Best new car deals - December

Looking for a new car? Check out our "Best new car deals" section, where we maintain a list of Consumer Reports-Recommended vehicles that are currently available at significant savings. The current roster includes 2009 and 2008 models ranging from the Acura MDX to the Volvo XC90. Many of these deals are good through January, and we update the list as new deals become available.

This month, our highlighted best new car deal is the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu 1LT. Redesigned in 2008, the Malibu is now competitive with the better family sedans we've tested. It has a well-detailed interior and good safety ratings. It almost matches the Honda Accord for agility and the Toyota Camry for quietness. In fact, in the November issue of Consumer Reports, we chose the Chevy Malibu as one of the Top 100 products we tested this year. It was featured in our latest road test group, family sedans.

All models featured in our Best New Car Deals section cite total available incentives. The Bottom Line Price breaks down the possible deals, spelling out the available customer rebates, as well as the hidden direct-to-dealer incentives and dealer holdback. Armed with this information, you will be prepared to negotiate a great deal on your next car.

For advice buying a new car, from choosing to financing, read our car buying guide. Detailed pricing information is available in the Consumer Reports Auto Price Reports.

—Desiree Calamari

Comments

[Cale]

Ford is also offering incentives and on some of their most desirable vehicles. $2000 cash to customers on Fusion and Edge and $1000 on the Flex and Focus. Good through 1/05/09.

[Eric]

The article said nothing about the consequences of the manufacture going out of business after your purchase. Since I like to take to the mountains on occasion I was contemplating the purchase of a Jeep Wrangler. Most pundits say Chrysler will not survive. What about the warranty, replacement parts, service, etc.? Looks to me that one should wait a year or so to see what happens. However that is not what the companies need. So what is the recommendation?

[Gordon]

Does anybody think that no one is buying cars because they are merely 1 or 2 thousand dollars out of reach? Are you seriously wasting your time and what little money you have advertising such a small - toothpick sized - bone to the buying public?

When the fed dropped the rate to the 0-.25 range that was unprecedented because they know how bad it is. You offer 1k or 2k on a 30k vehicle? The drop in fuel consumption, the free fall of the credit market, the fule prices themselves and you offer two thousand dollars and expect a complete 180?

No wonder your companies are failing - swallow your pride and come up with your own bailout.