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Chevrolet Malibu

Click here to see all new car rebates & incentives.

2009 BMW 335d
$4,500 Cash Back

The 2009 BMW 335d is a unique take on the classic sports sedan from one of Germany’s most respected premium car companies. Intent on introducing more efficient cars into the North American market, BMW has selected the 3 Series to lead the way at the entry level. The 335d features many of the same luxury options as its gasoline-powered brothers, such as leather seats, the iDrive information system interface, navigation and the option of an upgraded 13 speaker stereo system, folding rear seats and Bluetooth connectivity. A sport suspension can also be ordered.

It might seem as though performance-oriented springs and shocks would be a bit of a waste when ordered with a diesel engine, but the 2009 BMW 335d’s 3.0-liter engine is an astonishingly powerful piece of work. With 6-cylinders and two turbos feeding it air, the unit offers 265 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque at a very low rpm. A 6-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox option, but it can be equipped with optional paddle shifters mounted on the vehicle’s steering wheel. Fuel mileage is rated at 23 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon during highway cruising – miserly consumption by any standard.

There is an incentive of $4,500.00 cash back on the 2009 BMW 335d effective until 08/31/2009.

2009 Cadillac Escalade
0.0% Interest or $3,500 Cash Back

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade is still the face of domestic luxury trucks in the minds of the majority of buyers. This large, ostentatious vehicle crams an impressive amount of capability into a rugged package that also serves well as a general people mover, thanks to a relatively compliant suspension and excellent interior comfort features. In addition to a cavernous 108 cubic feet of total cargo space (137.4 in the Escalade ESV), the vehicle can also tow just over 8,000 lbs. The passenger compartment can be decked out in plush leather trim and seats, three zones of climate control, a rear view camera integrated in the navigation system, and surround sound to match the rear seat DVD entertainment option. HID headlights, a moon roof and heated and cooled seats are also available.

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that grinds out a very healthy 403 horsepower along with 417 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission handles all of the gear shifts, and the vehicle can be ordered in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Escalade isn’t designed to handle off-road situations, but it does acquit itself well in snow or wet weather thanks to the added traction of all-wheel drive. Fuel mileage for the Escalade comes in at 12 miles per gallon around town and 19 miles per gallon during highway driving.

There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $3,500.00 cash back on the 2009 Cadillac Escalade effective until 08/31/2009.

2009 Chevrolet Malibu
0.0% Interest or $1,500 Cash Back

The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size sedan that strives to stand out from the rest of the crowd. Instead of relaying on blistering performance or exotic good looks, the Malibu is content to shine by providing exceptional value in an attractive package. The vehicle’s swept design centers around a gracefully protruding nose that features Chevrolet’s trademark single-bar grille. The base Malibu is equipped with air conditioning, cruise control and a full range of power accessories, while more upscale models throw in gear such as heated leather seats, an iPod adaptor and LED taillights.

A 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine is the stock choice for all trim levels of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. This power plant provides 169 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque, sent to the front wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 6-speed automatic with manual shift capabilities can also be ordered. Drivers craving a bit more performance can opt for a 3.6-liter V6 engine that offers 252 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque and which mates exclusively with the 6-speed. Fuel economy for this engine comes in at 17 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon during highway driving, down from the 4-cylinder’s 22 miles per gallon around town and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $1,500.00 cash back on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu effective until 08/31/2009.

2009 HUMMER H3T
$2,500 Cash Back

The 2009 HUMMER H3T is the perfect mid-size pickup truck for anyone who also has a hankering for some serious off-road performance. Built on the same platform as the very capable H3 SUV, the H3T adds an interesting wrinkle to the standard pickup package: a removable barrier between the passenger compartment and the cargo bed called a “mid-gate” can dramatically lengthen the vehicle’s storage area. This facilitates the carrying of building supplies and surf boards when the need arises. The rear passenger area can also be converted into a quick and easy trunk for any items that might need to be protected from the elements.

The 2009 HUMMER H3T is powered by a 5-cylinder inline engine that displaces 3.7-liters and generates 239 horsepower. In addition to cranking out 241 lb-ft of torque, this motor also returns acceptable fuel mileage of 14 miles per gallon in the city and 18 miles per gallon during highway cruising. A 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission are available. It is also possible to jump to the Alpha edition of the H3T, which features a more macho 300 horsepower, 5.3-liter V8 that also provides 320 lb-ft of torque. Automatic only, this engine’s fuel mileage is slightly lower than the I5. Full-time four-wheel drive is of course standard equipment on both models.

There is an incentive of $2,500.00 cash back on the 2009 Hummer H3T effective until 08/31/2009.

2010 Hyundai Veracruz
$1,000 Cash Back

The 2010 Hyundai Veracruz is a crossover SUV aimed at families looking to squeeze as much cargo and passenger space as possible out of an easy to drive vehicle that still fits well within an urban parking spot. With space for 7 passengers in total, the Veracruz competes nicely against some of the pricier options in its segment. Once again, Hyundai has decided to throw a good amount of standard equipment at buyers right off the bat – the base Veracruz is stuffed with items such as an MP3 and satellite radio capable stereo system, alloy wheels, cruise control, a third row of seating that folds flat into the floor and air conditioning. Heated leather seats, a sunroof, and a DVD entertainment system for rear passengers are just a few of the options that be ordered.

Mechanically, the 2010 Hyundai Veracruz simplifies things for shoppers and restricts them to a single engine choice, a 3.8-liter V6. With 260 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque, the crossover has more than enough motivation to easily merge or pass on the highway, no matter how many kids from the local soccer team it might be carrying. A 6-speed automatic transmission is connected to either the front or all four wheels, depending upon whether all-wheel drive is opted for. Fuel mileage is good, with the Veracruz turning in 17 miles per gallon in stop and go driving and 23 miles per gallon on the highway.

There is an incentive of $1,000.00 cash back on the 2010 Hyundai Veracruz effective until 08/31/2009.

Thinking about taking advantage of the government's "Cash for Clunkers" program, which can save you up to $4,500 on a new car? Not surprisingly, the most popular clunker trade ups are mid-sized sedans.

So far, Toyota’s Prius and Camry models are the best-selling clunker trade up vehicles, along with Honda’s Civic and Fit, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Chevy Cobalt.

And while those are all great cars, I have another list. As a road test warrior, I have driven each and every car below. So, here’s my Top 10 list of mid-sized sedans with overall good value for low price, lots of standard features, excellent performance, cool design, top safety marks, money-saving fuel economy and quality manufacturing.

The 2009 Suzuki SX4 has it all: low price, standard navigation, zippy performance, ergonomic interior, excellent safety and lots of cargo room. If you are seeking an all-wheel-drive vehicle for inclement weather, go for the Suzuki SX4 Crossover, which comes as a five-door hatchback model. Base MSRP: $13,299.

The 2009 Hyundai Elantra is an excellent overall buy as Hyundai is big on quality, performance, design, safety and deals. Yes, you may be able to cash in our clunker for a fuel-efficient Elantra and lock a year’s worth of gas at $1.49 per gallon.Base MSRP: $14,120.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is an often overlooked mid-sized sedan. But don’t sell this sexy sedan short as Mitsubishi has built in sports car DNA into this racy ride. Plus, the Ralliart’s exterior stands out in a sea of boring Euro sedans. The minimalist interior thrills even more as does the five-star safety and good fuel economy. Base MSRP: $26,490.

The 2009 Ford Focus has garnered much attention as one of the top-selling clunker trade up vehicles. Why? This sporty American sedan has all the bases covered: great performance, good design, fuel efficiency, excellent safety and Ford’s ingenious SYNC connectivity system. Base MSRP: $15,520.

The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid is just a great car with its excellent fuel economy, great design, high safety marks, wonderfully zippy acceleration and overall excellent driving dynamics. Base MSRP: $22,600.

Why did I pick the 2009 Toyota Corolla over its Camry and Prius brethren? The Corolla surprised me on a recent road test with its super fast acceleration, tons of standard features, luxury amenities, fuel efficiency and Toyota’s legendary performance. Base MSRP: $15,350.

The 2009 VW Jetta TDI is one of VW’s best-selling models of the summer. And I know why. This clean-burning diesel vehicle is super fun to drive, has great exterior and interior design as well as excellent fuel economy. Plus, you may be eligible for a $1,300 tax credit. Base MSRP: $18,999.

Mazda just makes awesome cars, so I was thrilled when its 2009 MAZDA6 model lived up to my expectations. This mid-sized sedan has both sporty and smooth performance as well as a rather luxurious interior, top safety marks, good fuel economy and a handsome exterior. Base MSRP: $18,550.

I was highly impressed with the interior design of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. The interior cabin is rather luxurious, roomy and has great modern design. Plus, the hybrid engine is zippy and super quiet. Base MSRP: $25,925.

The 2009 Kia Optima is another great overall buy. This mid-sized sedan has lots of standard features, plus pretty good performance, nice design inside and out, top safety ratings and good fuel economy. Base MSRP: $17,495.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif.
Read more from Sheryll Alexander at Driving Smart.