Ten Cars Teens Want Most TRU'ly

Washington DC June 8, 2009; The AIADA newsletter reported that TRU research found that despite all the grim auto news, graduating seniors continue to fantasize about driving a spanking new ride to that momentous first day at college.

So according to Forbes, which cars are most popular with newly minted drivers? Based on TRU survey data, American kids want reputable brands with cool styling, great gas mileage, and ample passenger and luggage space.

TRU Top Ten Teen Rides

• Ford Mustang
• Honda Civic
• Honda Accord
• Volkswagen New Beetle
• Toyota Corolla
• Toyota Camry
• Toyota Prius
• Ford Focus
• Ford F-150 Pickup
• Nissan Altima

Forbes used survey data from TRU, a youth marketing and research firm based in Chicago.

TRU asked 2,000 teenagers, "If you were to buy a car right now, what make and model would you buy?" Participants mirrored national age, gender, and ethnicity demographics and were instructed to list a model they could realistically afford, rather than the Maserati they ogle on YouTube.

Honda and Toyota are perennial winners on Forbes' "most popular" list. The $20,900 Accord and $19,400 Camry have seating for five and combined fuel efficiencies of 24 mpg and 27 mpg, respectively. Plus, they are produced by respectable companies that also make the likes of the $35,000 Honda S2000 and Toyota Celica (of "Gran Turismo" fame).

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