Some manufacturers are also offering cash-back rebates but, as you may already know, you generally must choose between the rebates and the special low-interest (or no interest) loans. You can’t take both.

Usually, rebates are a better deal, especially if you need down payment money (rebates can be used as down payment cash). However, in many cases, you don’t have a choice when only a rebate, or only a low-interest loan is being offered. See our article, 0% APR Car Deals – Good Deal or Not? for more details.

Here are some of the current (July 2010) car makes and models with 0% APR loan deals. Note that the 0% APR rate usually only applies for shorter-term loans — 24, 36, or 48 month loans — and may not apply to all styles within a model line. Many apply to both 2011/2010 and 2009 models, but some only apply to leftover 2009 models. Conditions can vary by car company. 

Following are some of the current 0% ARP loan deals. Chrysler (Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep) is the currently the winner in offering the most 0% deals on nearly its entire 2010 line of vehicles.

• Chrysler 300
• Chrysler Town & Country minivan
• Chrysler PT Cruiser
• Chrysler Sebring
• Chevrolet (most 2009 models)
• Dodge Charger
• Dodge Grand Caravan minivan
• Dodge Journey
• Dodge Avenger
• Dodge Dakota
• Dodge Nitro
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Jeep Compass
• Jeep Commander
• Jeep Patriot
• Ford Mustang
• Ford Flex
• Ford Explorer
• Ford Ranger
• Ford Edge
• Ford Fusion
• Ford Taurus
• Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, and F-450 trucks
• Ford Escape
• Ford Taurus X
• Ford Explorer Sport Trac
• Ford Focus
• Ford Expedition
• Ford Econoline
• Lexus ES350/IS250/IS350 (2009)
• Lincoln MKX
• Lincoln MKS
• Lincoln MKZ
• Mercury Mountaineer
• Mercury Milan
• Mercury Grand Marquis
• General Motors brands (Chevrolet, Cadillac, Hummer, GMC, Saab) – 2010 models
• Honda Civic
• Kia Forte
• Kia Soul
• Mazda CX-8/CX-7/CX-9
• Mazda Mazda3
• Mazda Mazda6
• Mitsubishi – All 2009/2010 models
• Infiniti EX35/FX35/FX50/M35/M45/QX56
• Nissan – Most 2010 models
• Suzuki XL7
• Suzuki Equator
• Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Suzuki SX-4
• Suzuki Kizashi
• Toyota – All 2010 models and 2011 Camry, including Hybrid
• Volkswagen – most 2010 models except Jetta TDI sedan
• Audi – 2009 A3, A8, Q7, TT, TTS, A4, A6
• Volvo – S80, XC70, C30, C70, S40, V50, V70

Of course, the best deals result from having both a 0% loan and a good price discount. Many car buyers are so happy to get a great loan deal that they overlook the fact that they should also be getting a price discount (not rebate) from their dealers. Shop for or negotiate your best price, even when you are getting a zero-percent loan. Don’t let dealers try to tell you that you can’t have both.

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.

General Motors

The GM deals are in the form of direct customer cash rebates and low-interest loans, with a number of 0% APR loan deals as well. All the current January incentives end on 2/1/2010.

Here are some of the best General Motors deals at this time:

2010 Buick  Lucern $2000 rebate

2010 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe, Cobalt, Impala – $2000 rebate

2010 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Sierra – $2000 rebate

2010 Pontiac Vibe – $4000 rebate

2009 Buick Lucerne – $4500 rebate 

2009 Buick Lacrosse – $4000 rebate

2009 Cadillac XLR, XLR-V – $10,000 rebate

2009 Cadillac Escalade – $6000 rebate

2009 Cadillac CTS-V, DTS, STS, STS-V - $5000 rebate

2009 Cadillac SRX – $4000 rebate

2009 Chevrolet Avalanche, Impala, Tahoe – $3500 rebate

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt – $3000 rebate

2009 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL – $4000 rebate

2009 GMC Envoy – $3500 rebate

2009 Hummer H3 – $6000 rebate

2009 Pontiac (most models) – $4000 rebate

2009 Saturn (most models) – $4000 rebate

Furthermore, low-interest loans are available on all the above 2010 models and 0% APR deals available on all the 2009 models above. Of course, you know that you can accept either the rebates or low interest loans, but not both. With these GM rebates being so large, it is usually better to accept the rebate instead of the loan deal, especially if you need down payment money (rebates count towards your down payment).

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