Ford

As usual, if you like one of the Ford deals, you must choose either the rebate, or the low-interest loan, but not both. However, Ford is doing something a little different in that they are offering conventional rebates (which cannot be combined with low interest rates) with a special “Promotional Bonus” of $1000 which can be combined with low interest rates.

Here are the current Ford deals. Keep in mind that, in addition to the rebates shown below, there is the $1000 promotional bonus cash mentioned above on each of the vehicles. These deals are all for 2010 model vehicles.

Ford Edge – $2000 customer rebate, 0% APR loan rate for 36/48/60 months

Ford Escape – $1000 rebate, 0% APR loan for 36/48/60 months

Ford Expedition – $2000 rebate, 0% APR loan for 36 months, 0.9% for 48 months, 1.9% for 60 months

Ford Explorer – $2000 rebate, 0% APR loan for 36 months, 0.9% for 48 months, 1.9% for 60 months

Ford F-150 – $2000 rebate, 0% APR loan for 36 months, 3.9% for 48 months, 4.9% for 60 months

Ford Flex – $1500 rebate, 0% APR loan for 36/48/60 months

Ford Focus – $1500 rebate, 0% APR loan for 36 months, 4.9% for 48 months, 5.9% for 60 months

Ford Fusion – $1500 rebate, 0% APR loan for 36 months, 2.9% for 48 months, 3.9% for 60 months

Ford Mustang – $500 rebate, 0% APR loan for 36/48/60 months

Ford Ranger – $2500 rebate, 0.9% for 48 months, 1.9% for 60 months

Ford Taurus – no rebate (but $1000 promo bonus cash), 0% APR loan for 36 months, 2.9% for 48 months, 3.9% for 60 months

You can get free dealer price quotes on any of the above Ford vehicles from Edmunds.com.The quotes will automatically include any cash-back rebates or discounts that are currently available.

Ford’s

There are some decent customer rebates, but the best news are the zero percent loans on their new 2010 models. All the current deals expire on 2/1/2010.

As you probably know, you can’t take both a rebate and a low-interest loan. You have to choose one or the other.

Here are some of the current Ford deals. These are all on 2010 models except where noted.

Ford Edge – $2000 rebate, 0% APR loan rate for 36/48/60 months

Ford Escape – $2000 rebate, 0% APR loan rate for 36/48/60 months

Ford Expedition – $2000 rebate, 0% APR loan rate for 36months, 0.9% for 48 months, 1.9% for 60 months

Ford Explorer – $2000 rebate, 0% APR loan rate for 36months, 0.9% for 48 months, 1.9% for 60 months

Ford F150 – $2000 rebate, 0% APR loan rate for 36 months, 3.9% for 48 months, 4.9% for 60 months

2009 Ford F150 – $3000 rebate, 0% APR loan rate for 36/48/60 months

Ford Flex – $1500 rebate, 0% APR loan rate for 36 months, 0.9% for 48 months, 1.9% for 60 months

Ford Focus – $1500 rebate, 0% APR loan rate for 36 months, 4.9% for 48 months, 5.9% for 60 months

Ford Fusion – $1000 rebate, 0% APR loan rate for 36 months, 2.9% for 48 months, 3.9% for 60 months

Ford Mustang – $500 rebate, 0% APR loan rate for 36/48/60 months.

Ford Taurus – 0% APR loan rate for 36months. 2.9% for 48 months, 3.9% for 60 months

You can get free dealer price quotes on any of the above cars from Edmunds.com.The quotes will automatically include any cash-back rebates or discounts that are currently available.

They’ve been doing it for 60 years and their opinions are well respected in the industry, and by automotive buyers.

Some of the categories that Motor Trend uses in making it’s decisions are: engineering excellence, design advancement, interior, performance, ease of use, efficiency, safety, and value. They thoroughly test the vehicles, measure everything that can be measured, and compare each vehicle to other vehicles in the same category.

This year, there were 23 cars contending for the title, including Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Golf, Subaru Legacy, Porsche Panamera, Hyundai Genesis, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Buick LaCrosse, BMW Z4, Volkswagen Routan, Suzuki Kizashi, Nissan Cube, Nissan 370Z, Mazda3, Mercedes-Benz E, Lexus HS 250h,Kia Soul, Kia Forte, Honda Insight, Ford Taurus, and BMW 7 Series.

To those car buyers who are less technical or not especially interested in details,  and want to get to the bottom line quickly, the winner of the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year is …….(drum roll)…….. the 2010 Ford Fusion. You can read more details in the January issue of the magazine.

One of the most important factors that helped decide the Ford Fusion‘s win was value — what you get compared to what you have to pay. With the Ford Fusion, you get a lot of car, a lot of performance, a lot of quality, a lot of safety for the money you spend — more than almost any other car.

So, what the Motor Trend people are saying is that even if you paid full MSRP (sticker price), you were getting great value.

But you can pay less because Ford has some outstanding promotional incentives on the Fusion right now.

For a 2010 Ford Fusion, the Ford Motor Company is currently offering $1000 customer cash rebate, plus another $1000 bonus cash that can be combined with a 0% APR loan offer (36 months) or 4.9% for 48 months, or 5.9% for 60 months. There are additional bonuses available for military/police members or college students.

Also remember that you should negotiate additional dealer price discounts on top of the manufacturer-provided rebates and bonuses. In this way, you should be able to get at least $3000 off the MSRP of the car, which is an outstanding deal on this award-winning vehicle.

You can get free price quotes on the 2010 Ford Fusion from Edmunds.com.The quotes will automatically include any cash-back rebates, bonuses, and discounts that are currently available.

There are many very generous rebates, bonus rebates, and promotional rebates, all of which add up to some incredible deals.

To top it off Ford is also offering 0% APR loans on most of its vehicles, both 2009 and 2010 models, as well as attractive low-interest loans in other cases.

The special “Promotional Bonus” rebates being offered on most vehicles, which amounts to $500 – $1500,  can be combined with 0% and low-interest loans as well as with other rebates, which can make an even better deal.

Following are some examples of Ford incentives for November and December 2009:

2009 Ford Edge – $1500 rebate plus $1000 bonus rebate (if you finance with FMCC) plus $1500 promotional rebate, and 0% APR loans for 36/48/60 months and 1.9% for 72 months

2010 Ford Edge – $2000 rebate plus $1000 promotional rebate, and 0% APR loans for 36/48/60 months and 1.9% for 72 months

2009 Ford Escape – no incentives

2010 Ford Escape - $1000 rebate plus $1000 promotional rebate, and 0% APR loans for 36/48/60 months and 1.9% for 72 months

2009 Ford Expedition – $2000 rebate plus $1000 bonus plus $1500 promotional rebate, and 0% APR loans for 36/48/60 months and 1.9% for 72 months

2010 Ford Expedition – $2000 rebate plus $1000 promotional rebate, and 0% APR loans for 36/48/60 months and 1.9% for 72 months

2009 Ford Explorer – $3000 rebate plus $1000 bonus plus $1500 promotional rebate, and 0% APR loans for 36/48/60 months and 1.9% for 72 months

2010 Ford Explorer – $2000 rebate plus $1000 promotional rebate, and 0% APR loans for 36/48/60 months and 1.9% for 72 months

2009 Ford Flex – $1500 rebate plus $1000 bonus plus $1500 promotional rebate, and 0% APR loans for 36/48/60 months and 1.9% for 72 months

2010 Ford Flex – $1500 rebate plus $1500 promotional rebate, and 0% APR loan rate for 36 months, 0.9% for 48 months, 1.9% for 60 months, and 3.9% for 72 months

2009 Ford Focus - no incentives

2010 Ford Focus – $1000 rebate plus $500 bonus plus $1000 promotional rebate, and 0% APR loan rate for 36 months, 4.9% for 48 months

2009 Ford Fusion – no incentives

2010 Ford Fusion – $500 rebate plus $1000 promotional rebate, and 0% APR loan rate for 36 months, 2.9% for 48 months

2009 Ford Mustang – no incentives

2010 Ford Mustang – $500 bonus rebate plus $500 promotional rebate, and 0% APR loan rate for 36 months, 2.9% for 48 months

2010 Ford Taurus – $500 rebate, 0% APR loan for 36 months, 3.9% for 48 months

2010 Ford F-150 – $1500 rebate plus $1000 bonus plus $1000 promotional rebate, and 0% APR loan rate for 36 months, 3.9% for 48 months

You can get free dealer price quotes on any of the above Ford vehicles from Edmunds.com. The quotes will automatically include any cash-back rebates or discounts that are currently available.

Some vehicles have 0% APR loans for other loan terms. For example, the 2009 Ford Explorer gets 0% for 36, 48, and 60 months.

Ford’s current deals are a little strange in that some vehicles get better incentives on the 2010 models than on 2009 models. This might be explained by a shortage of 2009 inventory as a result of the very successful “cash-for-clunkers” program in August and September. There’s no need to put incentives on vehicles they don’t have to sell.

Following are some examples of current Ford new-car deals for October (until 11/02/2009). As usual, customers must accept either the rebate or the low-interest loan, but not both. We advise that, in most cases, rebates are usually a better deal, especially if the customer needs down payment money — which the rebate can serve for.

2010 Ford Edge – $2000 customer rebate, 0% APR  loan rate for 36 months, 0.9% for 60 months, 1.9% for 60 months, and 3.9% for 72 months.

2009 Ford Edge – $1500 rebate, 0% APR for 36/48/60 months, 1.9% for 72 month

2010 Ford Escape – $1000 rebate, 0%/1.9%/2.9%/4.9% for 36/48/60/72 months

2009 Ford Escape – no special incentives

2010 Ford Expedition – $3000 rebate, 0%/1.9%/2.9%/4.9% for 36/48/60/72 months

2009 Ford Expedition – $2000 rebate, 0%/0.9%/1.9%/3.9% for 36/48/60/72 months

2010 Ford Explorer – $2000 rebate, 0%/1.9%/2.9%/4.9% for 36/48/60/72 months

2009 Ford Explorer – $3000 rebate, 0% APR for 36/48/60 months and 1.9% for 72 months

2010 Ford F150 – $2000 rebate, 0%/2.9%/3.9%/5.9% for 36/48/60/72 months

2009 Ford F150 – $2500 rebate, 0% APR for 36/48/60 months and 1.9% for 72 months

2010 Ford Flex – $1500 rebate, 0%/0.9%/1.9%/3.0% for 36/48/60/72 months

2009 Ford Flex – $2500 rebate, 0% APR for 36/48/60 months and 1.9% for 72 months

2010 Ford Focus – $500 rebate, 0%/4.9%/5.9%/7.9% for 36/48/60/72 months

2009 Ford Focus – $1000 rebate, 0%/4.9%/5.9%/7.9% for 36/48/60/72 months

2010 Ford Fusion – $500 rebate, 0%/2.9%/3.9%/5.9%  for 36/48/60/72 months

2009 Ford Fusion – no special incentives

2010 Ford Mustang – $500 rebate, 0%/2.9%/3.9%/5.9% for 36/48/60/72 months

2009 Ford Mustang – $1500 rebate, 0%/1.9%/2.9%/4.9% for 36/48/60/72 months

2010 Ford Taurus – $500 rebate, 0%/3.9%/4.9%/6.9% for 36/48/60/72 months

2009 Ford Taurus – no special incentives

2009 Ford Taurus X – no special incentives

You can get free price quotes on any of the above Ford vehicles from Edmunds.com. The quotes will automatically include any cash-back rebates or discounts that are currently available.

Ford

Many of the deals are somewhat complicated with various combinations of cash rebates, bonus rebates, a variety of low-interest loans, some of which can be combined with some rebates, a few 0% loans, and some strange specialty rebates for such things as being a member of the American Quarterhorse Association.

Rebates and low interest loans are also available for Ford’s 2010 vehicles, although the deals are understandably not as good as on the 2009 models.

Here are some examples of Ford deals for 2009 models for September:

Ford Edge – $1500 customer cash rebate plus a $1500 Drive the Difference bonus rebate, or 0% APR loan rate for 36/48/60 months, and 1.9% for 72 months.

Ford Escape – $1000 rebate plus $1500 Drive the Difference bonus rebate, or 0% APR loan rate for 36/48/60 months, and 1.9% for 72 months.

Ford Expedition – $1000 rebate plus $1500 bonus, or 1.9%/2.9%/3.9%/5.9% loans for 36/48/60/72 months.

Ford Explorer – $2500 rebate plus $1500 bonus rebate, or 0%/0.9%/1.9%/3.9% APR loan rates for 36/48/60/72 months

Ford F150 truck – $1500 rebate plus $1500 bonus, or 0.9%/1.9%/2.9%/4.9% APR loans for 36/48/60/72 months

Ford Flex – $1500 rebate plus $1500 bonus rebate, or 0% APR loan for 36/48/60 months and 1.9% for 72 months.

Ford Focus – $1000 rebate plus $15000 bonus, or 3.9%/4.9%/5.9%/7.9% loan rates for 36/48/60/72 months.

Ford Fusion – $2000 rebate plus $1500 bonus, or 0% APR for 36/48/60 months and 1.9% for 72 months

Ford Mustang – $1500 rebate plus $1500 bonus, or 1.9%/2.9%/3.9%/5.9% APR for 36/48/60/72 months.

Ford Taurus – $1500 rebate plus $1500 bonus, or 0%/0.9%/1.9%/3.9% loan rates for 36/48/60/72 months.

In general, deals on 2010 Ford models have a $500 rebate, no bonus, and higher APR loan rates than on 2009 models.

You can get free dealer price quotes on any of the above Ford vehicles from Edmunds.com. The quotes will automatically include any cash-back rebates or discounts that are currently available.

Ford

Ford’s incentives are somewhat complex and apply differently to various models and customer situations. The incentives come in the form of some good cash-to-customer rebates,  and low interest rates on loans, although customers must select one or the other, but not both.

We usually advise taking the rebates over the low interest rates, especially if the customer is short of down payment cash. But if Ford’s rebates are not especially large on the model you want, and if you can get a 0%-3% loan, it might be a better choice. There are also some “bonus” rebates, usually about $1500, that are not restricted by taking a low interest rate. 

In general, the incentives are in the form of $1500-$2500 rebates on 2009 models, $500-$1000 on 2010 models. The lowest interest rates, including some at 0% APR, are on the 2009 models. Rates are higher on 2010 models, but still lower than normal rates. Just so that you know, you must have a good credit score to get the lower rates.

For many Ford models, there is also a $1500 “Drive the Difference” bonus rebate that can be applied to the first 3 months’ payments.

Here are some examples of Ford incentives for July 2009:

2009 Ford Mustang – $1500 rebate plus $1500 bonus rebate, plus another $500 bonus. Interest rates are 0% for 36 months, 5.9% for 48 months, 6.9% for 60 months, and 8.9% for 72 months (not really a great rate for 60 and 72 months). Smaller rebates and higher interest rates are available for the 2010 Mustang.

2009 Ford Fusion – $2000 rebate, plus $1500 bonus rebate. Interest rates are 0% for 36, 48, and 60 months, and 1.9% for 72 months. Smaller rebates and higher interest rates are available for the 2010 Fusion.

2009 Ford Exlporer SUV – $2500 rebate, plus $1500 bonus rebate. Interest rates are 0% for 36 months, 0.9% for 48 months, 1.9% for 60 months, and 5.9% for 72 months. Smaller rebates and higher interest rates apply to the 2010 Mustang.

Similar incentives — rebates, bonuses, and low APR loans — apply to most other 2009 and 2010 Ford models.

You can get free price quotes on any of the Ford vehicles from Edmunds.com. The quotes will automatically include any cash-back rebates or discounts that are currently available.

Many good cash-back rebates, as well as low interest loans, are on the table at this time. Many are genuinely great deals if you are in the market for a new 2009 Ford.

For example, the Ford Flex has a $3000 rebate OR 0% interest rate all the way up to 60 months, and 1.9% for 72 months. You can take either the rebate or the zero interest loan, but not both. And you must have a good credit score.

The popular Ford Explorer SUV gets a $3000 rebate OR 0%-3.9% interest rate, depending on loan term.

Most other 2009 Fords, such as the Escape, Expedition, and Mustang,  get a $2500 cash-back deal, or a zero-interest or low-interest promotional loan rate. Nearly every model in the entire Ford lineup is being promoted on these deals that end on 5/4/2009.

There are no lease deals from Ford Motor Credit in these offers, but if you want to lease, most Ford dealers have arrangements with banks or credit unions to provide leases. Remember, you can use the cash-back rebates being offered to lower your lease price, even if you lease from a bank or credit union.

Also remember that Ford just announced a new buyer protection plan that makes your payments should you lose your job.

You can get free price quotes on any of the above cars from Edmunds.com. The quotes will automatically include any cash-back rebates or discounts that are currently available.

Ford announced today a new buyer protection plan to provide assistance to people who buy a new Ford vehicle after today, until June 1, and who lose their jobs later.

Ford will make as many as 12 monthly payments, up to $700 a month, for customers who lose their jobs. They call it the Ford Advantage program. Any Ford, Mercury, or Lincoln vehicle qualifies. It is being offered with 0% financing on many models. Of course, customers must have good credit to get the loans, through Ford Motor Credit.

Hyundai began offering a similar buyer protection program in January and it has been popular. General Motors is also offering a similar plan.

Free Price Quotes on any Ford Vehicle at Edmunds.com
Get free price quotes from Edmunds.com that automatically include any incentives and rebates currently being offered.

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a sturdy SUV with a gentle ride and good handling. It has a third-row seat and plenty of room inside for the kids and cargo. There are a number of engine options to meet different needs, including towing.

GM is also offering alternative low-interest loans on the Tahoe — from 1.9% APR for 36 months to 3.9% APR for 72 months. Of course these loan rates are available only to ‘qualified’ buyers with good credit scores. As we’ve mentioned before, most customers will find that taking the cash-back rebate will be the better choice, especially if funds are tight for a down payment.

Taking the rebate also gives you the flexibility, in most cases, to find your own financing and maybe get a better rate than the dealer’s non-promotional rate.

Be aware that if you decide to go for one of the good 2008 leftover deals, dealers may not have exactly the model you would most want. So you have to be a little flexible, spend extra time looking, and maybe be a little bit lucky.

For example, on the popular Ford Flex, you can get $4000 cash back, plus an additional $500 if you are in active military or are a college student.

With such a large rebate, this is a great way to get into a car with little or no down payment. The rebate can be used as your down payment. It’s treated as if it came out of your own pocket.

Other models with large cash-back rebates are:

• Ford Fusion
• Ford Explorer
• Ford F-150
• Ford Taurus and Taurus X
• Ford Expedition
• Ford Escape
• Ford Mustang
• Ford Focus

Many models in Ford’s Lincoln and Mercury line also have high rebates, such as the Lincoln Navigator with $4000 cash back, and the Mercury Grand Marquis with a whopping $5000 back — and these are all 2009 models, not 2008.

However, you want a leftover 2008 Ford you can get even better deals — up to $6000 and $7000 back on such models as the Ford Explorer and Ford F-150, or up to $8000 back on a nice Lincoln Navigator luxury SUV. Practically every 2008 model in the line has large rebates available that are designed to get them off dealer’s lots and out of Ford’s inventory.

Nearly all models also have low-interest rate loan deals available too, but you can’t take the rebate and the low-APR loan together. It’s one or the other. However, for most people the rebate is nearly always the better deal, especially if you are short on down payment cash.

Note that rebate amounts and availability might vary depending on your area of the country.