New Car Rebates and Incentives - May 5, 2011

It is still early May, which means that we had to look hard to scoop up the best new car rebates and incentives currently available. We begin this week with the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe mid-size crossover, which is offered with a $1,000 cash back rebate or the choice of 1.9% financing. Next up is the Lincoln MKX mid-size luxury crossover vehicle, which can also be had with 1.9 percent financing or a more generous $1,500 cash back. The 2011 Ford Mustang coupe and convertible start May with $1,500 cash back or zero percent financing offer, while the 2011 Toyota Tundra Crewmax full-size truck sits in showrooms under the banner of $1,000 cash back or 1.9% financing. The shortest-lasting rebate so far this May can found on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse full-size crossover, which comes with $2,000 cash back or 0.0% financing until the 9th of the month.

The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe mid-size crossover delivers a long list of standard features for a more affordable price than many of its competitors. The Hyundai Santa Fe also provides five passenger seating along with a whopping 78 cubic feet of total cargo space with the rear rows folded forward - one of the most cavernous interiors in its class.

The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a choice of drivetrains. The entry-level model starts out with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder unit that is good for 175 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque. Fuel mileage for this engine is rated at 20 miles per gallon in city driving and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. The next step up is a 3.5-liter V-6 that bumps output to 276 horses and 248 lb-ft of torque while matching the four-cylinder's city mileage and turning in 26 miles per gallon on the highway. Each engine offers a six-speed automatic transmission and the option of all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder can also be had with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The 2011 Lincoln MKX is a mid-size luxury crossover that aims to impress with a strong amount of high-tech content. In addition to five passenger seating and 69 cubic feet of total storage space for luggage and other gear (with the rear seats out of the picture), the Lincoln MKX also offers items such as adaptive cruise control, first and second row heated leather seats and a navigation system.

Under the hood, all 2011 Lincoln MKX trim levels pack the same 3.7-liter V-6 engine that generates 305 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is available as an option, but a six-speed automatic transmission is standard. Fuel mileage for the MKX comes in at 19 miles per gallon in stop and go driving and 26 miles per gallon during highway cruising.

The 2011 Ford Mustang can be ordered in either compact coupe or convertible body styles, with the former also offering the option of a glass roof as a compromise for those who wish to drive under the stars but also preserve the peace and quiet of a solid top.

The 2011 Ford Mustang provides a pair of powerful engine choices for the current model year. First up is an all-new, 3.7-liter V-6 that churns out a respectable 305 ponies and 280 lb-ft of twist while returning fuel mileage of 19 miles per gallon in city driving and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. The Mustang GT benefits from the installation of another fresh mill, a 5.0-liter V-8 that provides 412 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, along with a fuel economy rating of 18 miles per gallon around tow and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. Each engine can be ordered with either a six-speed manual or six-speed auto transmission.

The 2011 Toyota Tundra CrewMax is the most spacious of the three full-size pickup cab types offered by the Japanese company. The Toyota Tundra CrewMax comes with a set of large rear doors that offer access to three additional seating positions behind the front row, and it also features a 5.5-foot cargo bed.

The 2011 Toyota Tundra CrewMax provides a pair of V-8 engines to choose from, with the entry-level motor displacing 4.6-liters and offering 310 horsepower and 327 lb-ft of torque. The top of the line 5.7-liter unit grinds out 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque while providing fuel mileage that is rated at 14 miles per gallon city and 18 miles per gallon highway - just one highway mile per gallon below that offered by the smaller engine. Four-wheel drive is available with the CrewMax, and a six-speed automatic transmission is included free of charge for both eight-cylinder options.

The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse offers a full-size crossover alternative to traditional truck-based sport-utility vehicles. With a smoother, more comfortable ride and better fuel economy than most large SUVs, the Chevrolet Traverse is a popular choice amongst families who require eight passenger seating or the 116.4 cubic feet of total cargo space that is additionally available inside the crossover's cabin.

The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse avails itself of a 3.6-liter V-6 engine as its sole method of propulsion. Rated at 281 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque (with an additional 7 horses and 4 lb-ft of torque available thanks to the LTZ's dual exhaust system), the V-6 provides drivers with fuel economy of 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway. A six-speed automatic transmission handles the gear shifting duties for the crossover, and all-wheel drive can be added as an option.