KBB: Ford most considered car brand, Hyundai makes big jump

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Nissan

Hyundai dealership

Hyundai was one of just a few companies to come through the automotive meltdown of 2009 relatively unscathed. The Korean automaker managed to keep sales up while others faltered thanks to a quality, inexpensive product lineup backed with a stout warranty. Now it looks like those very factors are beginning impact the number of car shoppers who would consider hopping into a Hyundai. According to the Kelly Blue Book Market Intelligence Brand Watch study, the company has risen to the fifth most non-luxury brand considered by car shoppers. The move effectively kicked Nissan out of the top five for the first time in years.

Hyundai’s rise was precipitated by the fact that the company is scoring well in the non-luxury coupe/sedan/hatchback segment. In that area, the carmaker is bested only by Ford, Honda and Toyota.

Interestingly enough, Ford is the most considered car brand at the moment, thanks in part to Toyota’s newly tarnished image. The Japanese automaker fell eight percentage points in the study compared to this time last year thanks largely to its recall problems. Hit the jump for a look at the KBB press release.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track