What are the most researched vehicles?

KBB named the most-researched vehicles during the first half of 2006.

Once again, Honda and Toyota dominate Kelley Blue Book's most-researched vehicles list. Toyota captured seven spots in the Top 20 and Honda stole five slots, all of which landed in the Top 10. Only two domestic vehicles made the most-researched list; the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Mustang.

During the first half of the year, two vehicles fell from last year's list allowing two new vehicles to join. Both new vehicles make their debut in the Top 10; the Toyota RAV4 and the redesigned Chevrolet Tahoe. Falling off the list during the first half of the year are the Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

"What's interesting is that three entry-level luxury vehicles made the most-researched list for the first half of 2006; BMW 325, Acura TL and Infiniti G35," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and market analyst, Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "These three have definitely become brands and vehicles the public aspires to drive and own."

Minivans continue to prove their utilitarian purpose as two minivans maintained their places on the most-researched list; the Honda Odyssey coming in at No. 6 and Toyota Sienna at No. 15.

Full rankings:

1. HONDA CIVIC
2. HONDA ACCORD
3. TOYOTA CAMRY
4. TOYOTA COROLLA
5. TOYOTA RAV4
6. HONDA ODYSSEY
7. HONDA PILOT
8. TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
9. CHEVROLET TAHOE
10. HONDA CR-V
11. FORD MUSTANG
12. NISSAN ALTIMA
13. BMW 325
14. ACURA TL
15. TOYOTA SIENNA
16. TOYOTA 4RUNNER
17. FORD ESCAPE
18. INFINITI G35
19. TOYOTA AVALON
20. MAZDA3

johannas - 7/5/2006 12:50:06 PM

+1 Boost

Yes... here in the states we need to expand our horizons. This might piss some people off but I'm completely sick of hearing about the first 4 autos in this list. Why not research something interesting at kbb?

cjxx - 7/5/2006 2:30:17 PM

+1 Boost

Johanna....if you are an average American researching a vhicle, and you earn $35000 to $65000 a year, what would you put on the list for the top 4 vehicles?

johannas - 7/5/2006 3:50:15 PM

+1 Boost

Here goes...

BMW 325xi
Audi A4
Infiniti G35
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Tried to stay realistic and pick enjoyable ones to drive and research. Yours CJ?

cjxx - 7/5/2006 4:07:48 PM

0 Boost

I would have to go along with the top 4 as they are listed, pretty much. I do respect your selections but I think you are skewed a bit to far toward an "enthusiast's" list rather than an "average" person. Thats why, in my opinion, your very good selections are not on the list.

cjxx - 7/5/2006 4:09:57 PM

+1 Boost

Correction...when I said not on the list ,I meant not the top 4.

tundraboy - 8/18/2006 11:25:47 AM

+1 Boost

johannas, for someone making $35 thou you would recommend a car that costs as much as their annual income? Even at 65 thou, buying a car worth half your annual income is nuts. Or maybe you recommend leasing? (a.k.a. lifetime car payments)

No wonder the US has a very low saving rate.

johannas - 8/23/2006 3:35:57 PM

+1 Boost

tundraboy, we are talking about researching vehicles. In the course of research, I think there is a little room for dreaming and exploration. Even if it just serves to make you a more informed consumer or narrows your likes and dislikes.

bigslick83 - 9/14/2006 1:51:15 PM

+1 Boost

i would like to see more research on american cars as most people who have a problem with this list would. I think tho that people in the US know more about domestic cars then imports so you get more research. for actual sales in the united states (units sold, not dollar amount) i think you would see more american cars up there. maybe the other reason why people do more research on those cars is because they are alot more familar with pricing of american cars (new and used) while imports seem to change a little more in price with their generations. american cars also have alot more similarities in different makes of the same model eg: caviler/cobalt/sunfire/caliber/neon etc. face it fokes its pretty much all the same car. and leasings not so bad tundraboy

weaponX - 10/6/2006 10:19:00 AM

+1 Boost

I'm looking for a new car. Here's my list of cars I'm researching/test driven:
1. BMW M5
2. BMW 650i
3. BMW 750i
4. MB E63
5. MB CLS550
6. MB S550 4MATIC
7. MB ML63
8. Porsche Carrera 4S Coupe

I've driven the CLS and the new S-class. I'm test driving the 911 tomorrow.

Fat chance I'll get to test drive the E63 or M5. :(

It's a very tough decision.

johannas - 10/16/2006 4:49:53 PM

+1 Boost

No A8 on your list?

bimmernut - 11/5/2006 11:20:51 PM

+1 Boost

If you are telling the truth then you need to make up your mind as in a general type of vehicle....that's the most random list of cars i've seen.