Most Leased Vehicles
- Image Credit: Chrysler
Introduction
American branded cars are roaring back in the car leasing game after a few years of backing away, according to data from LeaseTrader.com. That is creating more competition for imports, and thus better deals for consumers.
Prior to 2008, the leases offered by U.S. automakers were mostly on pickup trucks and SUVs, according to LeaseTrader CEO and founder Sergio Stiberman. That was, in part, due to the fact that profitable leasing for the automaker requires that the vehicle in question has a healthy residual value (the value of the vehicle at the end of the lease). Values were good on Detroit trucks and big SUVs, but less so on its passenger cars. That's changing now, though, as Cadillac, Buick and Ford, for example, are all seeing their residual values climb to near parity with Asian and European brands.
"Today, domestic leased vehicles in economy, mid-size and crossover categories have jumped into the mix, signifying a resurgence in leasing popularity among American drivers of domestic vehicles," says Stiberman.
American vehicles now account for 38.5% of lease listings compared with 30.3% in 2008. GM, Ford and Chrysler, which are all in much better financial positions that they were 3 years ago, are offering better products, as well as deals, which is helping to get more consumers behind the wheels of their vehicles.
We took a look at LeaseTrader.com's data and came up with the Top 10 Most Leased Auto brands, based on the percentage they claim of LeaseTrader's listings, as well as incentives on them that you can advantage of. Note, there is an even split between domestic and import brands.
- Image Credit: Chrysler
10. Jeep
Percentage of LeaseTrader.com Inventory: 3.6%
The recently redesigned Grand Cherokee has Jeep back on the radar of many consumers because of its sharp styling and luxury amenities.
View Current Jeep Incentives and Deals
Research the Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee Photos & Information
Jeep Grand Cherokee Best Deals
Jeep Grand Cherokee Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: Toyota
9. Toyota
Percentage of LeaseTrader.com Inventory: 4.1%
It’s certainly no surprise that the maker of America’s best-selling car – the Toyota Camry – is on the list.
View Current New Car Incentives and Deals
Research the Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry Photos & Information
Toyota Camry Best Deals
Toyota Camry Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: GM
8. Chevrolet
Percentage of LeaseTrader.com Inventory: 5.1%
New fuel-efficient offerings like the Chevrolet Cruze are piquing consumer interest, especially with such high gas prices right now.
View Current Chevrolet Incentives and Deals
Research the Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet Cruze Photos & Information
Chevrolet Cruze Best Deals
Chevrolet Cruze Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: Toyota
7. Lexus
Percentage of LeaseTrader.com Inventory: 5.6%
Toyota's luxury brand is making a strong push in the hybrid segment with its CT 200h.
View Current Lexus Incentives and Deals
Research the Lexus CT 200h
Lexus CT 200h Photos & Information
Lexus CT 200h Best Deals
Lexus CT 200h Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: Audi
6. Audi
Percentage of LeaseTrader.com Inventory: 5.7%
With everything from great small cars like the A3 to uber-luxurious rides like the A8 and supercars like the R8, it's easy to see why Audis are being leased in volume.
View Current New Car Incentives and Deals
Research the Audi A8
Audi A8 Photos & Information
Audi A8 Best Deals
Audi A8 Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: GM
5. Buick
Percentage of LeaseTrader.com Inventory: 6.2%
GM's "other" luxury brand boasts several great models right now. Consumers are responding to cars like the LaCrosse by snatching up leases.
View Current Buick Incentives and Deals
Research the Buick LaCrosse
Buick LaCrosse Photos & Information
Buick LaCrosse Best Deals
Buick LaCrosse Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: Ford
4. Ford
Percentage of LeaseTrader.com Inventory: 6.2%
Ford's great product line is proving to be very popular. In fact, the Ford Edge won the 2010 LeaseTrader.com Car of the Year Award based on volume of customer searches and takeovers among all domestic brands.
View Current Ford Incentives and Deals
Research the Ford Edge
Ford Edge Photos & Information
Ford Edge Best Deals
Ford Edge Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: GM
3. Cadillac
Percentage of LeaseTrader.com Inventory: 6.8%
Cadillac's numerous luxury offerings continue to be very popular with consumers looking for a high-end lease.
View Current Cadillac Incentives and Deals
Research the Cadillac CTS
Cadillac CTS Photos & Information
Cadillac CTS Best Deals
Cadillac CTS Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: Mercedes-Benz
2. Mercedes-Benz
Percentage of LeaseTrader.com Inventory: 7.5%
Perhaps the ultimate vehicular status symbol, Mercedes-Benz enjoys a healthy amount of lessees who love driving cars like the E-Class.
View Current New Car Incentives and Deals
Research the Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Photos & Information
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Specs
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Local Dealer Price Quote
- Image Credit: BMW
1. BMW
Percentage of LeaseTrader.com Inventory: 7.7%
Cars like the perennial favorite BMW 3-Series have consumers flocking to leases in order to add some Bavarian luxury to their lives.
View Current BMW Incentives and Deals
Research the BMW 3-Series
BMW 3-Series Photos & Information
BMW 3-Series Best Deals
BMW 3-Series Local Dealer Price Quote