American auto makers needed to make a change. What most did was a total overhaul. Along with the drastic aesthetic upgrades, quality and value improvements, and better option availability came a recognizable cost increase.

In less than a decade, prices have increased by up to 33% for some domestic brands. Even with smaller discounts and fewer incentives, people are still willing to put their hard earned dollars towards a domestic vehicle over the Japanese makers; despite seemingly better offers. The small car buyers’ market can provide some insight to the success. According to Peter Valdes-Dapena’s article on American cars, consumers may be looking for greener gas mileage but they still want to like their car. To tap into this market automakers downsized the number of models being offered and expanded the option packages.

So how do you manage to get a deal on a hot new domestic car? With properly stocked lots full of well thought out inventory, it is definitely going to take a bit of research. Still, given the improvements domestic automakers have made it may be well worth the time, and the money.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: CNNMoney