Ford Products Fading on New-Car Shopping Lists; Toyota Leads: CNW Research
Among new-vehicle buyers of 22 different brands, Toyota was given more consideration than Ford, according to ongoing studies of buying habits conducted by CNW Marketing Research, Inc.
For example, among people who eventually purchased a Chevrolet product, Toyota was the first alternative brand name pushing Ford into second spot. Among those who purchased a Pontiac, Toyota products were considered by more
than two-to-one over Ford products. Volvo buyers were three times more likely to consider a Toyota than a Ford while Chrysler-product buyers had Toyota as their primary alternative followed by Chevrolet with Ford a distant third.
In all, Toyota was first alternative for seven brands, second alternative for three brands and third alternative for three brands.
Ford's position has slipped dramatically in the past three years, according to CNW. In 1998, a Ford product was the first alternative to
what individual consumers eventually purchased among 8 of the 22 brands investigated. In 2001, that fell to zero.
First Alternative:
Toyota buyers: Honda
Honda buyers: Toyota
Saturn buyers: Honda
Ford buyers: Chevrolet
Chevrolet buyers: Toyota
Pontiac buyers: Chevrolet
Nissan buyers: Toyota
Volvo buyers: Honda
Chrysler buyers: Toyota
Dodge buyers: Toyota
Oldsmobile buyers: Toyota
Lexus buyers: BMW
Mercedes buyers: BMW
Hyundai buyers: Nissan
Mazda buyers: Toyota
Mitsubishi buyers: VW
Jaguar buyers: Mercedes
BMW buyers: Mercedes
Daewoo buyers: Kia
Kia buyers: Daewoo
Lincoln buyers: Cadillac
Cadillac buyers: Lincoln
Second Alternative:
Toyota buyers: Nissan
Honda buyers: Saturn
Saturn buyers: Toyota
Ford buyers: Toyota
Chevrolet buyers: Ford
Pontiac buyers: Toyota
Nissan buyers: Ford
Volvo buyers: BMW
Chrysler buyers: Chevrolet
Dodge buyers: Chevrolet
Oldsmobile buyers: Ford
Lexus buyers: Mercedes
Mercedes buyers: Lexus
Hyundai buyers: Chevrolet
Mazda buyers: Daewoo
Mitsubishi buyers: Honda
Jaguar buyers: BMW
BMW buyers: Audi
Daewoo buyers: Hyundai
Kia buyers: Chevrolet
Lincoln buyers: BMW
Cadillac buyers: Lexus
Third Alternative:
Toyota buyers: Saturn
Honda buyers: Nissan
Saturn buyers: Nissan
Ford buyers: Mercury
Chevrolet buyers: Honda
Pontiac buyers: VW
Nissan buyers: Kia
Volvo buyers: Toyota
Chrysler buyers: Ford
Dodge buyers: Honda
Oldsmobile buyers: Mercury
Lexus buyers: Volvo
Mercedes buyers: Audi
Hyundai buyers: Toyota
Mazda buyers: Hyundai
Mitsubishi buyers: Toyota
Jaguar buyers: BMW
BMW buyers: Jaguar
Daewoo buyers: Chevrolet
Kia buyers: Saturn
Lincoln buyers: GMC
Cadillac buyers: GMC
More F&I

Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity
A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.
Read More →
Humble and Hungry: 12 Rules for an F&I Life
Dustin Gingerich, with a decade in the F&I business under his belt, shares his thoughts on leadership, building trust with customers, and the importance of learning and innovation.
Read More →
Focus on the Opening
F&I managers must learn as much as possible about their customers, starting before they walk into their offices. The bulk of today’s consumers expect that, and good results will follow.
Read More →
F&I Reaches for the Sky
The increasingly important profit center continued making gains in the first quarter, according to StoneEagle data, ancillary products proving more popular as consumers hold onto their buys longer.
Read More →
Timing the Market Can Hurt Long-Term Program Performance
For dealer-owned reinsurance entities, avoiding volatility entirely can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long term surplus growth. Missing just a handful of strong market days can materially impact cumulative returns—an important reminder for long horizon trust and investment strategies.
Read More →
The 90/10 Rule
In this video, Ryan Ruff explains the rule that elite sales professionals use to turn ordinary conversations into unforgettable customer experiences.
Read More →
Your Office Is Talking
What’s the atmosphere saying about you to your customers? You can make minor adjustments and additions that transform your space into one that creates trust with the people on the other side of the desk.
Read More →
F&I Training Fundamentals
How can auto dealerships help F&I managers fulfill their vital role in the most effective ways? Industry expert Rick McCormick shares his insights on the best ways to train these professionals and help them maintain good habits.
Read More →
Not Just Any Tire Will Do
More consumers and businesses are opting for all-season options for various reasons as safety, sustainability and convenience push practical change.
Read More →