With ever-climbing gas prices, it's no surprise that consumers are increasingly looking for more fuel-efficient cars. Here in southern California, gas prices have been over $4 a gallon for a while now. According to the Energy Information Administration at the U.S. Department of Energy, the national average this week is $3.93 per gallon of regular unleaded (a 73-cent jump over the same time last year), so the whole country will likely be experiencing $4-plus per gallon gasoline soon.
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe and Dodge Durango Boast Hefty Incentives
Recent research at NADAguides.com shows that consumer interest in crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) has increased at almost the same rate as interest in sport utility vehicles (SUVs) has declined--14.8 percent versus 15.9 percent, respectively--when comparing April 2007 to April 2008 data. A big reason for this shift is because of rising gas prices.
While our full CUV report covers crossovers with the greatest increase in consumer interest (as well as picks for some new CUVs to keep your eye on), our data also showed that the SUVs with the largest decline in interest, were primarily truck-based, larger sport-utes.
Among the Top Ten SUVs with the largest declines in consumer interest were the Dodge Durango and Chevrolet Tahoe. Both vehicles currently have some hefty car customer incentives, with up to $4,500 cash back or zero percent financing on 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, and up to $3,000 cash back or zero percent financing on the 2008 Dodge Durango.
Keep in mind that car incentives and rebates change regularly, sometimes vary by region and have other restrictions, so you'll want to check current new car incentives. To learn more, read NADAguides.com's guide to car incentives and rebates.
Both the Tahoe and Durango are great candidates if you need to transport a lot of people or tow your boat (or other fun summer toy) and, thanks to the current customer rebates, there are some great deals to be had if you need a large SUV.