When you spend a lot of time concentrating on just one segment of the auto industry, it is easy to lose track of the fact that there are many niche auto-related markets and corresponding websites. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal titled “Americans Renew Their Love For Cars - Online” highlighted a few of the 100 most popular car-related web sites, including our very own HybridSUV.com (one of more than 50 hybrid and electric vehicle sites from Hybrid Kingdom).

In Kevin Helliker’s article, he mentions several sites I had never visited, starting with http://www.women-drivers.com/. This one is interesting because it allows visitors to rate their experiences with car dealers in terms of the dealership’s website, staff, buying and car, and having it serviced. The site is mainly tailored towards women (thus the name and domain name) and it was created by Anne Fleming. I even noticed they have a “Green” section, although no link to our site yet (hint, hint).

Another niche auto-related site Helliker mentions is http://www.autowriters.com/. This website apparently has information about 2,700 people who currently cover the automotive industry. This can include members of the press, as well as bloggers. Since we were most likely not a part of this directory yet, I filled out the form to join. If you follow the industry, I’d recommend you sign up for their monthly newsletter.

Other sites that Kevin included were the ever-popular Jalopnik (a must read and follow) and TheTruthAboutCars, where writers and editors really call it like they see it…with no BS. One site that many of our readers have likely visited is Motherproof.com which might have been the first auto-related “Mommy Blogger” site back in 2004, and today is part of Cars.com.

Another green blog mentioned in the WSJ article was gm-volt.com which always seemed to be the first to report on big news surrounding the upcoming Chevy Volt. Lyle Dennis gets the inside scoop on this amazing car, so bookmark his site if you want to be follow the goings on of this electric car.

There were several other auto enthusiast sites noted in the article, including www.gaywheels.com, www.drivechicago.com, and latinos.onwheelsinc.com , so if you have an interest in a specific car market or niche, there are probably one or more websites or blogs where you can get very detailed and focused information. Hybrid Kingdom recently launched a site dedicated to the 2010 Toyota Prius and one popular article on that blog discusses how to get rid of the car’s reverse/backup beeps. How’s that for getting specific?

What other niche auto websites do you follow?