Top 10 Deals of the Month for August, 2006 — Trucks, Minivans and SUVs
By Warren Clarke, Automotive Content Editor Email
Looking for a bargain? We've got 10. The following trucks, minivans and SUVs are our Edmunds.com True Market Value® Deals of the Month, and they represent the best values we found in the marketplace (visit our Learn More About TMV® page for more information on TMV).
To determine these rankings, we compared TMV prices with dealer invoice prices; we also considered current incentives and rebates (check our Incentives and Rebates page for further information on the various offers available). Once incentives are factored in, many of the vehicles on our list can be purchased below invoice.
But our evaluation wasn't merely quantitative. We also took into account our impressions regarding each vehicle's overall quality and value offered for the money. When the dust settled, these are the haulers that came out on top.
- 2006 Ford Freestar Limited: Under normal circumstances, the Freestar is somewhat of a wallflower in the minivan segment. But these aren't normal circumstances; this month, the Freestar (which, by the way, comes with stylish good looks, a roomy cabin and a full array of safety features) is gussied up with incentives that make it hard to resist.
- 2006 Nissan Quest 3.5 SE: It loses some points when it comes to refinement, but the Quest scores big with edgy good looks and useful minivan features like flat-folding rear seats and head airbag protection for all three rows. This month's generous incentives make it a deal worth investigating.
- 2006 Dodge Durango Limited: With brawny styling and an equally brawny 230-horsepower V8, the Durango Limited is one of the more impressive large SUVs on the market. This month, it comes with incentives that are just as hefty as its stature.
- 2006 Mazda B-Series Truck B4000 SE: Mazda's B-Series pickup has remained basically unchanged for more than a decade, and as a result, it's been outpaced by the competition in many respects. This compact, maneuverable truck still has a lot to offer, though, and this month's generous incentives make it worth a second look.
- 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid: The likable Escape Hybrid scores one for the hybrid team with roomy accommodations and carlike handling. This month's rich incentives make it hard to say no to this outstanding compact SUV.
- 2006 Honda Element LX: With its washable interior and creamy 4-cylinder engine, the Element LX is up for pretty much anything. Its TMV prices are remarkably attractive this summer, making it a good time to buy one of these versatile SUVs.
- 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche LS 1500: Part Suburban and part Silverado, the Avalanche LS 1500 is a crossover that truly offers the best of both worlds. This month's low TMV prices make Chevy's stellar truck a great value.
- 2006 Chevrolet Suburban LS 1500: The Suburban LS 1500 is a winning bet for drivers looking for a ute that offers generous passenger capacity and towing ability. Favorable TMV pricing makes now an especially auspicious time to buy.
- 2006 Acura MDX Touring: The MDX Touring seats up to seven, handles like a car and comes loaded with luxury. If you're considering a crossover ute, this month's great TMV prices make the MDX an excellent bet.
- 2006 Ford Expedition King Ranch: In many ways, the mighty Expedition is the full-size SUV to beat. Great deals on the King Ranch make this a wonderful month to buy.
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