Source: AutoTrader.com
October 28, 2008
Even bad economic news appears not to stop shoppers from dreaming of driving excitement. According to AutoTrader.com's Trend Engine report for September, many Internet car buyers are turning to fantasy shopping, choosing to research such niche vehicles as the Dodge Challenger, Chevrolet Corvette and Jeep Wrangler. The new Challenger was number one on the most-viewed new vehicle on the site for the month.
In the September 2008 report, half of the 20 most-viewed new vehicles were either compact or midsize sedans, showing a decrease in trucks from previous months and indicating a move toward more fuel-efficient vehicles. Only one crossover, the Honda CR-V, made the top 20 new car list, and there were no SUVs. However, drivers who need cargo and towing capabilities kept five pickups on the most researched vehicles report. Notably the Dodge Ram had an increase in views of slightly over 10%, as dealerships cleared out the remaining 2008 models and began stocking the all-new 2009 edition. The newest of the cars on list is the Ford Fusion, which moved up from 42nd place on the September 2007 list.
September’s car buyers also shifted towards researching new vehicles to take advantage of the generous incentives available on remaining 2008 model year cars. Asking prices for used cars generally stayed steady, while used trucks and SUVs recorded price drops.
Shoppers who want to take advantage of the rebates or incentives available now on a new, used or certified pre-owned car will want to see special offers available locally. To get started on car-buying research and find out which cars are most popular in various categories, we recommend that shoppers check out all our Top Pick lists. When shoppers are ready to find a specific car, the AutoTrader.com Find Your Car tool allows them to search for cars with selected options.
Here are the complete lists of the Top 20 Most Researched New and Used Vehicles for September 2008.
New Cars Most Researched on AutoTrader.com
in September 2008
| Rank | Make | Model |
| 1. | Dodge | Challenger |
| 2. | Chevrolet | Silverado |
| 3. | Honda | Accord |
| 4. | Toyota | Camry |
| 5. | Ford | Mustang |
| 6. | Honda | Civic |
| 7. | Nissan | Altima |
| 8. | Dodge | Ram 1500 |
| 9. | Chevrolet | Corvette |
| 10. | Ford | F-150 |
| 11. | Jeep | Wrangler |
| 12. | Chevrolet | Malibu |
| 13. | Toyota | Corolla |
| 14. | Toyota | Tacoma |
| 15. | Volkswagen | Jetta |
| 16. | Ford | Focus |
| 17. | Chevrolet | Cobalt |
| 18. | GMC | Sierra |
| 19. | Honda | CR-V |
| 20. | Ford | Fusion |
Used Cars Most Researched on AutoTrader.com
in September 2008
| Rank | Make | Model |
| 1. | Ford | F-150 |
| 2. | Ford | Mustang |
| 3. | Chevrolet | Silverado |
| 4. | Honda | Accord |
| 5. | Honda | Civic |
| 6. | Infiniti | G35 |
| 7. | Dodge | Ram 1500 |
| 8. | Nissan | Altima |
| 9. | Ford | F-250 |
| 10. | Jeep | Grand Cherokee |
| 11. | Jeep | Wrangler |
| 12. | Chevrolet | Tahoe |
| 13. | Toyota | Tacoma |
| 14. | Audi | A4 |
| 15. | Ford | Explorer |
| 16. | Volkswagen | Jetta |
| 17. | Toyota | Camry |
| 18. | Chevrolet | Corvette |
| 19. | Dodge | Ram 2500 |
| 20. | Chevrolet | Silverado 2500HD |
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