Our Test Drives Can Help You With End of Year Deals on 2019 Cars And Trucks. Check Out This Consumer Series.

By Randi Payton // Decisive Media Network

It’s that time of year.

Next year’s vehicles have begun rolling on and off dealer lots. The good news is that Summertime is the best time to negotiate a discounted price on a 2019 car or truck, since dealerships are making room for the new model year.

Although there’s a slew of ads on certified-used vehicles, you may still want to consider a 2019 model, since most of them have the latest safety features and technologies as standard equipment or options.

Start research online before running into a showroom. First, select a 2019 vehicle that is available on the lot, then compare the dealer’s offer to the dealer’s invoice price, which is below MSRP. You can find invoice prices by visiting consumer auto buying websites like www.consumerreports.org, www.edmunds.com, or www.nadaguides.com.

There were many newly redesigned and reengineered vehicles in 2019 and almost all of them offer the latest fuel-efficient engines, safety technology and modern features. If you want to know what I think about some of the models I test drove, below is a summary of my impressions.

2019 Ford F-150 Pickup Truck: Most Popular Vehicle in America

The 2019 Ford F-150 is my favorite pickup truck. It is powerful enough for work and versatile enough for family functions. Most truck buyers agree and the sales numbers reflect its popularity. The 13th generation Ford F-150 was introduced in 2015 with the style, power and superior handling that made it the top selling truck in the U.S.

The Ford F-150 offers three trim levels with a wide variety of powertrains, towing and bed lengths - Regular, SuperCab (extended) and SuperCrew (crew cab). Depending on cab style, the F-150 comes with either a standard bed (6 feet 6 inches) or a long bed (8 feet), while the SuperCrew offers either a short bed (5 feet 6 inches) or the standard bed. SuperCrew offers either a short bed (5 feet 6 inches) or the standard bed.

MSRP Range $34,695 - $70,560

2019 VW Jetta GLI : New and Sporty this Time

The new 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI was reengineered for more reliability, style and power. The VW Jetta GLI offers three trims: Base, 35th Anniversary Edition and the Autobahn. First introduced in 1984, the Jetta GLI has been reengineered for 2019. The 2.0 turbocharged 4-cylinder engine has 18 more horses and now generates 228 horsepower. There are three transmission options, depending on your driving preferences: a standard 8-speed automatic, a 7-speed or a 6-speed.

The top-of-the-line Autobahn model that I tested has a panoramic sunroof, a digital instrument panel and heated and ventilated leather seating as well as an 8-inch touchscreen.

MSRP Range $25,999 - $29,995

2019 Tiguan 2.0T SEL: A Larger Subcompact SUV

SUVs are outselling cars and the redesigned 2019 VW Tiguan is no exception. It was redesigned with room for cargo and passengers. It is a compact size SUV that offers third-row seating. A rarity in the small SUV class.

The Tiguan offers seven trim levels and 12 configurations that can include front wheel or all-wheel drive, two or four-door. They all come with a 2.0-liter I-4 engine that generates 184 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed automatic or manual transmission.

MSRP range $24,195 - $38,895

CS17848 CRA_Prince Georges Suite_300x300px_A.jpg

2019 Toyota Avalon : A Lexus Wanna Be

If I wanted a premium midsize luxury sedan, it would be the 2019 Toyota Avalon Touring. It is a Lexus want-to-be that was rebuilt for 2019 and shares the same platform with the Toyota Camry, the Lexus ES and the new RAV4. It is a midsize premium luxury sedan with a full-size attitude.

The 2019 Toyota Avalon is loaded with advanced features, roominess and provides a smooth ride. There are four trim levels: XLE, Limited, XSE, and Touring. All of them are powered by a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine that gets 301 horsepower. A hybrid model is also available.

MSRP Range $35,560 - $42,350

Toyota Camry Hybrid: The Hybrid Sedan in Demand

After driving around for one week in the 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid, and still having a half tank of gas left, I was impressed. The Toyota Camry Hybrid, which was redesigned last year, is still one of the most sort after hybrids sedans in the market.

The remake includes most of today’s conveniences and features along with the one of the best fuel economies in the sedan class. Not only is the Toyota Camry fast and smooth, it averages a combined 52 mpg. This year, Toyota added Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa (no Android Auto in 2019).

MSRP Range $28,400 - $32,975

New 2019 Nissan Kicks : Kicking it in the Low Budget SUV Class

Low-budget consumers love small cars because of their price and high fuel economy. However, the 2019 Nissan Kicks introduced last year, adds a little perkiness to the equation. The Nissan Kicks which sits below the Nissan Rogue, is an affordable subcompact crossover that offers great value at a lower price and is fun-to-drive.

The 2019 Nissan Kicks comes in three trim levels: S, SV and SR. All models have a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 122 horsepower at 114 pound-feet of torque. It is paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. All-wheel drive is not available.

MSRP Range $18,640 - $20,970

2019 Fiat 500: A True City Car

If you want a city car that’s easy to park, the 2019 Fiat 500 is the car for you. It seats two adults and two little people in the back seat. It's available as a two-door hatchback or convertible and comes in three trim levels: Pop, Lounge and Abarth.

All three trims are powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels. The Pop and Lounge versions produce 135 horsepower at 150 pound-feet of torque, while the Abarth model I drove gets up to 160 horsepower at 170 pound-feet of torque. It can be paired with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed automatic.

MSRP Range $16,245 - $20,495

Randi Payton is the founder of Decisive Media Network and board member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. He launched the first national automotive magazines and websites in 1995 for underserved multicultural consumers and has introduced and trained hundreds of journalists. Payton is best known for helping to expand diversity throughout the automotive industry.