Most Researched Cars in 2016

Millions of shoppers visit Edmunds.com each month to find their perfect car. With so many vehicles to choose from, you might want to put some crowdsourcing to work for you. Which vehicles are people researching most often? What makes these cars contenders?

Here are the answers for 2016: the cars, trucks and SUVs in each vehicle segment that attracted the most car-shopper consideration from January 1, 2016, through November 30, 2016. When a car is so popular, maybe it's one you'd want to consider, too. In 2016, shoppers looked at new cars over several model years and the top ones are listed alphabetically by their vehicle segments. We've summarized some of the reasons for their popularity with car shoppers and included helpful links for your own research.

Compact Car: Honda Civic

Since its launch in 1973, the Honda Civic has been one of the most popular compact cars sold in America. Its success can be attributed in large part to its consistently high level of quality inside and out and its long-standing reputation for reliability and low running costs. Impressive fuel economy and engaging performance have also played a role in making the Civic a top choice for car shoppers.

Learn more about  the 2017 Honda Civic

Compact Crossover SUV: Honda CR-V

When the original Honda CR-V debuted in the late 1990s, its mission was simple: Offer a more compact and convenient alternative to the midsize and full-size SUVs that were popular at the time. With its car-based design, economical four-cylinder engine and sedanlike ride and handling, the CR-V was an instant hit. And that hasn't changed in the intervening years.
Learn more about the 2016 Honda CR-V

Compact Truck: Toyota Tacoma

Since its introduction in 1995, the Toyota Tacoma has been a mainstay of the compact and midsize pickup segments. Typical advantages to a new or used Tacoma include a variety of body styles, useful off-road abilities, strong resale value and a better-than-average reputation for reliability.

Learn more about the 2017 Toyota Tacoma

Entry Luxury Car: BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series is one of the top-selling luxury cars in the United States and a favorite with shoppers for good reason. It's a classy entry-level luxury car endowed with world-class fit and finish, spirited performance and an exquisite ride-and-handling balance unmatched by most vehicles at any price.

Learn more about the 2017 BMW 3 Series

Entry Luxury SUV: Lexus RX 350

The Lexus RX 350 is a vehicle that's comfortable in its own metal. And why wouldn't it be? This midsize, entry-level luxury crossover SUV has long been a consumer favorite thanks to its plush ride, spacious interior, strong reliability record and appealing high-tech features.

Learn more about the 2017 Lexus RX 350

Entry Sport Car: Ford Mustang

About as popular a household automotive name as you'll find, the Ford Mustang is the longest-surviving example of the classic, affordable American muscle car. Oil crises, tightening emissions standards and corporate budget cuts have sometimes put its future in doubt. But the Mustang has endured and stands as one of Ford's greatest success stories.

Learn more about the 2017 Ford Mustang

Large Car: Chevrolet Impala

When Chevrolet rolled the first Impala off the assembly line in 1958, it was meant to be "a prestige car within the reach of the average American citizen." Decades later, the Chevrolet Impala is still one of America's best-known nameplates, and it's a fine option for shoppers seeking a large, comfy sedan that doesn't skimp on the latest technology.

Learn more about the 2017 Chevrolet Impala

Large Crossover SUV: Mazda CX-9

The only vehicles capable of carrying seven adults or lots of cargo used to be minivans, traditional full-size SUVs and passenger vans. But large crossover SUVs such as the Mazda CX-9 have been a game-changer, providing the space of a large SUV, respectable fuel economy and handling, and exterior styling that doesn't immediately scream "diapers!"

Learn more about the 2016 Mazda CX-9

Large Traditional SUV: Dodge Durango

Over the years, the Durango has been known for its confident handling and composed, comfortable ride. Inside, the Durango offers an attractive and upscale design, with class-competitive quality and features. The Durango offers three rows of seating, a range of V6 and V8 engines, and a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive — just what you'd expect from a large traditional SUV.

Learn more about the 2017 Dodge Durango

Large Truck: Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 is the star of the long-running F-Series line, which stretches back to the post-World War II era. Originally conceived as a rugged, no-frills workhorse, the Ford F-150 has since morphed into a well-appointed, versatile rig with numerous trim levels that serve a wide range of shoppers, including weekend warriors who need room for the family and the occasional trip to the hardware store.

Learn more about the 2017 Ford F-150

Midrange Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz E-Class

A favorite in the midsize luxury car class, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class provides an appealing mix of comfort, performance and safety. The trademark qualities of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, such as vault-like solidity and cutting-edge technology, have also contributed to the E-Class' great popularity among luxury buyers.

Learn more about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Midrange Luxury SUV: Acura MDX

The Acura MDX is a midsize luxury SUV with a carlike unibody platform and three rows of seats. The original MDX bowed in 2001, and since then Acura has maintained the MDX's family-friendly packaging, including standard seven-passenger seating, while spicing up the recipe with various styling, performance and handling enhancements.

Learn more about the 2017 Acura MDX

Midrange Sport Car: Chevrolet Corvette

Often referred to as America's only true sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette is one of the world's best-known and longest-running nameplates. From its rather humble six-cylinder beginnings in 1953 to the 638-horsepower ZR1, the Corvette has transformed a lot over time, but it has always maintained the key aspects of style and performance that make a Vette a Vette.

Learn more about the 2017 Chevrolet Corvette

Midsize Car: Honda Accord

Few vehicles from overseas manufacturers have garnered as much respect in North America as the Honda Accord. It hasn't achieved this status by being glamorous, sexy or thrilling. But if you take an Accord for a spin, you'll find it to be comfortable, roomy, intelligently engineered and easy to drive. It's also backed by strong resale value and a solid reputation for reliability.

Learn more about the 2017 Honda Accord

Midsize Crossover SUV: Honda Pilot

Since its launch for the 2003 model year, the Honda Pilot has helped shape the market for crossover SUVs with three rows of seating. Offering V6 power, respectable fuel economy, a comfortable ride, plenty of interior space and seven- or eight-passenger seating, the Pilot is exactly the kind of vehicle that appeals to growing families who shy away from traditional minivans.

Learn more about the 2017 Honda Pilot

Midsize Traditional SUV: Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the pioneers of the modern midsize SUV. Since its introduction in the early 1990s, the Grand Cherokee has been maneuverable enough for urban duty, roomy enough for families, stylish enough to take out on the town, and capable enough to tow your toys or shuttle your passengers to a remote campsite. Modern Grand Cherokees are far more refined than the early models, but they're no less versatile.

Learn more about the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Minivan: Honda Odyssey

For most of its lifespan, the Honda Odyssey has been a top pick among minivans. It really hit its stride when Honda redesigned it for 1999. That van featured a powerful engine, an exceptionally spacious cabin and an innovative third-row seat that folded into the floor. These attributes have carried through to every Honda Odyssey since. Honda will introduce a redesigned Odyssey in 2017.

Learn more about the 2016 Honda Odyssey

Premium Luxury Car: Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S luxury sport sedan breaks with electric-car styling by featuring a sleek exterior that houses a thoroughly modern and upscale cabin. It also has the potential for stunning performance in terms of both acceleration and handling. Yet, as with many EVs, the Model S provides near-silent propulsion, further enhancing its luxurious silence on the road.
Learn more about the 2016 Tesla Model S

Premium Luxury SUV: Tesla Model X

If you want a family-friendly luxury electric SUV, the Tesla Model X is in a class of one. You'll love the large door openings and silent speed of this midsize electric crossover, which utilizes many of the same components as Tesla's successful Model S sedan.

Learn more about the 2016 Tesla Model X

Premium Sport Car: BMW i8

The BMW i8 is a genre-buster: a six-figure, futuristic-looking plug-in hybrid sports car. It offers impressive acceleration — the sprint to 60 mph takes just 4.5 seconds — and flamboyant styling. The i8's dramatic sweeping lines and scissor-lift doors make it a safe bet you'll stand out in any crowd. Even if you're standing still.

Learn more about the 2017 BMW i8

Subcompact Car: Honda Fit

A subcompact four-door hatchback, the Honda Fit has earned praise for its engineering and design, and it has found its niche with consumers drawn to its space-efficient design and easily reconfigurable rear seats. In the Honda Fit, you'll find crisp handling, solid build quality and impressive cargo capacity.

Learn more about the 2017 Honda Fit

Van: Ford Transit

If you need proof that full-size vans are a lot more sophisticated than they used to be, look no further than the Ford Transit. With a wide variety of configurations, a choice of powerful and fuel-efficient engines and easygoing driving manners, this feature-rich van should meet all of your commercial business needs.

Learn more about the 2017 Ford Transit