Each year, YouGov releases a list of the top brands in the U.S. based on how they are viewed by the general public. While this highly anticipated list, called the U.S. Buzz Rankings, is usually released at the end of the year, the organization decided to unveil the mid-year survey results for 2013, and a mainstay of the auto industry found itself in the No. 1 spot. 

According to the survey, Ford is the "buzziest" brand so far in 2013. The manufacturer narrowly edged out Amazon, Subway and The History Channel for the honor. It was the only member of the auto industry to land in the top 10 and improved on its sixth-place finish at the end of 2012 in just a few short months. 

YouGov conducts the survey by asking respondents what they have heard about the brand in the past two weeks, if they heard anything at all. Then the participants are asked to rank how positive or negative the news was.

Through the first six months of 2013, the buzz was positive for Ford. The Michigan-based brand posted its highest-earning quarter in more than 10 years at the beginning of the year while also improving its market share. A slew of new ads also helped the brand resonate with consumers and highlighted some of the most popular individual models offered by the automaker. 

Drivers who are interested in looking at some of the models that have helped make Ford the No. 1 brand in the U.S. should head to NJ State Auto Auction. The auction lot is home to an array of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, including Ford and  many other famous brands. There you could find an affordable option for your next ride.