What are people trading their clunkers in for? It depends on who you ask. The government's results showed small cars as the top choice for shoppers looking for Cash for Clunker deals. But an independent analysis by Edmunds.com disputed those results, and showed that two full-size trucks and a small crossover SUV were actually among the top-ten buys.
The discrepancy is a result of the methods used. Edmunds.com uses traditional sales measurements, tallying sales by make and model. The government uses a more arcane measurement method that subdivides models according to engine and transmission types, counting them as separate models.
For example, the Ford Escape is available in six different versions including two- and four-wheel drive and hybrid versions. The government counts each version as a different vehicle using guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency. Only the front wheel drive, non-hybrid version made the government's top ten list.
Edmund's Top 10 Cash For Clunkers
| Rank | Vehicle | Includes Includes 4WD | Includes Hybrid |
| 1 | Ford Escape | Yes | Yes |
| 2 | Ford Focus | No | No |
| 3 | Jeep Patriot | Yes | No |
| 4 | Dodge Caliber | Yes | No |
| 5 | Ford F-150 | Yes | No |
| 6 | Honda Civic | No | Yes |
| 7 | Chevrolet Silverado | Yes | Yes |
| 8 | Chevrolet Cobalt | No | No |
| 9 | Toyota Corolla | No | No |
| 10 | Ford Fusion | Yes | Yes |
2009 Frankfurt Auto Show Photo Gallery
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