(August 10, 2011) COSTA MESA, Calif. (PRNewswire) — NADAguides reported today that its Consumer Market Interest Report for the second quarter of 2011 showed a strong interest gain in Korean and Japanese models, led by the 2011 Hyundai Sonata.

The Sonata became the most researched vehicle on NADAguides.com in the second quarter with consumer interest growing by 49 percent.

"Sonata continues to be a huge hit with consumers thanks to its innovative design, advanced technology and all-four cylinder engine lineup delivering best-in-class fuel economy," said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America.  "Beating out the Ford F-150 as the most researched car on NADAguides.com is a testament to Sonata's appeal to all types of car buyers."

Consumer interest leaders in order were the Hyundai Sonata, 2011 Ford F-150, 2011 Toyota Camry, 2011 Nissan Altima and the 2011 Kia Sorento.
   
Data analysis reveals a tremendous boost for Japanese manufacturers as consumer interest for the Camry and Altima grew 47 percent and 161 percent, respectively, which moved both vehicles into the top five most researched. 

Consumer interest in the first quarter 2011 was dominated by Ford and Korean models: 2011 Ford F-150, 2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2011 Kia Sorrento, 2011 Ford Explorer and the 2011 Ford Mustang. 
   
Although there was movement among consumer interest for all of the top five vehicles from Q1 to Q2, the Ford Explorer and the Ford Mustang were the only two vehicles to completely fall out of the top five. The Explorer saw a decrease in consumer interest of nearly 30 percent, while the Mustang saw a slight drop of 1.7 percent. 

The fall in consumer interest for the Explorer can be attributed to the fact that the vehicle was launched during the first quarter and was supported by heavy marketing, creating tremendous buzz and making it hard for any vehicle to continue at that level of interest over an extended period of time. 
Additionally, analysts at NADAguides suggest that with just a 20 day-supply, the Explorer may be difficult for consumers to find.
   
Although no European models made the NADAguides.com top five list, models such as the  2011 MINI Cooper Countryman and the 2012 Fiat 500 are expected to see substantial growth and consumer interest as availability opens up across the country during the third quarter.