ATLANTA -

According to shoppers on AutoTrader.com, one of the domestic darlings has come out on top as the most innovative automaker out there, topping luxury and foreign nameplates. 

And consumers chose Ford, with 38 percent of survey takers picking the Blue Oval. Interestingly, Ford also comes in as the most-searched for manufacturer on the site.

And according to the December survey, BMW came in as the second most innovative OEM with 19 percent of voters, and Toyota rounded out the top three with 13 percent.

And according to AutoTrader.com officials, the shoppers chose right. According to the company, Ford has made progress in what it deems as the three most important parts of automotive innovation: styling, technological innovation and new ways to deliver fuel efficiency.

And what does AutoTrader.com see as the most innovative aspects to the Ford line?

The company cited the OEM’s Sync and MyFordTouch technology, as well as the number and quality of hybrid and electric vehicles in the Blue Oval’s lineup.

Commenting on the survey outcome, Rick Wainschel, vice president of automotive insights at AutoTrader.com, noted, "Ford has long been the most-searched manufacturer on AutoTrader.com and has increased its share of new vehicle shopping over the past year.

"Over the last couple of years, Ford has continued to introduce exciting new vehicles, enhancements and redesigns and has been leading the charge in utilizing unique online methods to reach shoppers, which have combined to bolster their image substantially,” he continued.

And Ford is set to release more all-new and newly redesigned models this year.

These include the Ford Focus Electric and the 2013 Ford Escape.

“It is very likely that Ford will further solidify its place as a leading innovator in the industry in the coming year,” AutoTrader.com officials surmised.

Wrapping the survey results up, AutoTrader.com experts weighed in with commentary on what makes Ford such an innovative automaker and their top five favorite Ford innovations, as follows: 

1. Sync:

“This is a voice activated, driver interface with the car that uses text-to-speech technology. It enables a driver to access and control an iPod, make and receive phone calls and even use third-party apps via Bluetooth (like Pandora) — all by voice control. When there is a connected iPod, the driver (or other vehicle occupant) can use a string of commands to hear a specific song, artist, album or even genre of music. Sync also allows basic turn-by-turn navigation, even in cars that don’t have a built-in, screen based navigation system. The really amazing thing about Sync is that it is not expensive — many cars come with it as standard, but adding it often costs only around $400.”

2. Hybrid and Electric Vehicles:

“The Ford Fusion is one of the best hybrid sedans available, according to AutoTrader.com’s experts. It gets better than 40 mpg but doesn’t feel slow or underpowered. The new Fusion, making its debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, will get better than 45 miles per gallon. Also, the Ford Focus Electric will soon be available. It uses zero gasoline and charges its battery in about half the time as other pure electric EVs.”

3. MyFordTouch:

“This technology was introduced in January of 2010 and was first implemented in the 2011 Ford Edge. MyFordTouch uses a touch screen to control and access various in-car features such as navigation, satellite radio, climate control and wirelessly connected phones. The technology also includes a media hub with two USB inputs, RCA style jacks and an SD card slot. MyFordTouch also allows the vehicle to be turned into a WiFi hotspot, although owners will need their own USB modem or smartphone with tethering.”

4. EcoBoost:

“This is Ford’s brand name for a line of turbocharged engines. The best example is Ford using an EcoBoost V6 in the F-150 and some SUVs instead of a V8. By using turbocharging, Ford can put a smaller engine in a truck or SUV, giving it excellent fuel economy but with the kind of horsepower buyers expect from full-size trucks and SUVs.”

5. MyKey:

“Ford’s MyKey Technology allows a vehicle owner to have a master key that controls certain vehicle parameters. For example, a master key user can set a speed chime or lower the vehicle’s top speed. When MyKey is engaged, the fasten seat belt chime will never time out unless the seat belt is fastened and the radio is muted until the seatbelt is fastened. MyKey also lowers the overall radio volume, and certain Sirius satellite radio stations can be blocked.”