7 hot summer deals on new cars

With some automakers' sales slowing in June, manufacturers have rolled out tempting summer rebate and lease deals.

But strong cash-back offers aren't limited to the companies where sales tailed off in June like General Motors (GM) (down 1.6 percent) and Toyota (TM) (down 5.6 percent). Even vehicles that are selling strongly like Ford's (F) F-150 still carry big rebates in an effort to clear out 2016 models before introducing of the 2017 versions.

Using best deal picks from U.S. News Best Cars and Kelley Blue Book, we chose seven of the most attractive summer offers. The first five are cash-back deals in order of the size of the rebate. The final two are attractive lease deals.

Read on to learn more about some of the best new car deals available today.

Ford F-150

Despite strong sales for pickups as gas prices have remained relatively low, Ford is offering a $3,500 rebate on the F-150. Reviewers surveyed by U.S. News said the F-150 and its innovative aluminum body ranked No. 1 among pickups.

Test drivers like its choice of V-6 and V-8 engines and the F-150's strong towing capacity. The base turbocharged V-6 is rated by the EPA for an estimated 19 MPG in city driving and 26 on the highway. Inside, reviewers praise the comfortable seats, especially in the SuperCrew model.

List prices on the F-150 start at $26,540 but range all the way up to $62,310 on fully loaded versions.

Buick Regal

General Motors is offering $2,750 back on the Regal, which Kelley Blue Book picks this as one of the best current deals on family cars.

Reviewers praise the Regal for its deft handling and comfortable ride. They suggest looking for the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces better acceleration than the base four. The turbo engine is rated for 21 MPG in city driving, 30 MPG on the highway.

List prices for the Regal range from $27,990 to $35,250.

Toyota Camry

The Camry comes with a $2,500 rebate. Reviewers praise its comfortable ride, spacious interior and proven reliability. Those qualities have made it the best-selling sedan in the U.S., although its sales were down 13 percent in June from a year earlier.

The Camry comes with a choice of a four-cylinder engine rated for 25 MPG city, 35 highway or a V-6 (21 city, 31 highway). List prices on the Camry go from $23,070 to $31,370.

Kia Sportage

The Sportage, which comes with some of the best acceleration and handling among small SUVs, is carrying a $1,500 rebate. Reviewers also praise its pleasant interior and intuitive controls that are easy to use while driving.

The four-cylinder engine on the front-wheel drive model is rated for 21 MPG in city driving and 28 on the highway. List prices for the Sportage range from $22,150 to $31,490.

Mazda3

The Mazda3, one of the best-reviewed compact cars, comes with a rebate of $1,000. You can get either a sedan or the more commodious-for-cargo hatchback. Both offer terrific handling and a sleek-looking interior.

The Mazda3 also boasts some of the best fuel economy in its class. The four-cylinder engine is rated for 30 MPG in city driving and 41 on the highway. List prices run from $17,845 to $26,495.

Nissan Rogue

Kelley Blue Book cites the Rogue for one of the best lease deals currently offered. Nissan has a three-year lease for $189 per month with $1,899 down. Reviewers praise the Rogue for its stylish interior and roomy cargo hold.

Unlike most other compact SUVs, the Rogue has an optional third row of seats -- though they work only for small children. The Rogue also has strong fuel economy, rated for 26 MPG in city driving and 33 on the highway.

If you were buying it, the Rogue has list prices from $23,290 to $33,400.

Lexus IS

Luxury brand customers traditionally like to lease, and Lexus is offering the IS for $329 a month over three years with $1,599 down at signing. Reviewers praise the IS for its comfortable ride and elegant interior.

However, they note that the handling isn't as athletic as some rivals like the BMW 3-series. Fuel economy for the IS is rated at 22 MPG in city driving and 33 on the highway. If you were buying it, the list prices run from $37,325 to $43,035.