The “Cash for clunkers” program intended to jump start auto sales is in full gear. The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) allows consumers to trade in their gas guzzler for an instant credit toward the purchase of a more fuel-efficient vehicle based on specific qualifications.

All automakers are hoping to benefit from the potential sales surge. In particular, Chrysler and GM could benefit from a sales boost to coincide with their exit from bankruptcy.

If you are considering junking your old car and want to buy from an American brand, then check out our list of domestic vehicles that qualify for the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program. All models listed are also Consumer Reports recommended, which means they must have performed well in Consumer Reports' tests, have average or better reliability, and, if crash-tested, provide good overall safety. In addition, we list the owner cost score, which factors in depreciation, fuel, interest, insurance, maintenance and repair, and taxes over the first five years. A much more detailed view of owner costs, for three, five, and eight years as well as full ratings, reliability, safety and more are available in the model overviews for each new car (available to online subscribers).

For comparison, we have included the overall mpg from Consumer Reports’ tests to illustrate real-world fuel economy numbers. To judge the benefits from making a switch, we used these figures to calculate the annualized fuel costs based on 12,000 miles a year at an average price of $2.50 a gallon for gas. We assumed the trade-in vehicle had 18 mpg. If the overall EPA mpg is less, then the fuel savings would increase. (Compare your fuel economy scenario.)

Make & model	EPA mpg	CR's overall mpg	Annual CR fuel costs	Minimum fuel savings	Cost of ownership score (1-5 years)
Chevrolet HHR	24	24	$1,250	$417
Chevrolet Malibu (4-cyl.)	26	25	1,200	513
Ford Escape (4-cyl.)	21	21	1,429	238
Ford Escape Hybrid	28	26	1,154	595
Ford Focus	27	26	1,154	556
Ford Fusion (2010)	25	24	1,250	467	N/A
Ford Fusion Hybrid (2010)	39	34	882	897	N/A
Ford Mustang	20	20	1,500	167
Ford Taurus	21	18	1,667	238
Lincoln MKZ	21	20	1,500	238
Mercury Mariner	23	21	1,429	362
Mercury Mariner hybrid	28	26	1,154	595
Mercury Milan	23	21	1,304	362
Pontiac Vibe	28	29	1,034	595
Saturn Aura XR V6	20	20	1,500	167

For more information about the program, visit our Cash for clunkers special section.  To get advice on whether it is the right time to buy a new car, see our post Is Cash for Clunkers for you? Visit our New car buying and leasing forum to share your experience and give advice to others making the trade.

—Liza Barth

Also read:

Cash for clunkers: Recommended cars that qualify for a voucher
Cash for clunkers: The best gas guzzlers to junk
Cash for clunkers: Compare the fuel savings
Cash for clunkers: Fuel and owner costs
Cash for clunkers bill cuts fuel consumption–running the numbers