Best deals from Toyota and Ford, brands that topped our 2011 Car Brand Perception Survey

Jan 26, 2011 12:33 PM

Consumer Reports maintains a list of best new car deals, which highlight models that meet our stringent criteria for being recommended yet are still priced to offer significant savings. Having published the 2011 Car Brand Perception Survey earlier this month, our Auto Prices Service team applied the same filter to the two brands that dominated that survey, Toyota and Ford, and compiled a “deals list” for those popular, well-regarded brands. (The latest deals on all major makes, models, and trims are available through our model overview pages, for Cars Best Deals Plus subscribers.)

The 2011 Car Brand Perception Survey shows that while Toyota remains the top brand again in consumers’ minds, it has lost significant ground. Toyota now has just a slight edge over Ford, likely strengthened by its score as a leader in the environmentally friendly/green category. Ford has remained consistent year over year, and it excels in the three categories consumers said were most important: Safety, quality, and value.

The survey scores reflect how consumers perceive each brand in seven categories: safety, quality, value, performance, design/style, technology/innovation, and environmentally friendly/green. Measuring across those categories gives us the total brand perception and does not directly represent the actual qualities of any brand's vehicles.

Toyota and Ford each manufacture several vehicles that are recommended by Consumer Reports. To earn our recommendation, vehicles must have performed well in CR's tests, have average or better reliability, and, if crash-tested, provide good overall crash protection based on our composite of insurance-industry and government crash tests. Vehicles also must not have tipped up in the government rollover test or, if not tested, must have available electronic stability control.

Looking at this list, buyers can find significant cash incentives available on many Toyota and Ford Consumer Reports Recommended models.

Make & model	Expires	MSRP	Invoice price	Bottom line price	Potential savings below MSRP
2011 Ford Expedition XLT 4x4 EL	4/4/2011	$44,220	$41,246	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 14%
2011 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew 157-in	4/4/2011	36,195	32,833	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 13%
2010 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew 157-in	4/4/2011	35,705	32,317	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 19%
2011 Ford Flex SEL AWD	4/4/2011	33,850	31,614	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 13%
2011 Ford Focus SES sedan	4/4/2011	18,870	17,587	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 19%
2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid	4/4/2011	27,950	25,666	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 14%
2011 Ford Fusion I-4 SE	4/4/2011	21,615	19,983	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 14%
2010 Ford Fusion I-4 SE	1/31/2011	21,225	19,613	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 14%
2011 Ford Fusion V6 SEL AWD	4/4/2011	28,505	26,184	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 14%
2010 Ford Fusion V6 SEL AWD	1/31/2011	28,115	25,813	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 14%
2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium Convertible	4/4/2011	37,845	34,765	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 12%
2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe	1/31/2011	32,845	30,265	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 12%
2010 Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe	1/31/2011	31,395	28,906	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 21%
2010 Ford Mustang GT Premium Convertible	1/31/2011	36,395	33,406	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 20%
2011 Ford Mustang V6 Premium Coupe	4/4/2011	25,845	23,965	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 11%
2010 Ford Mustang V6 Premium Coupe	4/4/2011	24,395	22,606	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 13%
2011 Toyota Camry 3.5 Auto V6 XLE	1/31/2011	29,470	26,816	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 14%
2010 Toyota Corolla Base	1/31/2011	15,450	14,445	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 14%
2010 Toyota Corolla LE AT	1/31/2011	16,850	15,417	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 15%
2011 Toyota Highlander Limited 4x4 V6	1/31/2011	36,495	33,317	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 11%
2010 Toyota Highlander Limited Hybrid w/3rd row seat 4x4	1/31/2011	41,220	37,303	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 17%
2010 Toyota Matrix Base AT	1/31/2011	17,510	16,371	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 13%
2010 Toyota Matrix S AT	1/31/2011	19,800	18,117	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 15%
2010 Toyota Prius IV	1/31/2011	26,600	24,762	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 12%
2011 Toyota RAV4 Base 4x4	1/31/2011	23,425	21,901	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 11%
2011 Toyota RAV4 Limited 4x4 V6	1/31/2011	28,335	26,491	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 10%
2011 Toyota Tundra 5.7 Auto 4WD FFV Tundra Grade Crew Max	1/31/2011	33,540	31,023	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 17%
2010 Toyota Venza AWD V6	1/31/2011	29,550	26,595	Get the Bottom Line Price	Up to 15%

Several of these deals may offer consumers the choice between cash back and low financing incentives. Keep in mind that if you are purchasing a new car, it's important to weigh the financing options and look at your budget. To work out your own financing scenarios, see our online calculators and worksheets.

Consumer Reports also has a "Build & Buy" service that lets you configure a new vehicle online and receive guaranteed, competitive price quotes from up to three dealers in your area who have agreed to meet certain guidelines of conduct. Available to Consumer Reports New Car Price Report purchasers, as well as ConsumerReports.org subscribers, the service is completely free and you are under no obligation to buy.

See all current Best Deals.

—Mike Dempsey

Related reports:
2011 Car Brand Perception Survey
2011 Car Brand Perception Survey: What brand will improve the most?
2011 Car Brand Perception Survey: Brand loyalty and purchase intent
2011 Car Brand Perception Survey: Consumers show growing interest in buying a used car