wise to take a hard look at the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT Convertible. Priced aggressively at just over $27,930, the PT convertible is also being discounted $2,500 – making the price a paltry $25,000 or so and giving four-seat convertible buyers perhaps the most affordable convertible value on the road. The 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT Convertible also has special interest rates from 0 to 4.9 percent. Offers expire on June 30th. 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT Convertible A 2-door, 4-passenger convertible, the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT Convertible is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 220-horsepower turbo engine rated at 21-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible was all new, so the 2005 model is much the same as in 2004.

2005 Dodge Ram 1500

2005 Dodge 1500:ram-1500|@@ QUAD CAB 0 - 3.9 percent financing, $3,500 rebate -- expires 06-30-2005 NHTSA: Five star rating for driver and passenger front impact; not tested for side impact; four stars for rollover Nothing says “Truck Guy” quite like the Dodge Ram, with its aggressive lines and in-your-face snout. If the Ford F-150 or the Chevrolet Silverado is too mellow and not machismo enough for you, check out the Ram 1500 – with the Quad Cab, there’s plenty of room. Base sticker price is just over $19,000, plus an additional $5,000 or so for the Quad cab trim. With a $3,500 discount, you can get quad cab space for less than half price. Considering that around 80 percent of Ram buyers insist on the Quad cab, this is pretty good deal. Offers expire on June 30th. 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab The 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab comes equipped with either a 4.7-liter V8, a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, or a 3.7-liter V6 available, but only with two-wheel drive. Fuel mileage for city and highway driving ranges from a low of 10 to as high as 17 mpg. A five-speed manual transmission is standard with the 3.7-liter V6 and 4.7-liter V8. Optional is a five-speed automatic that includes an alternate second gear for hill-climbing and towing. The five-speed automatic is more responsive than four-speed automatics. Three trim levels are available: ST, SLT, and Laramie. ST is the base level, starting at $19,420. It comes standard with air conditioning, but is equipped with wind-up windows, manual door locks, and vinyl upholstery.

2005 Ford F-150 Supercrew

2005 Ford F-150 SuperCrew From 1.9 - 5.9 percent financing, $2,000 rebate -- expires 07-05-2005 NHTSA: Five star rating for driver and passenger front impact; not tested for side impact; four stars for rollover IIHS: Best pick, frontal offset The best-selling truck in America is on sale this weekend, so if you're looking for a full size truck be sure to visit a Ford dealer and take a look at the 2005 Ford F-150 Supercrew, offered up with a $2,000 discount on its toe. Ford has also made available special financing, from 1.9 to 5.9 percent. Offers expire on July 5th. 2005 Ford F-Series F-150 Supercrew The 2005 Ford Truck F-150 Supercrew 4X2 is a 4-door, up to 6-passenger full size pickup, available in two trims, the 139-in. WB XLT Style side and the 139-in. WB Lariat Styleside. Upon introduction, the 139-in. WB XLT Styleside is equipped with a standard 4.6-liter, V8, 231-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 19-mpg on the highway. The 139-in. WB Lariat Styleside is equipped with a standard 5.4-liter, V8, 300-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 19-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims. The 2005 Ford Truck F-150 SuperCrew 4X2 is a carryover from 2004. Sticker price for the F-150 Supercrew 4X2 is just over $33,000.

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee 0 - 4.9 percent financing, $2,500 rebate -- expires 06-30-2005 NHTSA: Five star rating for driver and passenger front impact; five stars for side impact, front and rear; three stars for rollover (2WD); four stars for 4WD rollover The Jeep Grand Cherokee made its name on the trails of the wild, but it's now moving onto city streets with a refined ride, redesigned style and more luxurious accomodations. Yes, it still climbs rocks with the best of the trail-rated crew -- but now is much more comfortable in the driveways and culde-sac of suburbia. 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in 6 trims, ranging from the Laredo 4X2 to the Limited 4X4. Upon introduction, the Laredo 4X2 is equipped with a standard 3.7-liter, V6, 210-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. The Limited 4X4 is equipped with a standard 4.7-liter, V8, 230-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims. The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee is redesigned for 2005.

2005 Kia Sedona EX

2005 Kia Sedona EX 0 - 1.9 percent financing, $4,000 rebate -- expires 07-05-2005 NHTSA: Five star rating for driver and passenger front impact; five stars for side impact, front and rear; four stars for rollover If you think you may be priced out of a Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey minivan, you may want to take a look at the competitive 2005 Kia Sedona EX. With a newly designed Sedona on its way for the next model year, the current Sedona has an offer of up to $4,000 off sticker, or zero to 1.9 percent financing. That's a great offer that means that you may be able to drive off in a well-equipped Sedona for $19,000. 2005 Kia Sedona EX The 2005 Kia Sedona EX is a 4-door, 7-passenger minivan, equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 195-horsepower engine rated at 16-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2005 Kia Sedona is a carryover from 2004, and will soon be replaced by an updated model in 2006.

2005 Mazda Mazda6

2005 Mazda Mazda6 $0 - $1,500 rebate -- expires 07-05-2005 NHTSA: Five star front impact, both sides; three star front side impact; four star rear side impact and rollover IIHS: Poor rating for side impact without optional side airbags If you're looking for a sedan, back away from the Accord-Camry mind meld and consider the Mazda6. Here is a legitimate challenger to the Big Two, with sporty road manners, exciting styling and a great price. Through June, you can get up to $1,500 on a car that is arguably the best one on the dealer's lot. 2005 Mazda Mazda6 The 2005 Mazda MAZDA6 is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, sports sedan, or wagon, available in 10 trims, ranging from the i Sports Sedan to the s Sport Wagon Grand Touring Model. Upon introduction, the i Sports Sedan is equipped with a standard 2.3-liter, I4 , 160-horsepower engine that achieves 23-mpg in the city and 31-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The s Sport Wagon Grand Touring Model is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, V6 , 220-horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2005 Mazda MAZDA6 is a carryover from 2004.

2005 Saab 9-2X

2005 Saab 9-2X $5,000-$6,000 rebate -- expires 07-05-2005 Not rated, NHTSA or IIHS They're giving away the Saab 9-2X, so if you have a fancy for a Saabaru, now's your chance to get up to $6,000 off sticker. This is a vehicle that hasn't sold well, so there will probably be plenty to choose from. With an inflated sticker price of $26,950, buyers may well get a Saab 9-2X for just over $20,000 – where it should probably be priced without rebates. 2005 Saab 9-2X The 2005 Saab 9-2X is a 4-door, 5-passenger wagon, available in two trims, the Linear and the Aero. The Linear is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, H4, 165-horsepower engine rated at 22-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. The Aero is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, H4, 227-horsepower, turbo engine with a fuel mileage rating of 20-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The 2005 Saab 9-2X is all-new for 2005.

2005 Suzuki Forenza

2005 Suzuki Forenza $1,500 rebate -- expires 06-30-2005 Not rated, NHTSA or IIHS You look surprised: don't be. The Suzuki Forenza is a popular, stylish and competitively priced compact car that should be on your list of potential buys -- if you're looking for a low cost compact with a good warranty. With $1500 off for the month of June, the Forenza -- with a MSRP range between $13,000 and $17,000 -- is an even better deal. Be aware, however, that the Forenza is not rated by either NHTSA or the IIHS -- and the most compacts receive poor scores on impact testing. 2005 Suzuki Forenza Sedan The 2005 Saab 9-2X is a 4-door, 5-passenger wagon, available in two trims, the Linear and the Aero. The Linear is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, H4, 165-horsepower engine rated at 22-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. The Aero is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, H4, 227-horsepower, turbo engine with a fuel mileage rating of 20-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The 2005 Saab 9-2X is all-new for 2005.

2005 Toyota Sienna

2005 Toyota Sienna $500-$1,000 rebate -- expires 06-30-2005 NHTSA: Four star rating for rollover and driver front impact; Five stars for side impact and passenger front impact Acclaimed for its all-around versatility and minivan-ness, it's hard to find a better value than the 2005 Toyota Sienna - especially when Toyota is discounting the price up to $1,000. That's money back on what is considered to be one of the best minivans on the road, so if you're in the market for a family hauler, check it out. 2005 Toyota Sienna The 2005 Toyota Sienna is a 4-door, up to 8-passenger MINI van, available in 9 trims, ranging from the CE FWD with 7 Passenger Seating to the XLE Limited AWD. Upon introduction, the CE FWD with 7 Passenger Seating is equipped with a standard 3.3-liter, V6, 230-horsepower engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. The XLE Limited AWD is equipped with a standard 3.3-liter, V6, 230-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims. The 2005 Toyota Sienna is a carryover from 2004, which was an all-new model year. Sticker price ranges from $23,425 to $37,695.