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AutoWeek Poll Names Chevy Corvette Favorite American Vehicle

10 July 2000

SUV's Drop Off Top 10 Poll for First Time

    DETROIT - AutoWeek weekly car magazine released the results of its 11th
annual AutoWeek Readers' Survey, which ranks the Chevrolet Corvette as the #1
American vehicle for the second year in a row.

    The complete Survey results read:

    1. Chevrolet Corvette
    2. Chrysler 300M
    3. Ford F-150
    4. Cadillac Seville
    5. Lincoln LS
    6. Dodge Viper
    7. Ford Mustang
    8. Chrysler PT Cruiser
    9. Ford Taurus
    10. Ford Focus

    For the first time, no sport utility vehicles were included in the Top 10
list.  In 1999, Jeep Grand Cherokee was ranked #9 and the Ford Explorer was
ranked #10.  The Top 10 will be recognized at an "America's Best" award
ceremony on Tuesday, August 15 at the Detroit Athletic Club.

    More than 3,100 surveys were distributed to random AutoWeek subscribers,
asking 22 questions, including views on the best vehicles in the market and
opinions on the car-buying climate.

    According to the survey results:

    *  Quality is the most important factor when purchasing a new car (27.7%
responded affirmatively).  Other factors: value for money (23.7); performance
(22.4); price (8.2); styling (7.4); and safety (4.0).

    *  Trucks are still used primarily for utility and recreation, according
to the survey, in which 53.6 responded affirmatively.  A little over a third
(36.3 percent) use their trucks for commuting.

    *  Buying is preferred over leasing.  Less than 16.0 percent of
respondents prefer leasing to buying.  Nearly 6 of 10 respondents said that
with new cars costing $22,000, they deliver excellent value for the money.

   AutoWeek is a weekly magazine, published by parent company Crain
Communications.  AutoWeek highlights vintage and current models, reports on 
technology and new product developments, and includes columns ranging from 
serious tips to humorous insight.