Best car brands according to Google

Market leader Toyota has topped the national list, as well as the state breakdowns for NSW, Queensland and WA, as well as the NT and ACT.

Googlers in SA were more interested in searching for Holden - which builds car in the southern states - and Victorians punch Ford into the search engine more often than any other brand.

More interesting could be what Google calls the "fastest rising list," which shows what car searches saw a spike in interest over 2011, based on a percentage increase over 2010.

Indian-owned British brand Range Rover experienced a 60 per cent increase in searches from New South Wales, while the big Brit spiked by 50 per cent for searches from West Australians.

South Australians searches for VW-owned Czech brand Skoda rose by 80 per cent, with Victorians also registering a 50 per cent increase in Skoda searches.

Victorians also increased search requests by 180 per cent for Toyota's Tonka Truck, the FJ Cruiser, as well as the Ford-Australia-developed Ranger, which rose by 80 per cent in Victoria and Queensland.

Google users in the Sunshine State also recorded increased interest in the Holden Cruze, which was up by 50 per cent over 2010.

Volkswagen saw a 50% increase in searches from ACT residents from the previous year One of the more surprising statistics came from across Bass Strait, where Harley Davidson was entered into Google by Tasmanians at a rate up 60 per cent on 2010.

The WA statistics Ford Ranger saw a 90% increase in searches from West Australians while Range Rover saw a 50% increase this year.

Google Australia spokesperson Johnny Luu says the Google search statistics could be a good indicator of sales trends and marketing penetration.

"Some car companies have found the google insight can predict how many cars they will end up selling, they've found a three month lag between a search and sale trend, there's evidence pointing to the fact that people use the internet to research purchases, particularly with cars the online research percentage is high."

Mr Luu says a high percentage of car buyers research on line and the lists give a good indication of what brands have captured Australia's attention.

"The Google research shows what people are seeking information on, it can often be used as a good predictor on sales, so if someone looks at a particular model they're more likely in future to consider or purchase that vehicle - from a trends perspective it can give insight into what campaigns and messages are working with car buyers," he says.

The top searches tables show overall volume (which car brand had more people typing their brand into Google over 2011).