The automotive mobile landscape has changed substantially since I last covered this topic in early 2009.  There are more sites and the available content is far more robust.  While the primary value remains time- and location-sensitive information, some mobile sites are effective research venues.  I captured some of the best and most interesting content/tools available today (note: all screenshots below were taken on an iPhone.)

The GMC mobile site looks like a mini brand site, complete with splash screens, marketing call outs, and research-oriented tools, including galleries, 360, and colors.  Buick’s mobile site follows a similar approach.

 
Jeep’s mobile site is eye-catching thanks to an attractive color palette that enhances usability, while its model page provides great information in a compact form.  I also like the links to Jeep social content on other sites, which echoes the more extensive treatment on Jeep’s primary brand site.

 
Lincoln’s mobile site uses a grid and icon framework that makes its vehicles specifications easy to read.  The inventory search tool is also attractive and easy to use.


Saab’s mobile site, which focuses on the 9-3, utilizes white space to draw attention to its functional elements.  I like its colorizer, which is enjoyable to use and goes beyond simply delivering the information.

 
Scion’s mobile site has similarly rich content and uses a common mechanism to present all its vehicle information, from images to feature descriptions to specifications data.  This makes the site easier to navigate.

 
Toyota’s mobile site has great content for the Prius.  The model page packs a lot of information and links into a small space, yet remains easy to navigate.  Feature demonstrations are provided through short video clips.  On the downside, content for other Toyota models is minimal.

 
Rich mobile content is not strictly the domains of OEMs.  Car and Driver’s mobile site – in addition to its extensive reviews and articles – presents great imagery in its galleries.