McLEAN, Va., and IRVINE, Calif. -

While searching the lots for a new ride, what are the most important factors behind a purchase, and which models will draw the most eyes. Late last week experts worked to try and answer both these questions. First up, NADAguides.com revealed survey results that rank consumer preferences for new vehicles.

Overall, both car and light-truck shoppers ranked quality/dependability as the No. 1 factor considered when making a new-vehicle purchasing decision.

Last year, fuel economy topped the list, as gas prices were soaring above $4 in many parts of the county; this year fuel concerns are No. 2 on the list for car shoppers.

For light-truck shoppers, fuel economy was No. 3, behind brand. 

"While higher gasoline prices and stiffer federal regulations have raised the profile of fuel economy over the past few years, the survey results clearly indicate that car and light-truck shoppers are looking for a trouble-free ownership experience above all else," said Jonathan Banks, executive automotive analyst for the NADA Used Car Guide.

Overall, quality/dependability, brand, fuel economy and vehicle design were the top preferences for both car and light-truck shoppers surveyed, officials shared.

Specifically, for those in the market for a new car, similar to the results from the fall survey last year; car shoppers show a preference for vehicle design, safety and fuel economy, with an average of 60 percent of respondents citing these factors as either important or very important.

Other interesting points included:

—On average, 60 percent of respondents shopping for a car rated versatility/utility and power/performance as either important or very important.

—An average of 58 percent of car shoppers rated cost of ownership factors, such as warranty coverage, depreciation and maintenance fees, as either important or very important.

On the other hand, new-car shoppers were not as interested in navigation systems, smartphone connectivity and driver-assist technologies, as these were ranked the lowest by survey participants.

"With the advent of smartphones, particularly with its navigation capabilities, the desirability of built-in navigation systems seems to be waning among those surveyed," Banks added.

For light-truck shoppers, the results were similar, though the rankings came in slightly different.

Safety, versatility/utility, vehicle design and fuel economy rounded out the top-five preferences of survey respondents shopping for a light truck.

And an average of 58 percent of light-truck shoppers rated ownership cost factors, excluding insurance fees, as important or very important.

Interestingly, truck shoppers were split on the issues of smartphone connectivity, navigation system and driver-assist technologies; these were ranked as unimportant or very important. 

Most Researched New & Used Vehicles in August

Now that we know some of the issues top-of-mind for consumers in the market for a car, the question remains: Which models generate the most interest among shoppers?

Kelley Blue Book provided the lists of the most researched new and used vehicles on KBB.com in August, with Japanese models topping both lists.

For used cars, the Honda Civic and Honda Accord came in the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, respectively. The Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, and BMW 3 Series rounded out the top five.

On the new side of things, the Honda Accord and Honda CR-V took the top two spots, respectively, while the Honda Civic (No. 3), Toyota Camry (No. 4) and Toyota RAV4 (No. 5) followed.

Used Cars:

1.    Honda Civic
2.    Honda Accord
3.    Toyota Camry
4.    Toyota Carolla
5.    BMW 3 Series
6.    Nissan Altima
7.    Ford Mustang
8.    Jeep Wrangler
9.    Honda CR-V
10.  Volkswagen Jetta
11.  Ford Focus
12.  Jeep Grand Cherokee
13.   Ford Escape
14.   Ford F150 SuperCrew Cab
15.   Ford Explorer
16.   Ford F150 Super Cab
17.   Chevrolet Impala
18.   Honda Odyssey
19.   Ford Taurus
20.   Chevrolet Malibu
21.   Toyota RAV4
22.   Toyota Prius
23.   Nissan Maxima
24.   Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab
25.   Hyundai Sonata

New Cars:

1.    Honda Accord
2.    Honda CR-V
3.    Honda Civic
4.    Toyota Camry
5.    Toyota RAV4
6.    Ford Excape
7.    Mazda MAZDA3
8.    Mazda CX-5
9.    Ford Fusion
10.  Ford Focus
11.  Nissan Altima
12.  Subaru Forester
13.  Toyota Highlander
14.  Lexus RX
15.  Ford Explorer
16.  Honda Odyssey
17.  Jeep Grand Cherokee
18.  Volkswagen Jetta
19.  Jeep Wrangler
20.  Toyota Prius
21.  Chevrolet Equinox
22.  Hyundai Elantra
23.  Volkswagen Passat
24.  Subaru Impreza
25.  Toyota Corolla

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