Best deals on American-made cars for July 4th

Independence Day conjures images of patriots, parades, flags, BBQ, and car sales. Indeed, this national holiday weekend is perennially one of the best times to buy a new car. Typically, the customer rebates are large, interest rates small, sales staffs eager, and free balloons plentiful.

To size up the buying opportunities, our analysts have studied recent nationwide transactions, then layered in current available incentives to predict the average savings for this holiday shopping weekend. This is labeled as "Market average." Among the many discounted models, we narrowed our focus to those that meet Consumer Reports’ stringent criteria to be recommended, meaning they scored well in our testing, have average or better reliability in our latest subscriber survey, and performed well in government or insurance-industry safety tests, if evaluated.

In the spirit of the patriotic holiday, we have further narrowed our focus to vehicles that are made in America—those models that are built right here on U.S. soil, whether from a domestic or import manufacturer. All featured vehicles are 2015 models. General Motors dominates this list, due to a combination of attractive pricing and having many models that earn a Consumer Reports recommendation. Beyond the highlighted models, there are many vehicles offering notable discounts right now.

See all current Best New Car Deals, or use our New Car Selector to create your own list of vehicles by sorting and filtering by the factors that matter most to you.

See our special feature "What makes a car 'American'?"

—Jeff Bartlett with Todd Young

Buick Enclave

Even after six years on the market, the large Enclave remains a competitive three-row SUV. We liked its firm, comfortable, and quiet ride and its agile, secure handling. But like its corporate cousins, the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, this Michigan-made crossover is beginning to show its age. The 3.6-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic are smooth and powerful enough, but at times they work hard in this large SUV, and its 15-mpg overall is paltry. A big plus is the ability to fit adults in the roomy third row. Fit and finish is impressive, and for 2015 forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems are available.

Make & model	MSRP	Invoice	Market average
Buick Enclave Leather AWD	$46,375	$45,012	$42,434

Cadillac CTS

The CTS is a luxury sedan with agile handling and a firm, absorbent ride that crowns it as one of the sportiest cars in the class. But as satisfying as it is to drive, the CTS can also be frustrating. Much of the blame goes to the overly complex Cue infotainment-system. The cabin is super-luxurious, with impressive material quality. But rear-seat room is snug and the trunk is relatively small. Neither the four-cylinder turbo nor the 3.6-liter V6 is as refined as the best in class. The high-end Vsport version is better, with effortless thrust.

Make & model	MSRP	Invoice	Market average
Cadillac CTS Sedan 3.6L AWD Luxury	$55,965	$53,766	$53,310

Chevrolet Corvette

The sharp-edged Corvette has abundant power from its 455-hp, 6.2-liter V8 and an interior worthy of the price. A seven-speed manual is standard, with an eight-speed automatic optional. Drivers with a thirst for more power can opt for the 650-hp Z06. The car's all-aluminum construction optimizes weight savings and strength. Acceleration is blisteringly quick, and handling is pinpoint. With the adjustable driving modes the car can be a fairly refined cruiser or track-ready race car. The seats deliver support and comfort. But you can't ignore the low-slung cabin that's difficult to access and tire noise. The Corvette is built in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where buyers can take delivery, tour the factory, and visit the National Corvette Museum.

Make & model	MSRP	Invoice	Market average
Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Z51 3LT	$74,445	$69,020	$70,342

Chevrolet Impala

One of our top-rated sedans, the Impala is roomy, comfortable, quiet, and enjoyable to drive. It even rides like a luxury sedan, feeling cushy and controlled. Engine choices include a punchy 3.6-liter V6 and an adequate 2.5-liter four-cylinder, both paired with a six-speed automatic. The V6 accelerates and brakes capably, with secure and responsive handling. The full-featured cabin stays very quiet, with a sumptuous backseat and a huge trunk. Controls are intuitive and easy to use, but rear visibility is restricted. Advanced electronic safety features are readily available.

Make & model	MSRP	Invoice	Market average
Chevrolet Impala 2LTZ	$36,265	$35,025	$33,522

Chevrolet Traverse

Although it dates back to 2008, the large, Lansing, Michigan-built Traverse is among the most competitive three-row SUVs. We liked its firm, comfortable, and quiet ride and its relatively agile, secure handling. But like its corporate cousins, the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, it's beginning to show its age. The 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic powertrain is smooth and powerful enough, but it works hard in this large SUV, and its 16-mpg overall is uncompetitive. A big plus is the ability to fit adults in the roomy third row. Fit and finish has improved, and for 2015 forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems are available.

Make & model	MSRP	Invoice	Market average
Chevrolet Traverse 1LT AWD	$36,670	$35,596	$33,486

Chevrolet Volt

An electric car with a backup engine to extend its typical 35-mile electric range, the Michigan-built Volt feels quick, quiet, and responsive, with a taut ride. It only seats four, the rear seat is cramped, and visibility is poor. Once the lithium-ion battery is depleted, the 1.4-liter engine acts as a generator to extend the range by 315 miles. We averaged the equivalent of 99 mpg in electric mode and 32 mpg on premium when it switched over to gasoline. Recharging takes 4 hours using a 240-volt supply and 10 hours with 120 volts. For 2015, the battery storage capacity is increased from 16- to 17.1-kWh, probably leading to more EV-only miles. A 2016 redesign brings increased electric range, an improved control layout, and a center rear seating position.

Make & model	MSRP	Invoice	Market average
Chevrolet Volt Plug-In Hybrid	$35,170	$34,483	$32,063

Ford Fusion

Built in Flat Rock, Michigan, the Fusion is a delight to drive, with a supple ride and agile handling rivaling that of a European sports sedan. All trim levels and powertrains feel solid and upscale, with a quiet and well-finished cabin. But the rear seat is somewhat snug, and the MyFord Touch interface is an annoyance. Most Fusions get either a 1.5- or 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder matched with a six-speed automatic. The 1.5-liter does the job, but the 2.0-liter packs more punch and better suits the car. We recorded 24-and 22-mpg overall, respectively, which is among the lower performers in the category. The Hybrid turned in an excellent 39-mpg overall.

Make & model	MSRP	Invoice	Market average
Ford Fusion Titanium AWD	$33,115	$31,326	$30,204

GMC Acadia

Though it's starting to feel a little dated, the Acadia is still competitive among three-row SUVs. Like its twins, the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, it has a spacious and quiet interior, with a third-row seat that's roomy enough for adults. Seating for eight is available. Handling is relatively agile and secure, with responsive steering, and the ride is comfortable and steady. Its 3.6-liter V6 is smooth and refined, but it has to work hard and it gets mediocre gas mileage. Upgraded touch-screen infotainment systems bring more capability. Rear visibility isn't great. Denali versions have more features but no better functionality or performance.

Make & model	MSRP	Invoice	Market average
GMC Acadia AWD SLT1	$43,745	$42,460	$38,171

Honda Odyssey

This versatile and capable hauler built in Lincoln, Alabama, combines clever and generous packaging with responsive handling and a supple ride. Its vigorous 3.5-liter V6 and smooth six-speed automatic returned 21-mpg overall in our tests. The Odyssey can seat eight in relative comfort, with varying configurations for cargo and passenger needs. Easy access, excellent child-seat accommodations, and abundant cabin storage add to the family-friendly quotient. Among our few gripes is the tediously complicated dual touch-screen infotainment system. In addition, fit and finish and some material selection are not what one would expect at this price, and AWD isn't available.

Make & model	MSRP	Invoice	Market average
Honda Odyssey EX-L	$36,655	$33,912	$33,555

Toyota Avalon

When it was redesigned, the Kentucky-built Avalon's formerly excellent ride was stiffened too much, especially on versions with the 18-inch tires. (Toyota claims it will address that with the 2016 model.) Handling was sharpened and is now sound and secure. The lively 268-hp V6 is paired with a smooth six-speed automatic and delivers punchy performance and a commendable 24-mpg overall. The hybrid's 2.5-liter four-cylinder is teamed with an electric motor, returning a standout 36-mpg overall. Upscale materials and finish details give the spacious cabin a lush, luxurious ambience. Interior and exterior styling were given careful attention, but the controls were made more complicated.

Make & model	MSRP	Invoice	Market average
Toyota Avalon Limited	$40,805	$38,024	$37,921

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