2009 Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla was the most purchased car during the government's Cash for Clunkers initiative.

Regardless of how you feel about Uncle Sam’s decision to offer incentives of $3,500-$4,500 to trade in your old, fuel-hogging car or truck for a more-efficient new car, shoppers came out of the woodwork to take advantage of the deal. With the final statistics rolling in from the government’s $3 billion Cash for Clunkers program, it’s clear that the auto industry got a much needed shot in the arm.

Cash for Clunkers spurred the first month-to-month sales increase since October of 2007; August 2009's figures were up around one percent over new-car sales in August 2008. Some brands, however, did better than others during the program.

The Associated Press is reporting that of the 690,114 cars sold through the program, Toyota came out ahead, claiming 19.4 percent of Cash for Clunkers sales. Detroit did OK too; General Motors and Ford picked up second and third with 17.6 percent and 14.4 percent, respectively. Japan scored again with Honda coming in at 13 percent and Nissan rounding out the top five with 8.7 percent.

Not surprisingly, three Toyota cars made the 10 most purchased list, with the Corolla taking top honors. Traditional Detroit Three SUVs and trucks claimed the entire most traded-in list; the thirsty 4WD Ford Explorer topped the list as the most exchanged vehicle during the initiative. Read on to see the leaders in both categories.

09.02.2009