Survey Says – Mustang!

TRU, a subsidiary of Research International, USA asked the two groups what new vehicle they most wanted to buy. To avoid saying for example the new Ferrari California, the researchers stipulated that the requested car be one they could realistically afford if they were able to pay for themselves or if their parents kicked in.

Teens picked the Ford Mustang first, while the 20-somethings went with the more practical and bland Honda Civic.

"Mustang pops up as No. 1 among teens because it's a lot of fun and the parents usually pay the insurance and hand the kids their gasoline credit card," said TRU spokesman Rob Calendar. “Civic pops up among the older 20-somethings because they pay for their own insurance and gas, so function takes priority.”

Among teens, the most desired cars in order of preference were the Mustang, Civic (to customize), Honda Accord, Volkswagen Beetle, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Chevy Impala, Ford Focus, Ford F-150 pickup, Jeep Wrangler, Chevy Silverado pickup, VW Jetta and Nissan Maxima.

Among 20-somethings, the Beetle, Wrangler and Focus were missing.

Also noticeable in their absence were any full-size SUVs, such as the Cadillac Escalade, which only two years ago was the most sought-after SUV by youth who wanted to make a statement.