The best deals now from GM and Chrysler

    With the carmakers in turmoil, now's the chance for savvy buyers to look for big deals on cars and trucks that typically aren't discounted. Here are a few of the best.

    By Beth Kowitt and Scott Cendrowski

    2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

    Specs: 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)

    Sticker Price: $39,310

    What people are paying: $32,341

    (includes $3,000 rebate)

    "People who thought they couldn't afford a brand new Jeep Cherokee now can," says Philip Reed, consumer advice editor at Edmunds.com, which collects auto data and gave us its take on some of the best deals. Though the Jeep Cherokee isn't a vehicle Edmunds.com generally rates very highly, Reed says it's had a strong following for years. And today the vehicle is more accessible to the average consumer than ever: Reed recently heard about a customer who walked off the lot with a Jeep Cherokee for just $17,000. The sticker price? $27,000.

    2009 Dodge Charger R/T

    Specs: 4dr Sedan (5.7L 8cyl 5A)

    Sticker Price: $32,160

    What people are paying: $26,305

    (includes $3,000 rebate)

    Dodge advertises the Charger as a marriage of "muscle and mileage.'' But to make sure that this marriage sells, Chrysler is offering a 10% discount on this car, plus a hefty rebate.

    2009 Saab 9-5 Aero

    Specs: 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

    Sticker Price: $39,400

    What people are paying: $37,401

    Though the Saab brand is owned by GM, Reed says it still retains the identity of a European car. And since those don't often have incentives attached, he notes the Saab lacks a general rebate. But that doesn't mean you can't get a good deal. Negotiation is more important than ever, and Reed suggests that consumers investigate those GM and Chrysler dealerships that are set to close. "The dealers who have survived the cut -- and it sounds harsh -- they have an air of superiority and arrogance," he says. At closing dealerships, they're desperate to get their cars off the lot. Says Reed, "It's an extremely important distinction for consumers to make."

    2009 Hummer H3X

    Specs: 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 5cyl 4A)

    Sticker Price: $43,130

    What people are paying: $34,288

    (includes $6,000 rebate)

    With GM's plan to sell or close Hummer, and last summer's steep gasoline prices fresh in buyers' memories, the SUVs are a tough sell. So GM is using rebates of up to 15% to help move them. With Hummers and many other models, look for regional deals. And if Hummer dealerships are shut down, buyers shouldn't worry about losing warranty information. GM uses a centralized warranty database, making service information available through other dealers.

    2009 Chrysler 300C

    Specs: 4dr Sedan (5.7L 8cyl 5A)

    Sticker Price: $37,135

    What people are paying: $29,626

    (includes $4,000 rebate)

    This model was very popular when it debuted five years ago. "It's very aggressive and assertive looking," Reed says. "That really appealed to a certain type of driver." Now, with Chrysler set to sever ties with about 800 dealerships by June 9, those businesses are anxious to sell their entire inventories, and this niche vehicle may be one of the many whose new pricing gives it broader appeal.

    2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS

    Specs: 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)

    Sticker Price: $37,195

    What people are paying: $32,028

    (includes $3,000 rebate)

    Put the engine from a Corvette under the hood of a midsized SUV and you get the TrailBlazer SS. Truck-based SUVs have been slow sellers ever since gas prices topped $4 a gallon last summer. That's why rebates on vehicles like this are so big. For those who aren't too worried about fueling it, the SS offers some serious performance credentials while retaining its solid SUV functionality.