Despite the poor economy, folks still want to customize their Civics (the top selling small car) and other compacts. And what are the top 20 aftermarket upgrades by small car owners who participated in SEMA’s survey?
- Tires 49.7%
- Exhaust 49.3%
- Air Intakes (Performance Air Filter Replacement) 46.4%
- Air Intake (Cold Air Intake Conversion) 45.4%
- Polish/Wax 43%
- Suspension upgrades 38.1%
- Oils, lubricants, etc. 37.7%
- Wheels 36.8%
- Alarm System 36.8%
- Exterior Lighting 36.4%
- Ignition Wires/Spark Plugs 32.8%
- Shifter Knob 32.1%
- Window Tinting 31.1%
- Exhaust Headers 30.5%
- Stereo 29.8%
- Midrange speakers 29.1%
- Amplifiers 28.5%
- Battery 28.5%
- Subwoofer 28.1%
- Brake Caliper/Rotor Kits 27.2%
I can’t say I'm copacetic with the majority of the respondents' taste. My first purchase after getting my own compact car was some nice wax and a clay bar (polish/wax came in 5th). Though I could care less about exhausts (purchased by 49% of respondents), I do like a nice shine… and, of course, aftermarket sound systems, which were purchased by over a quarter of respondents.
What’s your favorite aftermarket product? Let us know.
For the results of SEMA’s survey, visit
SEMA.