Google has released its 2012 Zeitgeist list for the most searched terms of the year. The list separates search terms into a variety of categories and then lists the top searches.

Unfortunately, Google will not say how many people actually searched for each term. That means that there is no way to say how much separates any two companies on the list. 

There are some surprising companies not on this list. CadillacCadillacUnited States of America, 1902 > present79 models
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, ChryslerChryslerUnited States of America, 1925 > present70 models
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, MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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and VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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were all snubbed. 

One thing to remember about this list is that it is a measure of popularity over anything else. It does not necessarily represent the quality of any of the cars listed. However, it gives you an interesting glimpse into what brands American consumers are interested in. 

10. Audi

Audi has the bottom spot on the top 10 list. Possibly because it did not have many mass market releases this year. The A7 came out this year, but it is expensive. The Q3 is coming very soon and should be popular. Also Audi did win the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year and the WEC. That likely boosted searches a little.

9. Chevrolet

Given Chevrolet's year, it is surprising to see them so low. They opened the year be revealing the new Malibu and Sonic RS. The new Impala came in the middle of the year, and the new Corvette has taken up many headlines at the end of the year. Honestly, shouldn't they be a bit higher?

8. Jeep

From a company that might be under represented, Chevrolet, to a big surprise. Jeep has not brought out a truly new car all year and does not have a new one coming. However, Jeep is here and Mercedes, Lexus and even its parent Chrysler are not. Talk about doing a lot with a little. 

7. BMW

BMW is a brand that people love to talk about and want to own. On top of that it had the new 3 Series this year and the 6 Series Gran Coupe. The brand is the standard of luxury in a lot of ways. When young people get the money for a luxury car, the first vehicle they think of is a BMW.

6. Nissan

Nissan is kind of like Honda this year. It had the Altima early in the year and the new Sentra later. It also had the new Pathfinder. Nissan wants to take on Honda, which has the mindshare according to this list, and Toyota, which has the sales. All three of its new cars seem okay, but the brand needs a more interesting, affordable car.

5. Dodge

Dodge is just starting what may be a resurgence. The Dart went on sale to fairly good reviews, and the rest of its lineup needs refreshed. Dodge says those new cars are coming. 

4. Lincoln

The marketers at Lincoln deserve a hearty pat on the back. For a company that reworks Fords with higher quality interiors being fourth on this list is a miracle. Lincoln says that it is trying to change its image. Maybe this is a sign that it actually is. 

3. Toyota

Toyota is the second highest selling automaker in the US just a whisker behind Ford. So it is no surprise to see them so high on the list, but they are third here. Honda who has sold about 50,000 fewer cars this year as of November than Toyota. Toyota had the new Camry this year, though, and the Prius is a brisk seller.

2. Honda

Honda straddled the year with new cars. The new Civic came early, and the new Accord is just hitting the market. Reviews for the Accord have been good, but the Civic was poorly received and got an emergency refresh at the LA Auto Show. Despite poor reviews, Honda is still selling and is improving its styling.

1. Ford

Ford has had a banner year, and it deserves the top spot. Look at its new cars. The Focus ST seems to be a truly top hot hatch. The Edge might look a tad awkward but is utilitarian. The C-Max beats the Prius V at least on paper, and the Fusion looks like an Aston Martin Rapide for Ford money. There is no wonder Ford is so popular.

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