(December 22, 2011) COSTA MESA — The Kia Sorento and Chevrolet Equinox were the most researched cars on the NADAguides.com Web site's Consumer Market Interest Report for the third quarter of 2011.

This indicates a continued trend of interest gain for Korean and American models. The 2012 Sorento showed an increase of 215 percent in consumer interest in the third quarter  relative to the second quarter, placing it in the top spot.

The top five consumer interest leaders on NADAguides.com for Q3  were the Sorento, Equinox, 2012 Hyundai Sonata, 2012 Hyundai Elantra and the 2012 Ford Mustang.
   
From Q1 to Q2 there was a clear trend toward Korean models, as the 2011 Hyundai Sonata and 2011 Kia Sorento consistently were among the top five consumer interest vehicles. Korean models proved dominant with the new 2012 models debuting during the third quarter of 2011, as well as, the addition of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra which gained consumer interest by 157 percent.

"It is clear that the Korean makes are becoming more top-of-mind with consumers as their product offerings in different segments continue to breakthrough in terms of quality, price point, awareness and acceptance," said Troy Snyder, director of product development, NADAguides.com. "It's also interesting to note an uptick in interest in the number of smaller, more fuel-efficient cars and crossover vehicles. Our analysts see this as an ongoing trend as automakers competitively content and price these vehicles to meet consumer demand."

Data shows consumers' interest focused on small cars and mid-size sedans over SUVs and trucks, with seven out of the top ten residing in these categories during the quarter.  Other top consumer interest vehicles included the 2012 Ford Focus, 2012 Honda Civic, 2012 Nissan Altima, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado and the 2012 Hyundai Accent.
   
Although no European brands were reflected in the top 10, the 2012 Fiat 500 earned a spot in the top 20 indicating that consumer interest in that vehicle continues to be prevalent. 
   
Previously dominant models such as the Ford F-150 and Ford Explorer were not among the top 10 consumer interest vehicles during the third quarter due to the model year switch from 2011 to 2012.  However, Ford was able to maintain a position in the top 10 with the 2012 Ford Focus and 2012 Ford Mustang.  Chevrolet earned its first top five spot of the year with the Equinox.