Quarterly New-Car Shopper Favorites

Strategic Vision's Alexander Edwards wasn't shocked to find that the BMW 3 Series topped the most recent list of ForbesAutos.com New-Car Shopper Favorites. "I'd be surprised if it wasn't number one," he says, noting that the 3 Series scores high marks for quality, value and "delightfulness." ***

A sedan previously named for a mild breeze (Zephyr) is now called MKZ. Its mild makeover includes a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, a more aggressive grille, extra chrome trim and bigger wheels. These changes helped bump the MKZ up 17 spots since the previous quarter 2006. ***

"The FJ Cruiser has been gaining in popularity ever since it came out," says Neal Oddes of J.D. Power and Associates. This rugged SUV's standout styling has placed it on this list before, having previously ranked in second place in the first quarter 2006. ***

The Highlander Hybrid is built on the same platform as the flashier, pricier Lexus RX 350 and RX 400h. This midsize SUV is a rare breed of vehicle: It can seat seven and attain 32 mpg city, thanks to three battery-powered electric motors that assist its 3.6-liter V6. ***

Neal Oddes of J.D. Power and Associates cites the Lexus IS 250, with its 204-hp V6, and IS 350, with a 277-hp V6, as examples of the ongoing "horsepower race" among automakers. And the race rolls on: At the recent Detroit auto show, Lexus showed off the 2008 IS-F with a 400-hp 5.0-liter V8. ***

The Chevrolet Corvette has made four out of five of our quarterly rankings of user price inquiries to dealers. This timeless American sports car placed first, fourth, 14th (not ranked), back to fourth and is now sixth overall. Available as a coupe or as a convertible, 'Vettes are propelled by a 400-hp 6.0-liter V8 engine. ***

The S-Class consists of the S550 4Matic all-wheel drive sedan, the S550 rear-wheel drive sedan and, for $100,000 or so more, the S65 AMG, which puts out 612 hp. S-Class models were completely overhauled for 2007 and come with a bevy of entertainment, navigation, safety and comfort aides. ***

The all-new Chevrolet Tahoe is a marked improvement over the model it replaces, with more-powerful engines, better capabilities and more comfort than before. The Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon are close cousins, but the popular Chevy is the only one to make this list. The Chevrolet Suburban is basically a stretched Tahoe. ***

No wonder the Toyota Camry cracks the top 10: For eight of the past nine years it's been the best-selling car in the U.S. After a complete redesign for 2007, it has a fresh look and a new gas/electric hybrid variant. "With gas prices the way they are, all hybrids are doing well," says Neal Oddes of J.D. Power and Associates. ***

The fact that the macho Ford Mustang slipped from first place to number 10 is no cause for alarm, says Strategic Vision's Alexander Edwards. "If I were Ford, I wouldn't worry too much," he says. Statistics only say so much. The muscle car comes in coupe and convertible body styles with a choice of V6 or V8 engines. ***