The information gathered from more than 60 million visitors of Kelley Blue Books’ kbb.com, the most visited third-party auto web site in the net, comprised of the raw data of the latest most researched vehicles for the first six months of 2006. Included in the Top 20 list of America’s most trusted source of new and used automotive information are the following.

Honda Civic
Honda Accord
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Rav4
Honda Odyssey
Honda Pilot
Toyota Highlander
Chevrolet Tahoe
Honda CR-V
Ford Mustang
Nissan Altima
BMW 325
Acura TL
Toyota Sienna
Toyota 4runner
Ford Escape
Infiniti G35
Toyota Avalon
Mazda 3

On top of the list are Asian models, Honda and Toyota. Seven slots are occupied by Toyota and five by Honda, which are all included in the Top Ten. In place of the Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee, which has fallen off from the current list, are Toyota RAV4 and Chevrolet Tahoe. Together with the Tahoe is the Ford Mustang, the sole domestic models that made it to the most researched line-up.

Two utilitarian minivans came in at the 6th and 7th spots, the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna respectively. Three entry level luxury vehicles also made it in the list - the BMW 325, Acura TL and Infiniti G35 (pictured above) – which according to Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and market analyst of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com have definitely become the brands and vehicles that the public aspires to drive and own.

Much has been said about the current financial crisis that America’s top automakers are experiencing. Sales continue its downward trend as demand for large and midsized SUV’s fall. May sales figures were down by 4.6% compared to last year. However, America’s automakers are producing much improved vehicle models generating a lot of buzz. There have been a number of exciting new sedans and coupes introduced such as the Saturn Sky and Ford Shelby GT500. Impressive new vehicle models have also come out from Detroit’s Big Three over the last few years.

To find out which among these new American vehicles are the best, BusinessWeek.com attempts to rank the newest domestic cars of 2006 according to reported reliability, government crash-safety ratings and total cost of ownership. Data were gathered from various sources such as Consumer Reports (Reliability), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (Safety ratings) and Edmunds.com (total cost of ownership or TCO). TCO refers to the ownership expenses incurred over a five year time span including such costs as financing, taxes, maintenance, operating and depreciation costs. For this list, only cars with 2006 as the base model year were considered. Not all cars in the market were compared, however, due to the lack of complete safety and reliability data.

America’s best for 2006:

Small Car – Ford Focus

Sedan – Chevrolet Malibu

Wagon – Ford Focus Wagon

Minivan – Dodge Caravan

Small Truck – Dodge Dakota

Large Truck – Ford F-150

Luxury Sedan - Chrysler 300

Mid-Sized SUV - Jeep Grand Cherokee

Luxury SUV - Jeep Commander

Supercar/Exotic - Saleen S7

Hybrid - Ford Escape Hybrid

Coupe - Dodge Viper SRT10

Source: MSNBC

If electronic stability control or ESC is standardized in all current vehicles, one-third of all fatal crashes or close to 10,000 deaths can be prevented in one year. This is a significant percentage of the nearly 34,000 crash-related deaths that happen every year here in the U.S. According to the study, vehicles that are equipped with ESC are 43% less likely to be involved in fatal crashes. This new study further underscores the importance of ESC in vehicle safety.

How does a ESC help keep a vehicle safe in crash situations?

ESC relies on two other underlying technologies: anti-lock brakes and electronic traction control. Anti-lock brakes use sensors to detect when a car’s wheels are about to lose traction under hard braking. The system then pumps the brakes at an extremely rapid rate, allowing the wheels to regain traction so that the car stays in control and can be steered effectively.

Electronic traction control uses similar sensors to detect when a car’s wheels are spinning out of control under hard acceleration. The system automatically reduces power from the engine until the wheels regain traction.

ESC uses a variety of sensors to detect when a car is skidding, or is about to skid, because of hard cornering and slippery road conditions. The system will rapidly apply the brakes for fractions of a second at individual wheels and simultaneously reduce engine speed to keep the vehicle under control. Such systems can often react even before the driver is aware that there is a problem.

— CNN Money

Now, if only everyone can avail of ESC. Right now, only 40% of current passenger vehicle models offer ESC as a standard feature. It is also offered as an option in 15% of new vehicles. To make matters even worse, ESC costs quite a lot, ranging from $300 to $800 as a stand alone option. In some vehicles, it is bundled with a more expensive options package. Because ESC is no offered as a standard feature, most car buyers are not aware of it and usually don’t ask about it.

Now, more automakers are moving towards the standardization of ESC in their vehicles. GMC has signified that all its vehicles will be ESC-equipped by 2010. Ford Motor Corp. has also announced that it is ‘moving towards standardization’ of ESC. Chrysler SUVS including Jeep and Dodge vehicles will have standard ESC as early as the end of this year while all Hyundai vehicles now offer ESC technology.

The government has started to require ESC on all vehicle models. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is set to impose a proposed emergency handling test that will effectively require all automakers to make ESC standard on all their vehicles.

A new Jeep Grand Cherokee running on Flex-fuel will make its debut in 2007. This was announced by DaimlerChrysler chairman and CEO, Thomas LaSorda at the Renewable Fuels confab in Washington. This will be the first vehicle under the Jeep brand to run on ethanol or E85 fuel. The new Flex-fuel Jeep Grand Cherokee will follow at the heels of other E85 SUV’s from Ford and GMC.

E85 is a fuel blend that is only about 15% gasoline and 85% ethyl alcohol made from corn and other crops. U.S. President George W. Bush has ardently encouraged the use and development of E85 and other alternative fuels to minimize dependence on foreign oil imports. However, there are still impediments to the development of Flex-fuel vehicles like the new 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee. One of these problems is the limited number of gas stations that offer E85 fuel.

Practically unchanged from the concept introduced at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Jeep Patriot made its global debut as a production vehicle, the newest entry-level SUV in Jeep’s lineup, at the 2006 New York International Automobile Show. The new Patriot arrives just three months after the debut at the 2006 NAIAS of another entry-level SUV from Jeep, the Compass. Both the Compass and the Patriot share a platform with the Dodge Caliber.

While the Compass looks more like a conventional SUV with a Jeep grille, the Patriot is more akin to the traditional Jeep design with elements of the original Jeep Cherokee evident. These include the square-ish lines, short overhangs and the trademark seven-slot Jeep grille. Also, the Patriot has already earned is ‘Trail Rated’ badge, unlike the Compass, because of its higher ground clearance and 4WD system.

The new Patriot will come with three available configurations: the standard front-wheel drive and two four-wheel drive systems (Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II). These drive systems make the Patriot a true off-road vehicle with its features such as added traction, continuously variable transmission with a low range capability, higher ground clearance, 17-inch all terrain tires and aluminum wheels, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lights, body sealing, etc.

Freedom II makes the Patriot at par with Jeep’s off-road capability prerequisites for water fording, traction, articulation, ground clearance and maneuverability. The Jeep Patriot will be powered by a 2.4 liter World Engine with variable valve timing and with an output of 172hp, and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. The Patriot will be arriving at dealerships later this year with an entry-level sticker price at under $16,000.

Come April 13 to 24, 2006, the automotive industry will once again converge at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in the Big Apple to witness the world’s automakers bring out and introduce their newest vehicle models and concepts at one of the biggest auto events this year – the 2006 New York International Automobile Show. The NY Auto Show promises a very exciting presentation this year with automakers expected to pull out all the stops to unveil their latest offerings. Nearly 1,000 cars, trucks, minivans, SUVs and crossover vehicles with prices ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 will go on display at the auto show.

John LaSorsa, the chairman of the NY Auto Show said that “There are more all-new cars and trucks coming to the 2006 Show than we’ve ever seen before, from the luxury new S-Class Mercedes and Jaguar XK Convertible to the nimble and fuel efficient Nissan Versa and Honda Fit, the Javits Center will be overflowing with completely new and re-styled 2006 and ‘07 model year vehicles.”

Expect to see a good mix of both import and domestic car makes and models from industry heavyweights Toyota, Ford, Honda, GM, DaimlerChrysler, Volkswagen, Volvo, Audi and many more. Among the most anticipated new models to be unveiled at the show include the 2007 Ford Edge, the Jaguar XK convertible, the crossovers Mazda CX-7 and CX-9, the Nissan Versa, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford GT, Ford Adrenaline, Saturn Sky, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Mercedes-Benz GL Class, Jeep Compass, the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen, a new SUV from Daimler Chrysler and the Audi Q7, a seven seater from the German automaker.

The automakers will also whisk the coves off more than a dozen concept vehicles at the show. These include the Chrysler Imperial, Aston Martine Rapide, Acura RDX, Hyundai HCD9, and the Toyota F3R. The auto show will also witness the debut of several new hybrid vehicles such as the GMC Sierra Hybrid, Ford Focus FCV, Lexus RX 300H Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid and Saturn Vue Hybrid.

All roads will definitely lead to the Javits Center between 34th and 39th streets on April 14. A special public sneak preview will be held on the 14th while the official opening day will be on the 15th. In case you will not be able to go, just stay tuned to The Auto Blog. We will provide you with the latest news, important events and reviews from New York.

The new 2006 Jeep Commander scored a victory at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) crash tests receiving the highest ratings for frontal-impact crash protection. The Commander is the eleventh new vehicle from the Chrysler group to achieve top safety ratings in the frontal crash tests. The all-new SUV features the latest in safety and security technology offered as standard equipment. Among the many safety features of the Commander are side-curtain airbags with a roll detection system.

Other major safety innovations include electronic stability program, electronic roll mitigation, brake assist, anti-lock brake system, and 4-wheel brake traction system. Craig Lowe, VP for Rear-wheel Drive Product Teams of the Chrysler Group says that the “Chrysler Group is offering Jeep Commander customers peace of mind through more standard safety and security equipment and the application of a broad range of engineering technologies.”

Three vehicles from the Chrysler group, namely the Dodge Charger, Chrysler Town & Country and the Jeep Commander were among those chosen as this year’s Best Cars for Families list from AAA (American Automobile Association) and Parents Magazine. To come up with the list, AAA and Parents evaluated everything from cup holders to fuel economy. The cars were also tested for child safety seats.

In the minivan category, the popular and highly-successful Chrysler Town & Country was once again chosen as the best. Features that helped the Town & Country to the top include a ‘Stow ‘n Go’ second and third row seats that easily folds flat to the floor for extra cargo space. Safety is also assured in case of a rollover with side curtain air bags. Overall, the Chrysler Town & Country is a stylish, spacious, versatile and safe family car.

In the sedan category, the 2006 Dodge Charger was cited for its combination of fresh, contemporary looks plus convenience and interior capacity. The Charger offers great value as an affordable, fun-to-drive, and well-equipped family car. This car is also very safe and was recently awarded by the NHTSA with five stars for driver and front passenger protection in a frontal crash. With its safety and security features, the Dodge Charger is an excellent choice for a family sedan.

In the SUV category, the 2006 Jeep Commander is honored for offering advanced safety technologies and first-rate amenities. In fact, the Jeep Commander offers the highest level of standard safety and security technology and features in a Chrysler Group vehicle. With its base price of $28,135, the Jeep Commander has great value with more power, control and flexibility. If ever you are looking for a new family car, these three models are definitely worth considering.

Consumers have chosen the best of the best among the vehicles and exhibits at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. Voters honored the favorites in five categories for this year’s auto show. The Ford Shelby GT 500, the high-performance Shelby version of the new generation Mustang, drove away with the Best All-New Production Vehicle award garnering over 42 percent of the vote. The car was the clear winner in the field with the Porsche Cayman S and the Dodge Caliber SRT4 a far second and third respectively.

Meanwhile, the Dodge Challenger concept, still fresh from a critical success at the Detroit Auto show last month, snatched the Best Concept Vehicle Award with a 35 percent share of the votes. It bested the other hot new concept, the Chevrolet Camaro by only 3% of the votes as well as the Dodge Rampage concept. However, the Rampage concept was adjudged as the Best Chicago Auto Show World Introduction.

The Jeep display, complete with a waterfall and a test track was honored as the year’s best exhibit with over 32 percent of the vote besting other spectacular displays from Ford and Dodge, Finally, the Chevrolet Camaro continued to draw raves as it was announced as the winner in the “Vehicle I most want to see in my driveway” category.

This is the first Best of Show balloting held at the Chicago Auto Show. “This show is renowned for its consumer impact and it focuses on the buying public, who express their opinions with their dollars at dealership showrooms. Best of Show voting gives consumer another method to express their opinions on the direction in which our industry is going.”, said Arthur Kelly, 2006 Chicago Auto show Chairman.

The year started on a positive note for most of the automakers including America’s Big Three. Almost all the US automakers posted positive sales increases for the month of January. General Motors reported a sales growth increase of almost 6 percent mainly driven by strong car sales. GM sold 296,300 cars and trucks in January; car sales were up 15 percent while truck sales were flat from last year.

Meanwhile, Ford Motors posted a positive sales record of 2.7 percent in January mainly due to the strong performance of its new midsize sedans. Sales of Ford’s three new sedans introduced last year: Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr, jumped 25 percent in January. Truck sales fell by 7 percent, however; dragged down by the 30 percent decline in sales of the Ford Excursion SUV.

Chrysler is also off to a good start this year with a US sales increase of 5 percent or 155,465 vehicles. This is fueled by the strong sales performances of the Chrysler 300 and PT Cruiser. The Jeep brand also had its share of good news with an 8 percent sales growth. Chrysler continued to dominate the minivan segment with the Dodge Caravan posting an increase of 18 percent or 16,273 units compared to last year’s 13,797. Chrysler is geared to launch 10 new models this year.

These bright sales reports are a spot of optimism after a barrage of bad news from GM and Ford. The two largest automakers have already set plans for shutting down plants and laying-off workers in the next few years to regain profit in the North American market.

However, these figures were dwarfed by the continued double-digit growth of most Asian automakers. Toyota Motors reported a January sales increase of 14 percent driven by high demand for the Prius hybrid and positive growth for the Scion brand. Toyota’s truck and SUV sales were also up by 13 percent.

Things were much rosier at Honda, which reported a 20.7 percent increase in sales for January. This is the automakers eighth consecutive record-breaking month. Honda car sales zoomed by almost 25 percent pushed by strong sales of the 2006 Honda Civic. Honda’s truck and SUV vehicle sales were also up 15 percent with the Honda Pilot SUV leading the pack of bestsellers.

Not all automakers, though, had a strong January sales performance. Nissan Motors’ overall sales were unchanged from last year. The automaker posted a small increase in car sales but suffered a 4 percent setback in truck and SUV sales.