20 Best-Selling Vehicles in America — December Edition

© Ford Motor Company
Top Sellers of 2015 . . . So Far
With the first 11 months of the year in the books, the auto industry is continuing to see positive momentum, although sales have slowed a bit. November saw an increase of just 1.6 percent compared to a year ago, but the industry is still on pace to surpass 17 million units this year. Overall sales are up 5.4 percent over the first 11 months of 2014. There were a few standout brands in November — Jeep continues strong with a 20 percent increase compared to November 2014, and other strong performers included Hyundai, Subaru, Mazda and Chevrolet. Volkswagen sales are starting to be affected by the diesel scandal — the brand saw a decline of almost 25 percent in November compared to a year ago. General Motors continues to lead all other manufacturers in the U.S. with the largest market share, followed by Ford Motor Company, Toyota Motor Sales and Chrysler/FCA group, all of which are still showing healthy year-over-year gains. Here’s a look at the best-sellers in America after 11 months of sales, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturer sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.

© Hyundai Motor America
20. Hyundai Sonata
YTD Sales: 190,483
Vs. 2014: -4.3%
The Hyundai Sonata was redesigned for the 2015 model year, and the updated sedan has seen healthy sales since its introduction. Overall sales are slightly off from a year ago — November sales had a decrease of about 10 percent compared to October of 2014. Sonata is available with a number of different powertrains, including a very efficient plug-in hybrid system.

© Ford Motor Company
19. Ford Focus
YTD Sales: 191,473
Vs. 2014: -6.5%
Sales of the Focus saw a big drop of almost 25 percent in November compared to a year ago, which was enough for the strong-selling Jeep Cherokee to move ahead of Focus based on year-to-date sales. With engines ranging from the efficient 1.0-liter EcoBoost to the powerful 252-horsepower EcoBoost found in the ST, the Focus is still a great small-car option. A new 345-horsepower Focus RS arrives in America next spring. This hot Focus may act as a halo, raising sales for the rest of the lineup.

© FCA US
18. Jeep Cherokee
YTD Sales: 196,211
Vs. 2014: 22.0%
Jeep introduced an all-new Cherokee in 2014, and while the design is somewhat unusual, the crossover has been a hit with consumers. Sales have continued to grow — this was the Cherokee’s best November sales on record, and has helped FCA to its 68th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Cherokee is available in a number of trim levels and boasts Jeep’s legendary off-road capability.

© General Motors
17. Chevrolet Cruze
YTD Sales: 209,753
Vs. 2014: -17.8%
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. Sales have been slow for this small car in the last few months, dropping 30 percent compared to November 2014. The Cruze received 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.

© Hyundai Motor America
16. Hyundai Elantra
YTD Sales: 227,464
Vs. 2014: 12.0%
Elantra is Hyundai’s sales leader and has been instrumental in keeping the Korean car company’s sales numbers positive. November saw an increase in sales of more than 25 percent compared to a year earlier. The stylish compact 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. A new Elantra was introduced last month at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show and is slated to arrive next year.

© Ford Motor Company
15. Ford Explorer
YTD Sales: 227,584
Vs. 2014: 18.8%
Although Ford has seen only modest overall sales growth so far in 2015, the company fields five of the top 20 best-sellers, and Explorer is clearly doing its part to grow sales for the company. The 7-passenger crossover is enjoying strong sales as the revised 2016 model starts to show up in dealerships, although November saw a modest gain compared to November 2014. Note: Explorer sales figures include sales of the Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility.

© General Motors
14. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 255,762
Vs. 2014: 15.8%
November 2015 marked the 12th consecutive month of record crossover sales for General Motors, and the Equinox played a big part with impressive sales growth year over year. One of three Chevrolet models among the top 20 best-sellers, the Equinox is holding its own in the very competitive compact SUV market, and has seen five years of record sales since the second generation launched in 2010.

© Nissan North America, Inc.
13. Nissan Rogue
YTD Sales: 260,711
Vs. 2014: 41.4%
Nissan’s small crossover was redesigned more than a year ago, so the company has to be happy about a steady sales increase of more than 40 percent in the second year of the new generation’s sales, as well as an impressive 50 percent increase in November sales year over year. 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.

© Ford Motor Company
12. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 274,594
Vs. 2014: -3.2%
Fusion holds the honor of being the best-selling domestic-brand passenger car on this list. November sales were down slightly compared to last November, but the Fusion is holding pretty steady year over year. 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.

© Ford Motor Company
11. Ford Escape
YTD Sales: 278,538
Vs. 2014: -0.7%
This small 5-passenger crossover from Ford has begun to see a slight decline in sales compared to 2014, with November sales dropping almost 20 percent compared to a year ago. But year-to-date sales are holding steady and the Escape still manages to be one of the best-selling SUVs in America. Available with the fuel-efficient EcoBoost powertrain as well as innovative features such as a hands-free tailgate release, the Escape remains Ford’s best-selling SUV. A refreshed Escape might boost sales when it goes on sale next year.

© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
10. Toyota RAV4
YTD Sales: 283,546
Vs. 2014: 15.9%
The RAV4 is in its third year of the current generation, which makes the almost 16 percent increase in sales 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.

© Honda North America
9. Honda Civic
YTD Sales: 302,588
Vs. 2014: -15.2%
The Civic is one of three Hondas among the 20 best-sellers. Although sales of the compact sedan and coupe had been declining, November saw a healthy jump with an 8.6 percent increase over November 2014. The Civic was refreshed in 2014, but that did not provide the boost in sales Honda was anticipating. Perhaps Honda will see increased sales as the all-new 2016 Civic will go on sale later this year.

© Nissan North America, Inc.
8. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 303,936
Vs. 2014: 0.2%
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. 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 six percent for the year, making the brand the sixth best for sales in America, slightly behind Honda.

© Honda North America
7. Honda CR-V
YTD Sales: 314,462
Vs. 2014: 3.9%
Ten years ago the best-selling SUVs on the market were truck-based offerings from the domestic car companies, but a lot has changed in a decade. Now the crossover is winning the hearts and wallets of America — there are six crossovers on the best-sellers list with the CR-V at the top. The CR-V was all new for 2015 and has helped Honda to impressive sales figures for November.

© Honda North America
6. Honda Accord
YTD Sales: 320,501
Vs. 2014: -10.2%
Accord was once at the top of the sales charts, but sales remain 10 percent lower than a year ago at this time. Available as a sedan or coupe, the Accord did see a slight increase in November compared to October 2014. Honda sales overall are up slightly compared to last year, but these gains are primarily in trucks and SUVs, which have had a very good year thus far.

© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
5. Toyota Corolla
YTD Sales: 330,887
Vs. 2014: 7.0%
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 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.

© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
4. Toyota Camry
YTD Sales: 392,056
Vs. 2014: -1.2%
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 — while sales are down slightly year over year, sales are up in November by more than 7 percent compared to November 2014, and Toyota seems to be having no trouble holding onto this coveted No. 1 spot for passenger car sales.

© FCA US
3. Ram Truck
YTD Sales: 407,981
Vs. 2014: 3.1%
The Ram 1500 passed the Toyota Camry and moved into third place last year, and with strong November sales the big truck currently holds this podium spot. A new fuel-efficient EcoDiesel that claims 29 mpg on the highway and 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 the new Rebel off-road Ram.

© General Motors
2. Chevrolet Silverado
YTD Sales: 537,552
Vs. 2014: 13.9%
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 seeing some impressive sales increases. The updated truck carried over its base price from the previous generation, and each month 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: 695,143
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. Sales are up slightly for the year, and this was the best November for the F-Series in eight years. The efficient EcoBoost models represent 65 percent of F-Series sales in November and have helped drive Ford truck sales to its highest level in years.