Kelley Blue Book recently revealed the most-researched new cars on its website during the first half of 2007. Information was collected among more than 70 million unique visitors to www.kbb.com. Consumers typically turn to Internet sites to research products, in this case new cars, prior to making their purchases. Highly researched vehicles, therefore, typically translate into top-selling vehicles.
Toyota and Honda again continue to dominate Kelley Blue Book’s most-researched new-vehicles list, with 12 of the top 20 vehicles representing those makes (seven Toyotas and five Hondas). However, Toyota surpassed Honda for the first time taking the top spot with the newly redesigned Camry, pushing Honda’s Civic and Accord to numbers two and three, respectively.
A hybrid vehicle makes its debut on Kelley Blue Book’s most-researched new-vehicles list, with the Toyota Prius coming in at number 11. Popular new domestic models that continue to make the most-researched list include the Ford Mustang, Ford Escape and Chevrolet Tahoe.
Vehicle redesigns and updates prove to re-invigorate consumer interest in specific models, with Nissan’s recently redesigned Altima being the only vehicle among the top 10 that is not a Toyota or Honda. The Jeep Wrangler places on the most-researched list for the first time this year, undoubtedly due to its recent redesign which now includes a more family-friendly four-door model. Honda’s redesigned CR-V moved to number four on this half-yearly list, up significantly from number 10 this time last year.
Mazda’s compact model, the Mazda3, moved up from number 20 last year to number 15 this year, demonstrating its increased popularity. The only luxury models included on the 2007 most-researched list are the Infiniti G35 at number 13, and the Acura TL at number 20.
“The stranglehold Toyota and Honda have on the top 10 most-researched spots anticipated the sales results in June and demonstrates that those brands are on many consumers’ must-shop list,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “Meanwhile, the list shows that prospects for the domestic manufacturers remain bleak, because they offer too few ‘gotta-have-it’ products.”
Source: Kelley Blue Book (July 9, 2007). “Kbb.com Names Most-Researched New Vehicles During First Half of 2007.” Kelley Blue Book press release courtesy of PR Newswire