Quarterly survey shows shakeup in new vehicle buyers' preferences

Kelly Blue Book, the main source for vehicle purchasing and pricing info within the United States, has released its quarterly survey of new car buyers. The study is non-scientific but considered authoritative. The preferences of automobile buyers appear to be changing, with negative press having a serious effect. The top five factors that automobile buyers are considering are driving comfort, reliability, driving performance, safety, and efficiency in their new car.

Ford takes top honors

This survey, done at the very same time last year, put Toyota as the top choice for new auto buyers. This quarter, the Kelly Blue Book survey shows that 29 percent of new auto buyers are considering Ford vehicles. This matches up well with the estimation that truck sales will be increasing in the next one to two years.

Second place – Toyota

Safety issues have caused Toyota to take on various recalls within the last year. 22 percent of individuals looking at purchasing a new auto are still considering a Toyota, even though those safety troubles are well-known. This strong showing is partially because of the high fuel efficiency of the automobiles.The particularly successful “Swagger Wagon” advertising campaign is also cited as a reason Toyota had such a strong showing.

Chevrolet takes 3rd

New car purchasers are, 21 percent of the time, looking for a Chevrolet vehicle. The upcoming release of the Volt might be a part of this increase in interest. The brand did very well, in part, because of the reputation for safety in Chevrolet vehicles.

Fourth – Honda

With a reputation for fuel savings and reliability also as a full offering of hybrid cars, Honda is doing well. One out of every five people who are thinking about purchasing a new car are thinking about a Honda car.

Hyundai takes fifth place

South Korean carmaker Hyundai ousted competitor Nissan for the fifth place this year. Kelly Blue Book reports 13 percent of new car buyers are considering a Hyundai, probably because of the average fuel efficiency of the brand.