COSTA MESA, Calif. -
While the Big 3 enjoyed some resurgence this year after a rather trying 2009, NADAguides.com revealed some more good news for these automakers Thursday. The company announced that the three most-researched models on its site for the first 11 months of the year are all Big 3 models.
Specifically, the 2010 Ford F-150 generated the most interest as far as consumers conducting research on the site, while the 2011 Ford Mustang came in second, NADAguides reported.
The third most-researched model was the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.
Ford and Chevrolet (along with Toyota) were atop the list of brands when it came to generating consumer interest, as well, according to NADAguides.com.
“For the domestics, we have seen the interest climb as they take advantage of their improved brand perceptions, product quality and their ability to deliver a product that the consumer marketplace is demanding and in need of,” explained Don Christy Jr., president and chief executive officer of NADAguides.
“Brand loyalty amongst the top brands has seen slight increases as well, which has contributed to their research levels on the site,” he added.
The Big 3 leaders were apparently quite pleased to hear these results.
Jim Farley, Ford’s group vice president of global marketing, sales and service, said: “This is another significant milestone for our customers and for the Ford brand. For us to be researched to such a high level alongside some of the best companies in the world is very rewarding.
“We believe it is recognition of the momentum of high-quality, fuel-efficient and smart new products coming from Ford Motor Co. that will continue to differentiate the company as a leader,” he added.
Offering his perspective, Chris Perry, vice president Chevrolet marketing, noted: “2010 has been a great year for Chevrolet, with vehicles like the Camaro, Equinox, Cruze, Volt and Silverado HD contributing to our best sales performance in years. 
“This data validates what we’re seeing in Chevrolet showrooms across the continent and adds to our momentum as we roll into 2011 and beyond,” Perry continued.
Looking at some of the other findings of NADAguides.com’s report, officials discovered that the list of vehicles showing the most significant consumer interest changes were composed of trucks, minivans and hybrids.
For instance, officials pointed to more research for the Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tacoma, while also noting a modest decreases for the Dodge Ram 1500 and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
Interest in the Ford F-350 jumped 22 percent and the Ford F-250 moved ahead 13 percent. In general, heavy trucks (like the aforementioned Ford models) were up as well, officials said.
Moving over to minivans, the top vehicle here was the Toyota Sienna, which made an 84-percent leap in consumer interest. The model showed such strong gains in light of “moms and dads across the nation deeming it the cool kid hauler and an acceptable parental means of transportation,” officials highlighted.
As far as hybrids, the biggest gainer was the Toyota Prius (up 45 percent year-over-year), due in part to consumers becoming more cognizant of eco-friendly rides and the “face-lift” Toyota has made to the Prius’ body.
NADAguides went on to stress that consumer interest on its site through the first 11 months reflects  the 10 strongest-selling vehicles, at least as reported by one news source.
For instance, Ford’s F-Series and Fusion models, Chevrolet’s Silverado and Toyota’s Camry made both lists.
“As expected, the new 2011 Buick Regal, 2011 Ford Fiesta and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee shot up the list as consumers took interest in these new models,” NADAguides concluded.