AOL has its troubles, but its auto channel is cool

America Online, now officially called AOL, began in 1985. And it has arguably had the most tumultuous tenure of any Internet portal or search engine. The site and e-mail system still has an estimated 10 million subscribers and it likely has an equal number of detractors as it does loyal followers.

For me, AOL’s auto section may be its best attribute. It’s comprehensive, offers myriad and often-updated features and the editors’ subject choices are relevant.

One regular feature is the site’s top-10 most searched 208 vehicles. I’m not certain how often the list is updated, but here’s the current list, an interesting cross-section of the car-buying public’s interests.

1. Chrysler 300C; 2. Honda Civic; 3. Infiniti G35; 4. Nissan Maxima; 5. Ford Mustang; 6. Jeep Grand Cherokee; 7. Jeep Liberty; 8. BMW 328;  9. Volkswagen Passat; 10. Hyundai Sonata.

If I’ve added correctly, that’s five imports and five domestics. And the list includes 4 sports cars, 4 sedans and 2 sport utility vehicles.