>The answer is you choose a car based on personal experience, referrals from friends, and trusted third party reviews.

You can speak for yourself. I bought my Honda Fit because I saw a video ad on Youtube.

Worked for me, I love the thing. And if I didn't? No biggie, would have sold it off on Craigslist and bought something else.

Would I select a doctor based on an ad? No, no, and no. Which is my point, actually.