Top Ten Deals in August!

Introduction

By Brian Chee

The sun may be setting on the Great Automotive Rebate Era of the 21st century.

Seriously.
And while we’ve all heard that before, this time it looks like automakers are intent on providing what they call Value Pricing (read: a realistic price) instead of slathering on fat and then paring down with rebates to the actual transaction value. Ford and General Motors have both committed to such value pricing for the 2006 model year, and the result of these lower prices promises to have a ripple effect throughout the industry. For example, the 2006 Ford Explorer will be priced around $3,000 less than the 2005 model.Combined with improved features, and with slight increases to the price of mainstream Toyotas, this may well turn into an auto buyer’s wake-up call concerning domestic brand vehicles.

And thank goodness for that – if they stick to it. It’s time for the rebate tomfoolery that has gone on since 2001 to stop, and time for automakers to slap a reasonable MSRP on the window.

Ah. But between now and then, there are still some incredible discounts to be had, especially as dealers scramble to sell the rest of their 2005 stock. Of course, rebates are only part of the equation, which is why we bring you this monthly list of the “top deals.” The idea is to find a good car and a good price, and you do that by doing your homework.

Listed on these pages are ten vehicles with notably good deals that expire no earlier than the end of August. We don’t count Employee Discount deals as part of the equation – that’s an extra benefit – and do include dealer incentives, though regional differences may apply to the actual deal you get on a new car. These vehicles offer either cash back or great interest rates, and are generally considered to be quality cars by the automotive press. The list also factors crash test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). The presumption is that a good deal means more than just cash back; it means a good price on a quality car that’s safe – one that will provide you with years of dependable service.

Acura MDX

Acura MDX 2005 Acura MDX
MSRP: $36,900 to $43,975
$1500 dealer incentive
NHTSA: Frontal impact - five stars driver and passenger; Side impact - five stars; Rollover - four stars, 4wd
IIHS: Frontal impact – good, best pick

For years now, the Acura MDX has quietly taken a slice of the luxury suv market, making buyers happy with its combination of upscale appointments and dependable construction. While it may not be the most exciting luxury sport-ute on the market, the MDX trots along as a good buy, usually giving owners year after year of dependable, and comfortable, service.

Able to seat seven passengers, the Acura MDX comes equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6 engine that generates 265 horsepower and carries an EPA rating of 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

Cadillac DeVille

Cadillac DeVille 2005 Cadillac DeVille
MSRP: $46,045 to $51,600
$6,000 dealer incentive, 6.75 percent financing
NHTSA: Frontal impact - four stars driver and passenger; Side impact - four stars; Rollover - five stars
IIHS: Not tested

Okay, this may not be our first choice for a great car. The ride is floaty, numb, and altogether disconnected from the road. There are people who like this sort of ride, and like the idea of being surrounded by a tank’s worth of iron. Plus, as an out-going model to be replaced by the new Cadillac DTS, DeVille buyers get a $6,000 dealer incentive, plus a good finance rate and probably GM’s special Employee Discount pricing, which is addition to any rebates offered. If you’re looking for a big American luxury car, this deal is simply too good to pass up.

A six-passenger luxury sedan, the DeVille comes with a standard 4.6-liter V8 engine that generates 275 horsepower and is rated by the EPA at 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Cadillac SRX

Cadillac SRX 2005 Cadillac SRX
MSRP: $39,275 to $47,275
$3,000 dealer incentive, 3.9 percent financing
NHTSA: Frontal impact - four stars driver and passenger; Side impact - five stars; Rollover – not tested
IIHS: Frontal impact – good, best pick

Hidden behind the stampede to luxury import SUVs, the Cadillac SRX is a solid vehicle that comes with several impressive features such as an ultra-big sunroof and a comfortable leather interior. It possesses a capable driving character and has a unique style that shouts “new Cadillac” with its edgy sheet metal and aggressive stance. Perhaps too expensive without rebates, the sticker price on the SRX has been slashed $3,000 by dealers, and GM has tacked on a 3.9-percent finance benefit. As with the DeVille, now that the Employee Pricing Program has been extended to Labor Day, the price gets much lower. Put it on your list and take a test drive before you buy.

A seven-passenger luxury SUV, the Cadillac SRX has two engine choices: a standard 255-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 with a fuel economy rating of 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, and a 320-horsepower, 4.6-liter V8 rated at 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.

Dodge Durango

Dodge Durango 2005 Dodge Durango
MSRP: $26,985 to $36,210
$3,500 mfg rebate, 0-4.9 percent financing
NHTSA: Frontal impact - five stars driver and passenger; Side impact – not tested; Rollover - three stars, 2wd
IIHS: Frontal impact – Acceptable (2003 model year tested)

Redesigned for the 2004 model year, the Dodge Durango offers great utility, aggressive styling, and, yeah, it’s got a Hemi, should you decide on the most powerful engine. Those looking for a larger SUV and who don’t care much about fuel economy – and like the Durango’s aggressive front grille and fenders – get a $3,500 rebate and great financing rates, not to mention the continued Employee Pricing deal.That should be enough to consider a drive toward the local Dodge dealer. Buyer beware, however – this SUV doesn’t come with stability control.

As a seven-passenger SUV, the 2005 Dodge Durango is available with three engines that include the standard 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6; an optional 230-horsepower, 4.7-liter V8; and the crown jewel of the class, a 5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine that churns 335 horsepower. Fuel economy ranges from a high of 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway to a low of 13/18.

Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer 2005 Ford Explorer
MSRP $27,165 to $38,050
$4,000 mfg rebate, 0-4.9 percent financing
NHTSA: Frontal impact - four stars driver, five stars passenger; Side impact - five stars; *safety concern for head injury; Rollover - three stars 2wd
IIHS: Frontal impact – good, best pick

With significant changes to the 2006 model, car buyers looking for a good mid-sized SUV can score a significant discount on the 2005 Ford Explorer. Granted, you won’t be riding in the latest Explorer on the road, but if the existing model has the features, power and looks that you seek, a $4,000 rebate, plus Employee Discount pricing, makes the 2005 Explorer one of the best deals on dealer lots in August.

A seven-passenger SUV, the 2005 Ford Explorer comes with a standard 4.0-liter V6 engine that makes 210 horsepower or a 4.6-liter V8 engine rated at 239 horsepower. Fuel economy ratings range from 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway to 15/20.

Honda Accord

Honda Accord 2005 Honda Accord
MSRP: $16,295 to $32,140
$750 - $1,250 dealer incentive, 1.9-3.9 percent financing
NHTSA: Frontal impact - five stars driver and passenger; Side impact - four stars; Rollover - four stars
IIHS: Frontal impact – good, best pick; Side impact – good, with airbags

As one of the best buys available in America, the Honda Accord has little to prove, providing thousands of people with safe, dependable transportation. If you’re looking for a mid-priced sedan or coupe, the Accord should be on your list. The fact that Honda dealers are clearing out leftover 2005 inventory makes this an even stronger buy.

Engine choices for the Accord range from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 160 horsepower and is rated at 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, to a 240-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 engine rated at 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Honda Pilot

2005 Honda Pilot 2005 Honda Pilot
MSRP: $27,550 to $34,320
$1,000 dealer incentive
NHTSA: Frontal impact - five stars driver and passenger; Side impact - five stars; Rollover - four stars 4wd
IIHS: Frontal impact – good, best pick

The Honda Pilot has become one of the more popular import SUVs on the road, eating away at SUV market share enjoyed by GM and Ford. Despite it’s somewhat homely looks, there’s little surprise as to why: Given Honda’s track record of dependable, fuel-efficient vehicles, the Pilot is a smart choice even unadorned with a rebate. Right now, however, there’s a $1,000 dealer incentive hanging on the rear view mirror, which makes it all the more attractive. The Pilot provides ample room on the inside with better-than-average fuel economy numbers, and adds the capability of traversing the occasional dirt road, thanks to Honda’s (Variable Torque Management) VTM-4 technology.

An eight-passenger SUV, the 2005 Honda Pilot comes with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 255-horsepower and is rated at 17-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway.

Kia Sedona

Kia Sedona 2004 Kia Sedona
MSRP: $20,650 to $23,250
$5,000 mfgr rebate
NHTSA: Frontal impact - five stars driver and passenger; Side impact - five stars; Rollover – not tested
IIHS: Frontal impact – acceptable

You read that right: the 2004 Kia Sedona is still on sale, and going for bargain-basement prices. Those shopping for a minivan, and who don’t want to pay for the Odyssey or the Sienna, would be wise to look into the Sedona, with its five-star safety rating and competitive amenities. Granted, it’s a heavy and dated vehicle that lacks some of the features seen on the newer minivans, but for doing what a minivan does – transport families and their stuff – the Sedona does a fine job. With a $5,000 rebate included, those searching for an affordable minivan should take a long look.

The 2004 Kia Sedona is a seven-passenger minivan, equipped with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 195 horsepower and has an EPA rating of 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Land Rover LR3 SE

Land Rover LR3 SE 2005 Land Rover LR3 SE
MSRP: $44,330
$1,500 dealer incentive, 3.9% financing
NHTSA: Not tested
IIHS: Not tested

An award-winning SUV with a $1,500 rebate or 3.9-percent financing – now that’s an offer that should move some metal. With its notable introduction and rave reviews from the motoring press, the Land Rover LR3 combines excellent off-road capability with a smooth on-road demeanor. Watch out for some infamous Land Rover gremlins, and there are a few chintzy plastic bits inside the cabin. Those are small complaints, however, when you consider the LR3’s styling, performance and features.

A seven-passenger luxury SUV, the 2005 Land Rover LR3 SE comes with a standard 4.0-liter V6 engine that churns 216 horsepower, and is rated by the EPA at 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. The SE is also available with an optional 4.4-liter, 300-horsepower eight cylinder engine with a mpg rating of 14/18.

Mazda Mazda6

Mazda Mazda6 2005 - 06 Mazda Mazda6 MSRP: $18,995 to $26,995
2006 model: $1,000 dealer incentive
2005 model: $2,000 mfg rebate
NHTSA: Frontal impact – five star; Side impact - three star front, four star rear; Rollover - four stars
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 sedan crown, with sporty road manners, exciting styling and a great price. Through September 6, you can get a $1,000 dealer incentive off the price of a 2006 model, or a $2,000 rebate off the price of a 2005 Mazda Mazda6.

A four-door, five passenger family sedan, sports sedan, or wagon, the Mazda6 comes with two engine choices: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 160 horsepower and is rated at 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, or a 220-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine rated at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Photos courtesy auto manufacturers