Data has never fully driven educated decisions. Why do you think the average American reads at a 6th grade reading level. Thats how most newspapers are written. So the common public is hardly educated. I can say my parents are hardly educated. You know the reason why my mother does not like chevy's? She does not like the tail lights. The reason she has her nissan is she likes the color. She doesnt have a clue what mileage it gets or even all of the features in the car. I believe that can speak for the general public.
What is comes down to is people buy what they buy. There are dozens of reasons that people like what they like from cars to food. And trust me not alot of it ever makes sense. What is comes down to is people get what fits their needs. Some people are rich some people are poor. So some individuals need fuel efficient cars others could give two cents at getting 8 miles to the gallon "H2 for example"
So what drives the market is whatever people feel like buying. My self for example. I want a fast car with nice interior a good sound system and a stand out presence. That in my opinion could be anything from Pontiac GTO, New Camaro, A R32 VW, Twin Turbo Supra, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, or even a Mercury Marauder. Now with all of those cars I might Modify them to make them "better" one way or another. I am educated with a degree, i know plenty of opinions of the automotive industry, and i am well aware of buyer data. Has that influenced my future purchasing decisions? Maybe yes and maybe no. But to assume that those influence everyones decision is highly ludacris.
A question to everyone.... how many people have been with a friend and driving when they go "ooo" at a car that goes by, that they want because the like the "look".
Now how many of those friends know the data on those cars usually? Or do they even care? Most of the time I would say this is more true, if they can afford it, they will buy it. Not that data in the slightest influences their choice.