We’re all familiar with some of the classic popular cars. Porsche’s iconic 911 dominates the brand’s search volume. Of course, the Mustang stands out as the most searched Ford vehicle. But what about a brand like Buick? Or Acura?
Looking at our search data here at UsedCars.com, we can deliver a fascinating view into consumer preferences in the used car market across a variety of criteria. By analyzing the most and least searched car models by brand, we can look at trends that highlight current consumer interests and possibly find some underrated gems other buyers aren’t looking for.
We analyzed search data for various car brands and their respective models on UsedCars.com. For each brand, we determined the most and least searched models, calculating the percentage of each model’s searches within its brand’s total search count.
Key Findings
Most Searched Models by Brand
We looked at 31 brands and which models that were the most searched among them. Certain models emerged as standout consumer favorites, representing a significant portion of their respective brand’s searches.
Acura MDX (36.5%): The MDX is a reliable luxury SUV that has emerged as a top choice for those seeking premium features combined with family-friendly
Audi Q5 (17.6%): Audi had a fairly close spread between the Q5 and Q3, but the Q5 emerged as the most searched ultimately. Its mix of luxury, performance and utility makes it a strong contender in the used car market.
BMW 3 Series (15.8%): As one of the most recognizable luxury brands in the market, it makes sense that BMW would have a wide range of highly searched models. The BMW 3 series stood out among the crowd between the M3, X3, and i3.
Buick Encore (49.1%): This compact SUV is by far the most popular model in Buick’s lineup according to Usedcars.com. The high search percentage reflects its popularity among urban drivers and young families. If you add in the search volume for the Encore GX, the Encore lineup represents over 80% of total Buick searches.
Chrysler Pacifica (87.6%): Dominating Chrysler searches, the Pacifica’s versatility as a minivan resonates strongly with consumers.
Ford Mustang (27.4%): While other cars have strong search results, the Mustang is the most popular model for the American automotive giant. The Mustang is an enduring symbol of American muscle cars and remains a popular choice for performance enthusiasts. The second most popular model by searches is the Escape with 12.5%.
Porsche 911 (64.1%): The 911 is a dream car for many and is a favorite among car enthusiasts, which contributes to its high demand in the used car market relative to other Porsche models.
Tesla Model 3 (63.2%): The Model 3 stands out in Tesla's lineup as one of the most affordable and accessible electric vehicles (EVs). The Model Y is the second most searched model, at 27.6%.
Least Searched Models by Brand
In contrast, certain models barely registered in consumer searches, often due to niche appeal or waning relevance:
Ford C-Max Hybrid (0.0%): Despite its eco-friendly design, interest in this discontinued model has virtually disappeared.
Nissan Titan XD (0.0%): This larger version of the Titan pickup struggles to capture attention in a competitive truck market.
Toyota RAV4 Prime (0.0%): Surprisingly, this plug-in hybrid version of the popular RAV4 has minimal search interest, possibly due to its newer technology and limited availability in the used market.
Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid and Tucson Plug-In Hybrid (both 0.0%): Hybrid variants continue to face challenges in capturing consumer interest on the used car market.
BMW i8 (0.1%): A futuristic plug-in hybrid sports car, the i8’s niche appeal and high price tag likely contribute to its low search volume.
Popular Models Dominate by Category
Sports cars, SUVs, and compact sedans lead the pack in search popularity. Popular models like the Ford Mustang, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda CX-5 highlight ongoing consumer interest in vehicles that offer a mix of practicality, performance, and reliability. The Corolla is particularly strong as it represents 33.6% of searches for the Toyota brand, which has 33 models receiving solid search volume across the range.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Lack Interest in Used Market
Despite the increasing adoption of EVs and hybrids, many appear on the least searched list, suggesting that these segments may still be emerging in the used car market. For example, models like the Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid and Toyota Prius show negligible search interest, suggesting that consumers may prioritize traditional powertrains when purchasing used vehicles. This trend presents an opportunity for dealerships to educate buyers on the long-term benefits of EVs and hybrids. The data could also represent the longevity that EVs hold for their owners, making them less prevalent in the used car market. Cars like the Toyota Prius are known for running effectively in high-mileage situations, making them reliable options that owners hold onto.
Brand Dominance
For some brands, a single model overwhelmingly dominates searches, reflecting strong brand-model associations. The Chrysler Pacifica (87.6%) and Porsche 911 (64.1%) are prime examples of models that define their brands in the eyes of consumers. Such dominance underscores the importance of these vehicles in shaping brand perception.
Luxury Brand Diversity
Luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus show a more even distribution of searches across their model ranges. This trend suggests that consumers of luxury vehicles are more exploratory and willing to consider a broader array of options.
As the used car market evolves, it will be fascinating to monitor shifts in these trends, particularly as electric and hybrid technology becomes more prevalent. For now, traditional favorites continue to reign supreme.