National Press Release

- Honda, Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet and Nissan Models Captivate Consumers -

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., Feb. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- NADAguides.com, the leading provider of pricing information and market research for cars, classics, RVs, motorcycles and boats, announced today the "Top 5 Most Researched Car Brands of 2008." The data, based on research volume per quarter for models within each brand, showed the highest consumer interest in vehicles from Honda, Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet and Nissan throughout 2008.

"The most researched car category not only identifies the top cars consumers are most interested in, but also provides auto makers with a clear roadmap of what consumers are looking to buy," said Mike Caudill, spokesperson for NADAguides.com. "The dramatic fluctuations in fuel prices and changing economic climate in 2008 were clearly reflected in the vehicles consumers clicked on. Some vehicles remained at the top while others dropped in ranking."

Despite volatile gas prices and a sputtering global economy, the practicality and efficiency of the 2008 Honda Accord sedan kept it on top of the most researched list for nearly the entire year. The Civic sedan and CR-V also proved popular with consumers, giving Honda three models in the top 10.

However, it was Toyota dominating the most researched list with 8 vehicles in the top 20, including the ever-popular Camry and Corolla, the fuel-sipping Prius and the rugged Tacoma and Highlander. High gas prices during the summer months launched the 2008 Toyota Prius to fourth on the list, but it fell off completely when fuel costs dropped back down.

The ready-for-anything 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150 trucks helped keep the domestic manufacturers at the forefront of consumer research, along with the stunningly redesigned 2008 Chevrolet Malibu and iconic Ford Mustang. The economical 2008 Ford Focus and right-sized Escape rounded out the top 20.

Still fresh from its 2007 redesign, the stylish 2008 Nissan Altima trailed just behind the Honda Accord for top honors. The Altima offers a wide range of trims from the eco-conscious Altima Hybrid to the sporty Altima V6 SE.

Though these five manufacturers dominated the list, other brands continued to spark consumer interest and earned a spot on the NADAguides.com Most Researched Cars of 2008:

    1. 2008 Honda Accord Sedan               11. 2009 Toyota Camry

    2. 2008 Nissan Altima                    12. 2008 Toyota RAV4

    3. 2008 Honda CR-V                       13. 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

    4. 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500         14. 2008 Ford Mustang

    5. 2008 Toyota Camry                     15. 2008 Toyota Corolla

    6. 2008 Honda Civic Sedan                16. 2008 Mazda MAZDA3

    7. 2008 Ford F-150                       17. 2008 Toyota Highlander

    8. 2008 Toyota Tacoma                    18. 2008 Ford Escape

    9. 2009 Toyota Corolla                   19. 2008 Dodge Ram 1500

    10. 2008 Toyota Prius                    20. 2008 Ford Focus

For more information on NADAguides.com please visit their website www.nadaguides.com.

SOURCE NADAguides.com