2012 Hyundai Elantra (October 2011)

The Hyundai Elantra was completely redesigned for the 2011 model year, and little has changed for 2012. Hyundai improved horn sound, calibrated the steering, added fog lights to the GLS Preferred Package and is offering more color options and an optional roadside assistance kit. The most significant update is the addition of Hyundai’s Active Eco System that comes on all Elantra models with an automatic transmission. Hyundai says this system improves fuel economy by 7 percent, but that claim hasn’t been independently tested.

The 2012 Hyundai Elentra models bring a unique and contemporary design. Many people have been quite happy with the sleek design of Hyundai’s slightly larger car, the Sonata, and it seems that the Elantra is copying a few of its design elements.  One of the most noticeable improvements to the 2012 Elantra is the redesigned grill.  The grill has been crafted in more of an open mouth design.  This design ensures that the 2012 Elantra will suck up all the air it needs to keep its engine cool.

The 2012 Elantra is more expensive than the 2011 model, which starts at $14,945. The 2012 model starts at about $16,450 for the GLS trim with a manual transmission. Adding an automatic transmission increases the price by $1,000, and upgrading to the Limited trim, which adds leather seats and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, raises the price to $20,445.

Avg. Paid: $15,960 - $21,197

MSRP: $15,195 - $20,445

Invoice: $14,775 - $19,584

MPG: 29 City / 40 Hwy

 

Purchase Deal

1.9 % financing for up to 36 months in most regions.

Deal Expires: 10/31/11

2011 Nissan Maxima (September 2011)

The Maxima continues to be offered in two trim levels – the base 3.5S and the 3.5SV trim, which adds to the list of standard features. Upgrading to the SV adds about $2,700 to the bottom line, and includes features such as fog lights, a Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio and leather appointed seating.

For 2011 Nissan Maxima sees few changes from the 2010 model year. Notable revisions include changes to the Sport Package on the SV trim, which now includes smoked headlamps, a dark chrome grille and gray interior stitching on the upholstery.

Avg. Paid: $30,372 - $32,907
MSRP: $30,830 - $33,550
Invoice: $28,240 - $30,727
MPG: 19 City / 26 Hwy

 

Purchase Deal

Deal: 0% financing for 36 months, 0.9% financing for 60 months, 1.9% financing for 72 months or $3,000 cash back

Deal Expires: 10/31/11

2011 Chevrolet Traverse (September 2011)

The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse is available in a few trim levels -- LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ -- in either front- or all-wheel drive. For 2011 Traverse is virtually identical to the 2010 model, so you can probably save some money by going for any 2010 Traverse models that are on your dealer’s lot.



Avg. Paid: $29,095 - $39,727
MSRP: $29,224 - $40,105
Invoice: $27,763 - $38,100
MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy

 

Purchase Deal

Deal: 0% financing for 60 months and $1,000 APR cash OR $2,000 cash back

Deal Expires: 10/31/11

2012 Hyundai Sonata (September 2011)

The 2012 Sonata starts at $19,695 and comes in three trims levels: GLS, SE and Limited. Hyundai also makes the Sonata Hybrid, which is reviewed separately.

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata carries over mostly unchanged for 2012. The main changes compared to the 2011 model are its new standard Blue Link telematics system, half-inch bigger touch screen for its optional navigation system, optional HD radio and optional full panoramic moonroof.

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is standard, while a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is optional. Both are powerful, yet fuel-efficient engines for an affordable midsize car. The base four-cylinder and turbocharged four deliver 198 and 274 horsepower, respectively.

Only the base GLS model is offered with a standard six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is optional on the GLS and standard on SE and Limited models. Buyers looking for a sportier model should test the SE trim, which comes with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a sport-tuned suspension.
The 2012 Hyundai Sonata also boasts better fuel economy than the 2011 model. EPA ratings for the base engine with a manual transmission are the same, but with an automatic, city ratings increase 2 mpg. The turbo engine receives a 1 mpg increase on the highway compared to 2011.

Avg. Paid: $20,213 - $28,509

MSRP: $19,695 - $28,095

Invoice: $18,876 - $26,252

MPG: 24 City / 35 Hwy

 

Purchase Deal

Deal: 1.9% financing for 36 months

Deal Expires: 09/30/11

2011 Mazda CX-7 (September 2011)

The 2011 Mazda CX-7 comes in trim levels and new engine. The SV base model, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. With a new 2.5-liter base engine and an optional turbocharged four-cylinder.

The 2011 Mazda CX-7 comes with a long list of goodies, like separate vents to deliver heat to rear passengers which come standard.  A leather interior and eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat are optional on lower trimmed models.  The 60/40-split rear seatback folds to reveal 58.6 cubic feet of cargo space making it easy to carry larger objects.  The new “i” Touring trim features a power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, leather trim, a rearview camera, and a power moonroof.  Upgrade to the line-topping Grand Touring and the CX-7 will come standard with DVD-based navigation system, satellite radio, and an upgraded Bose stereo system.

Avg. Paid: $21,736 - $32,824

MSRP: $21,990 - $33,340

Invoice: $20,921 - $31,209

MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy

 

Purchase Deal

Deal: 0% financing for 60 months plus $500 cash back

Deal Expires: 09/30/11

2011 GMC Sierra 1500 (September 2011)

The GMC Sierra was last redesigned in 2007, and other than rearranged trim levels, the latest 9.0 OnStar system and enhancements that reduce wind noise, the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 is practically identical to the 2010 model. One of the Sierra’s greatest strengths is its customizability. It has multiple engine options, four of which are FlexFuel capable, meaning that they can take a combination of gasoline and E85 fuel.

There are also Regular, Extended and Crew Cab models that have different seating capacities, truck bed sizes and interior options that allow shoppers to choose the right features for their needs.

Avg. Paid: $21,770 - $47,091
MSRP: $20,850 - $46,645
Invoice: $20,016 - $43,380
MPG: 15 City / 18 Hwy

 

Purchase Deal

Deal: 0% financing for 60 months and $1,000 APR cash or $4,505 cash back
Notes: Does not apply to regular cab models

Deal Expires: 10/31/11

2011 Buick Regal (September 2011)

The Buick Regal is an all-new model for 2011.  For its initial rollout, the Regal is available only in its top-of-the-line CXL trim; next year the base CX and middle CXS trims will be available. The Regal enters the market with a 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine, but a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder will be available in late summer 2010. A performance tuned GS model will be available next year. The Regal is based on the Opel Insignia (which is available only in Europe) and shares some components with the well-liked Buick LaCrosse.  However, the Regal is smaller and sportier than the LaCrosse.

Avg. Paid: $26,214 - $28,678
MSRP: $26,360 - $28,860
Invoice: $25,306 - $27,706
MPG: 19 City / 30 Hwy

 

Purchase Deal

Deal: 0% financing for up to 60 months OR $1,000 cash back

Deal Expires: 10/31/11