Best Car Deals: January 2011

2011 Ford Expedition: $3,000 cash back or 0% APR for up to 60 months

The 2011 Ford Expedition is one of few 2011 models with a significant discount. But the good thing is, it’s not a bad SUV. Reviewers like the Expedition for its strong engines and comfortable interior. In fact, if you need a third row seat, reviewers say the Expedition’s is one of the most comfortable in the large SUV class. The Expedition also has tons of cargo space and brawny towing abilities, making it a great choice for outdoorsy families. Until April, you can get the Expedition with $3,000 cash back or no-interest financing for up to 60 months. Expires: 04/04/11

MSRP: $35,830 – $51,930
Invoice: $33,610 – $48,261
MPG: 14 City / 20 Hwy

2011 Ford Fusion: $3,000 cash back or 0% APR for up to 60 months on 2010 models plus $500 Retail Bonus Customer Cash; $2,500 cash back or 0% APR for up to 60 months plus $500 Retail Bonus Customer Cash on 2011 models

The Ford Fusion is one of the best-liked midsize cars thanks to its peppy performance and futuristic available technology. This month, Ford is making it so you don’t have to choose between the 2010 and 2011 models – there’s a deal available on both. Go for the 2010 model, which isn’t much different from the 2011, and you can choose between $3,000 cash back and zero-percent financing for up to 60 months. If you’re more interested in no-interest financing, go for the 2011 model, which has zero-percent financing for up to 60 months. If you want the 2010 model, act soon; that deal expires at the end of January. The 2011 model’s deal is good until April fourth. Expires: 04/04/11

MSRP: $19,720 – $28,645
Invoice: $18,476 – $26,310
MPG: 22 City / 32 Hwy

2010 Chevrolet Traverse: $2,500 cash back or 0% financing for up to 60 months

Buyers who need to move up to eight people in comfort should check out the Chevrolet Traverse. Reviewers say that even though it can seat eight, it doesn’t feel big or bulky on the road. Instead, it’s comfortable and easy to drive, and has available features, like a rear-seat DVD system, that should keep families happy. This month, the 2010 Traverse is available with $2,500 cash back or no-interest financing for up to 60 months. That’s not a bad deal, especially when you consider that the 2010 Traverse is not very different from the 2011 model – except that the 2011 model’s deal is less attractive. Expires: 02/28/11

MSRP: $29,224 – $39,985
Invoice: $27,763 – $37,986
MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy

2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: $5,000 cash back or 0% APR for up to 72 months

With winter weather already beating down on most of the country, a big, go-anywhere truck doesn’t seem like a bad idea. After all, you can’t put a snow plow on a Honda Fit. This month, the 2010 Silverado Crew Cab has a deep discount available: up to $5,000 cash back (which might cover putting a plow on the front). If cash back isn’t your thing, you can get the Silverado with zero-percent interest financing for 72 months. Of course, the Silverado Crew Cab isn’t just for snow removal. Reviewers say it has a comfortable cabin, and with the crew cab, you get a back seat that’s as roomy and useable as some SUVs. Expires: 02/28/11

MSRP: $20,850 – $41,775
Invoice: $20,016 – $38,851
MPG: 15 City / 20 Hwy

2010 Mazda CX-7: 0% APR for 60 months plus $750 cash back

If you’re shopping small SUVs and crossovers, you won’t find the same great deals that you’ll find in other segments. They’re just too popular right now. But, Mazda is offering a deal on its 2010 CX-7. The CX-7 seats five and has what many reviewers say are the best driving dynamics in the class. It’s also slightly larger than most small SUVs, so you get a little more passenger and cargo space than you do in the competition. In January, you can get the CX-7 with zero-percent financing for up to 60 months and $750 cash back. Expires: 01/31/11

MSRP: $21,700 – $33,035
Invoice: $20,665 – $30,901
MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy

2010 Nissan Cube 0% APR for up to 36 months

If you want to turn heads and have a low monthly payment, the Nissan Cube is the way to go. With its rhomboid profile, the Cube lives up to its name. While reviewers say that it’s not the most thrilling small car you can drive, they do agree that it’s maneuverable and easy to fit in tight urban spaces. Inside, the Cube has far-out options, like an available shag-carpet headliner. Until the end of the month, you can get the 2010 Cube, which is pretty much the same as the 2011 model, interest-free for up to 36 months. Expires: 01/01/11

MSRP: $13,990 – $20,440
Invoice: $13,500 – $19,572
MPG: 24 City / 29 Hwy