© Ford Motor Company
Top Sellers of 2015 . . . So Far
New vehicle sales continue strong into the second half of the calendar year, with overall July sales up 5.3 percent compared to last year. According to Automotive News, U.S. sales are on track to reach 17 million units this year — the first time since 2001. While passenger car sales were down in July, strong light truck and SUV sales fueled the increases. General Motors July sales were up 6.4 percent year over year, and GM earned a total U.S. market share of 18 percent for July. Ford held 14.7 percent of the market with a 5.0 percent sales increase for July, followed by Toyota with 14.4 percent of the market. Here’s a look at the best-sellers in America for the first seven months of calendar 2015, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© FCA US
20. Jeep Cherokee
YTD Sales: 122,125
Vs. 2014: 28.2%
Cherokee sales are up more than 28 percent for 2015, and a 12.6 percent increase for July moves the sport utility into the top 20 best-selling vehicles, bumping the Chrysler 200 from the elite list. One of the original SUVs, Cherokee returned to the Jeep lineup for 2014 after a 13-year absence. It offers Jeep off-road capability with three available 4-wheel-drive systems and Jeep Selec-Terrain traction control system with up to five customized modes. Engine start/stop technology is standard with the 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 engine, and rear-axle disconnect improves fuel efficiency when 4×4 capability is not needed.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
19. Nissan Sentra
YTD Sales: 124,412
Vs. 2014: 11.6%
The Sentra saw a 5.3 percent sales increase for July and is up more than 11 percent for the year. Currently in it seventh generation, Nissan’s small sedan has not changed much since 2012, but has nevertheless seen excellent sales growth so far in 2015. Chalk up some sales 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 in a car that starts below $17,000.
© Ford Motor Company
18. Ford Focus
YTD Sales: 134,106
Vs. 2014: -3.3%
Sales of the Focus dropped just under 4 percent in July compared to a year ago, but the small car is still holding steady as the 18th best-seller in America. With engines ranging from the efficient 1.0-liter EcoBoost to the powerful 252-horsepower EcoBoost found in the ST, Focus is a great small-car option. The car is also generating some excitement among enthusiasts, given Ford’s announcement that the 345-horsepower Focus RS will be coming to America next spring.
© Ford Motor Company
17. Ford Explorer
YTD Sales: 145,785
Vs. 2014: 18.1%
Although Ford has seen only modest overall sales growth 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 23 percent in July, Explorer has improved sales more than 18 percent overall for 2015. The 7-passenger crossover has been posting positive results since the revised 2016 model arriving in dealerships, which should fuel continued sales growth through the end of the year.
© General Motors
16. Chevrolet Cruze
YTD Sales: 149,277
Vs. 2014: -10.2%
The only passenger car on this list from General Motors, Cruze is one of the most successful small cars the Detroit-based automaker has ever delivered, with more than 3 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. Chevy’s small sedan did have a slight 2 percent drop in sales compared to July of last year, but still manages to be the 16th best-seller in America.
15. Hyundai Elantra
YTD Sales: 150,833
Vs. 2014: 12.0%
Elantra is Hyundai’s sales leader, although July sales dropped from a 55 percent increase in June. That said, Elantra sales are still up 12 percent for 2015, helping the compact car maintain 15th position in the best-sellers race. The stylish Elantra sedan or hatchback is a great value, offering 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.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
14. Nissan Rogue
YTD Sales: 160,478
Vs. 2014: 38.4%
Nissan’s small crossover is redesigned for the 2015 model year, and sales have skyrocketed. The Rogue is on fire, with a July sales increase of 50.9 percent and a 38.4 percent increase for the first seven months of 2015. Rogue features a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, and with its advanced Xtronic transmission with Eco mode, it has an EPA fuel economy rating as high as 33 mpg.
© General Motors
13. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 167,294
Vs. 2014: 14.5%
July sales for Equinox were down, but total sales for the first seven months of 2015 are up 14.5 percent. One of three Chevrolet models among the top 20 best-sellers, the Equinox is holding its own in a very competitive compact SUV market, and has seen five years of record sales since the second generation launched in 2010. Chevrolet is hoping this trend continues when an updated 2016 model goes on sale later this year.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
12. Toyota RAV4
YTD Sales: 170,284
Vs. 2014: 18.5%
Moving into the third year of its current generation, the RAV4 dropped one position on the best-seller list after July, with an 18.4 percent increase for the year. Featuring carlike comfort and handling combined with the utility of an SUV, the stylish RAV4 maintains a solid position in the top 20. Look for an all-new RAV4 — including the first RAV4 Hybrid — to arrive in showrooms this fall.
© Ford Motor Company
11. Ford Escape
YTD Sales: 175,669
Vs. 2014: -2.1%
Sales of Ford’s small crossover were up more than 10 percent for July — a bright spot despite a yearly sales decline compared to 2014, although not surprising since it’s been a few years since Escape’s last update. That said, the 5-passenger Escape still manages to be one of the best-selling SUVs in America. Available with a fuel-efficient EcoBoost powertrain as well as innovative features such as a hands-free tailgate, Escape remains Ford’s best-selling SUV.
© Ford Motor Company
10. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 178,263
Vs. 2014: -5.9%
Fusion has the honor of being the best-selling domestic passenger car on this list. July sales were up 4.9 percent compared to last year, and even though Fusion sales are down 4.9 percent for the entire year, the 178,000 in sales are still strong enough for the car to retain its respectable 10th spot on this best-sellers list. 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
9. Honda Civic
YTD Sales: 189,440
Vs. 2014: -3.9%
The Civic is one of three Hondas among the 20 best-sellers. Although sales of the compact sedan and coupe have declined by 3.9 percent for the year, things turned around in July and sales were up 3.7 percent for the month. The Civic was refreshed in 2014, but that did not provide the boost in sales Honda was anticipating. Perhaps Honda will have more success with the all-new Civic that was shown in concept form at the 2015 New York Auto Show and will go on sale later this year.
© Honda North America
8. Honda Accord
YTD Sales: 190,242
Vs. 2014: -13.7%
Accord sales have been on the decline and are still down 13.7 percent for the year, but July sales were down only 1.6 percent year over year, and Honda’s popular sedan passed Civic to take the eighth spot on this best-sellers list. Overall Honda sales were up 6.5 percent for July and are up 1.6 percent for 2015 based on strong SUV sales.
© Honda North America
7. Honda CR-V
YTD Sales: 194,803
Vs. 2014: 6.3%
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 — there are five crossovers on this best-sellers list with the CR-V at the top, posting an 11.4 percent increase for July. The CR-V is all new for 2015, which has helped the Honda of crossovers increase sales more than 6 percent for the 2015 calendar year.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
6. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 205,873
Vs. 2014: 1.4%
It may be one of only two Nissans on this list of 20 best-selling vehicles in America, but the Altima brings a lot to the party with July sales up 27 percent over 2014. 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 6 percent for the year, making the brand the sixth best for sales in America, just slightly behind Honda.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
5. Toyota Corolla
YTD Sales: 220,380
Vs. 2014: 7.4%
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 the car’s introduction. Now in its 11th generation, Corolla is the best-selling compact car in America. The redesign has certainly been well accepted — Corolla is holding steady as the fifth-most-popular vehicle in America.
© FCA US
4. Ram Truck
YTD Sales: 248,735
Vs. 2014: 3.9%
The Ram 1500 passed the Toyota Camry and moved into third place last year, but Camry took back its podium spot in June. (Even though Camry sales are down 3.6 percent for July, it retains the No. 3 position.) A new fuel-efficient EcoDiesel that claims 28 mpg as well as some special-edition trims are boosting sales of the full-size pickup. Ram hopes to keep sales momentum going with the introduction of a more powerful HD pickup in 2016, as well as a new Rebel off-road Ram.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
3. Toyota Camry
YTD Sales: 254,251
Vs. 2014: -3.1%
The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord used to battle for the title of top-selling passenger car in the U.S., but in the last 10 years Camry has been able to solidify its lead. Completely redesigned for the 2015 model year, Camry’s new style and updated features have paid dividends — although sales are down year over year, Toyota seems to be having no trouble holding onto the coveted passenger-car lead.
© General Motors
2. Chevrolet Silverado
YTD Sales: 332,202
Vs. 2014: 17.5%
The perennial runner-up to the Ford F-Series, Silverado was completely redesigned for 2014 with new styling and a series of new engines, and as a result has been experiencing some impressive sales increases. The updated truck carried over its base price from the previous generation, and each month GM’s offerings 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: 423,468
Vs. 2014: -1.3%
The Ford F-Series pickup truck has worn the sales crown as best-selling vehicle in America for more than 30 years. While sales are down slightly year over year — largely due to supply issues — this versatile pickup shows no signs of relinquishing its throne. According to some quick calculations, if Ford sold F-150s 24 hours a day for all of July, there would have been more than one F-150 sold every minute. And with the all-new F-150 just coming to market, Ford should continue to see success in the U.S.
