Small and Energy Efficient Cars Are the Buzz at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show - Consumer Data Shows a Much Different Trend

COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- NADAguides.com, the leading provider of pricing information and market research for new and used cars, classics, RVs, motorcycles and boats, announced today the Top Five Most Researched Cars heading into the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Although many automakers are using the Detroit Auto Show as their platform to debut small and more fuel-efficient vehicles, consumer data, based on model research volume within each brand, shows the highest consumer interest is in vehicles from Chevrolet, Lexus, Nissan and Honda.  The Chevy Camaro, a Motown muscle favorite, led the way in most of 2009 and into the first weeks of 2010 as being the most researched vehicle on NADAguides.com.

"Although electric, hybrid and small cars are being showcased in Detroit this week, the patterns we are seeing from consumers show a desire for affordable and efficient vehicles that offer substantial performance, upscale amenities and impressive technology," said Mike Caudill, spokesperson for NADAguides.com.  "This most recent data not only identifies the top cars consumers are most interested in, but also provides automakers with a clear roadmap of what consumers are looking to buy.  One aspect that may also surprise critics is that despite the demand for small, fuel efficient hybrids, muscle cars, while a small part of the market, sold relatively well last year and continue to pique consumer interest."

NADAguides.com's Top Five Most Researched Cars are:

Much to the chagrin of economists, the passion of the 1960s-style muscle car is still alive and well with the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro topping the NADAguides.com list.  GM sold more than 60,000 Camaros in 2009 and is planning to unveil a convertible Camaro and a sporty GS version of the Buick Regal midsize sedan this week at the Detroit Auto Show.  

Entry-level luxury sedans are also hitting the mark with consumers.  The impressive Lexus ES350 landed in the second position and the practicality and reliability of the 2009 Nissan Altima placed it in third.  The efficient 2009 Honda Accord and Lexus RX 350 round out the top five proving that although small cars, electrics and hybrids are becoming more prevalent these days, consumers are still more interested in performance, refined amenities, and overall reliability.  

About NADAguides.com

NADAguides.com (http://www.NADAguides.com) is the largest publisher of vehicle pricing and information for new and used cars, classic cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and manufactured homes. NADAguides.com offers in-depth shopping and research tools in addition to the most market-reflective pricing available.  The company also produces print guidebooks, software, web services, raw data and web syndicated products.

SOURCE NADAguides.com