20 Best-Selling Vehicles in America — April Edition

© Ford Motor Company
Top Sellers of Q1 2015
Vehicle sales in America are continuing to look positive — with the first quarter of 2015 in the books, overall sales are up 5.6 percent compared to the first three months of 2014. This is certainly good news for the industry. Although not a surprising trend, most of the passenger cars in the top 20 saw declines, while strong SUV and crossover sales helped boost overall numbers. Here’s a look at the best-sellers in America after three months of sales, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.

© FCA US
20. Chrysler 200
YTD Sales: 49,152
Vs. 2014: 61.2%
Chrysler completely redesigned the 200 for 2015, and based on its stylish exterior and premium-looking interior, it’s no surprise this entry model is seeing such a healthy sales increase so far this year. In addition to its good looks, the 200 is the first midsize sedan with a standard 9-speed automatic transmission, which helps it achieve an EPA-estimated 36 mpg.

© Nissan North America, Inc.
19. Nissan Sentra
YTD Sales: 51,026
Vs. 2014: 25.1%
Currently in it seventh generation, the Sentra small sedan has not been changed much since 2012, but has nevertheless seen excellent sales growth so far in 2015. Chalk up some of this growth to Sentra’s excellent value, featuring such items as a standard USB connection port, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, illuminated steering wheel audio controls and cruise control.

© Ford Motor Company
18. Ford Focus
YTD Sales: 52,994
Vs. 2014: 2.1%
It may be the 18th best-seller in America, but according to Ford the Focus has been the best-selling nameplate in the world for the last three years. With engines ranging from the efficient 1.0-liter EcoBoost to the powerful 252-horsepower EcoBoost found in the ST, the Focus is a great small-car option. Focus is generating some excitement among enthusiasts, given Ford’s announcement that the 320-plus horsepower Focus RS will be coming to America soon.

© Hyundai Motor America
17. Hyundai Elantra
YTD Sales: 56,742
Vs. 2014: 6.6%
In 1998 Hyundai did not even sell 100,000 vehicles in America — but the Korean company completely turned around and is now selling more than 700,000 vehicles in the U.S. each year. Elantra is the company’s sales leader and March was its best sales month ever. The stylish compact sedan or hatchback is a great value, offering up an impressive list of standard equipment, good fuel economy and Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000 mile warranty with five years of complimentary roadside assistance.

© Ford Motor Company
16. Ford Explorer
YTD Sales: 58,707
Vs. 2014: 27.4%
While Ford has only seen a modest overall sales increase so far in 2015, the company fielded five of the top 20 best-sellers, and Explorer is clearly doing its part to grow sales for the company. With an increase of more than 33 percent year over year, the 7-passenger crossover should see even better sales later this year when the revised 2016 model arrives in showrooms.

© General Motors
15. Chevrolet Cruze
YTD Sales: 60,592
Vs. 2014: -7.0%
The only passenger car on this list from General Motors, the Cruze is one of the most successful small cars the Detroit-based automaker has ever delivered, with more than three million sold globally since its launch in 2010. The Cruze receives a slight face-lift for 2015, as well as high-tech features including OnStar with 4G LTE and a standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

© Nissan North America, Inc.
14. Nissan Rogue
YTD Sales: 64,486
Vs. 2014: 27.8%
Nissan’s small crossover was redesigned in 2014, so the company has to be happy about the nearly 30 percent sales increase in the second year of the new generation’s sales. The Rogue features a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, and with its advanced Xtronic transmission with Eco mode, it gets EPA fuel economy ratings as high as 33 mpg.

© General Motors
13. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 65,613
Vs. 2014: 17.0%
One of three Chevrolet models among the top 20 best-sellers, the Equinox is holding its own in the very competitive compact SUV market. Equinox has seen five years of record sales since the second generation was launched in 2010. Chevrolet is hoping this will continue when an updated 2016 model goes on sale later this year.

© Honda North America
12. Honda Civic
YTD Sales: 66,722
Vs. 2014: -6.2%
The Honda Civic is one of three Honda among the 20 best-sellers, but sales of the compact sedan and coupe continue to decline. This is especially surprising given the Civic’s refresh in 2014. Perhaps Honda will have more success with the all-new Civic that was just shown in concept form at the 2015 New York Auto Show and will go on sale later this year.

© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
11. Toyota RAV4
YTD Sales: 67,010
Vs. 2014: 26.3%
The RAV4 is moving into its third year of the current generation, which makes the 25 percent increase year over year even more impressive. With carlike comfort and handling combined with the utility of an SUV, the stylish RAV4 solidifies its place in the top 20. Look for an all-new RAV4 — including the first RAV4 Hybrid — to arrive in showrooms this fall.

© Ford Motor Company
10. Ford Escape
YTD Sales: 67,272
Vs. 2014: -5.7%
This small 5-passenger crossover from Ford continues to hold its own in sales; especially notable since it’s been a few years since its last update. Available with the fuel-efficient EcoBoost powertrain as well as innovative features such as a hands-free tailgate, the Escape remains one of Ford’s best-selling vehicles overall.

© Honda North America
9. Honda Accord
YTD Sales: 68,645
Vs. 2014: -13.3%
Accord sales are far below the Toyota Camry, which is a little surprising. As of March, Accord sales have fallen to their lowest point in recent years, and for the first time Ford Fusion sales have surpassed those of Accord. Although Honda sales are up 2.4 percent compared to last year, these gains are primarily in trucks — the company’s car sales are down 4.1 percent.

© Ford Motor Company
8. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 71,470
Vs. 2014: -7.9%
The Fusion holds the honor of being the best-selling domestic passenger cars on this list. Although sales for this time period are down slightly, it is now ranked above the once-invincible Honda Accord — which is likely making the folks at Ford quite pleased. With available all-wheel drive and a variety of engine choices — including a very efficient plug-in hybrid — the Fusion makes a great option as a stylish family sedan.

© Honda North America
7. Honda CR-V
YTD Sales: 73,127
Vs. 2014: 8.1%
Ten years ago the best-selling SUVs on the market were truck-based offerings from the domestic car companies, so a lot has changed in a decade. Now the crossover is winning the hearts and wallets of America, and the Honda of crossovers — the CR-V — is all new for 2015. Despite a slight decline in sales during March, the CR-V continues to see a healthy increase in sales year over year. In fact, CR-V is now the best-selling Honda in America.

© Nissan North America, Inc.
6. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 86,875
Vs. 2014: -2.7%
It may be one of only three Nissans on this list of 20 best-selling vehicles in America, but the Altima brings a lot to the party. The stalwart sedan offers a nice mix of comfort, style and — most important to the majority of shoppers — great fuel economy. Nissan sales in general are still up more than 3 percent for the year, making the brand the fourth best for sales in America.

Toyota_Corolla
5. Toyota Corolla
YTD Sales: 90,728
Vs. 2014: 16.7%
The Corolla certainly is an old-timer — at least in name. Although the car was redesigned last year, the name has been around since 1966, and according to Toyota more than 40 million Corollas have been sold since it was introduced. Now in its eleventh generation, Corolla is the best-selling compact car in America. The redesign has certainly been well accepted — Corolla is one of the only passenger cars on this list to see a sales increase in March.

© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
4. Toyota Camry
YTD Sales: 100,505
Vs. 2014: 6.6%
The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord often battle for the title of top-selling passenger car in the U.S., but in the last ten years the Camry has been able to solidify its lead. With an all-new 2015 Camry in showrooms, Toyota seems to be having no trouble holding onto this coveted distinction.

© FCA US
3. Ram Truck
YTD Sales: 101,511
Vs. 2014: 4.8%
The Ram 1500 passed the Toyota Camry and moved into third place last year, and with continued strong sales Ram is holding onto its new position — just barely. Helping sales of the full-size pickup is a new fuel-efficient EcoDiesel that claims 28 mpg. In September Ram announced the EcoDiesel would comprise 20 percent of production.

© General Motors
2. Chevrolet Silverado
YTD Sales: 126,694
Vs. 2014: 17.6%
The perennial runner-up to the Ford F-Series, the Silverado was completely redesigned for 2014 with new styling and a series of new engines. The updated truck carried over its base price from the previous generation, which has helped GM’s offering take a slight bite out of the F-150’s lead. That said, it does not appear that Silverado will catch the top seller this year.

© Ford Motor Company

1. Ford F-Series
YTD Sales: 177,312
Vs. 2014: 2.3%
The Ford F-Series pickup truck has worn the sales crown as best-selling vehicle in America for more than 30 years. With sales up year over year, this versatile pickup shows no signs of relinquishing its throne. With an all-new F-150 just coming to market, Ford should continue to see success in the U.S.