WASHINGTON — Labor Day weekend is the last chance for auto dealers to clear out their lots of 2017 models to make way for 2018 inventory, and the motivation of manufacturers to sell remaining inventory of this year’s models is high — especially for compact and mid-sized cars.

Edmunds forecasts just over 1.5 million cars and trucks were likely sold in August, an 8 percent increase from July, but the bump comes after seven straight months of declining sales.

The American consumers’ increasing preference for trucks and SUVs means the real deals are on cars, both purchase and lease.

U.S. News & World Report has put together a short list of this Labor Day’s best lease and purchase deals on new cars, based not only on financing, incentives or lease terms but also on cars that have favorable reviews, and it includes: [custom_gallery]

U.S. News and World Report also released a list of the Best 2017 and 2018 Midsized Cars.