Domestic Trucks and SUVs Bumped off Top 10 List
Do Rebates Sell Cars? Despite waving super-sized incentives, rebates, 0 percent financing and deep dealer discounts under buyers' collective noses this summer, domestic manufacturers of large SUVs and trucks continued to lose ground to Japanese brands according to the latest information on consumer research patterns released today by CarCostCanada (www.carcostcanada.com) - Canada's source for online dealer invoice cost and automotive research information. The firm tracks and reports major buyer trends in their monthly report that highlights consumer interest in specific models and provides information on the best rebates, incentives and special cash back programs available to buyers. Listed below is an update of their Top 10 list, with last month's position in brackets:
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| Honda and Toyota have a virtual lock on buyers' preferences, and offer little in the way of incentives or cash-back programs, but did drop interest and finance rates to stay competitive. (Photo: Honda) |
- Honda Civic (1)
- Honda Accord (2)
- Toyota Corolla (3)
- Mazda Protegé (4)
- Dodge Caravan (6)
- Toyota Sienna (5)
- Toyota Camry (10)
- Honda Odyssey (14)
- Nissan Altima (15)
- Toyota Matrix (7)
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| The 5th place Dodge Caravan is the only vehicle on the list from North America's Big 3 automakers. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
Honda and Toyota's virtual lock on buyers' preferences was earned with little in the way of incentives or cash-back programs, although both manufacturers dropped interest and finance rates somewhat to remain competitive. The strategy clearly paid off for Honda as its popular Odyssey minivan recaptured some lost market share (now placing in the Top 10) as consumers flocking to archrival Toyota's new Sienna caught their breath and gave the Odyssey another look. Canada's only Big 3 winner - Dodge Caravan - gained a little ground from 6th to 5th spot with aggressive rebates and 0% finance programs, while Mazda's Protegé - in 4th position - still ranked high with shoppers. And for the first time, the award-winning Altima nudged aside VW's venerable Jetta in buyer interest to sneak into 10th place. Not a Ram, Silverado, F-Series or big bad SUV to be seen anywhere on the list.