© Ford Motor Company
Top Sellers of 2015 . . . So Far
With the first half of the year in the books, the auto industry is continuing to see positive momentum. According to Automotive News, U.S. sales are on track to reach 17 million units this year — the first time since 2001. Overall sales are up 4.4 percent over the first six months of 2014. There were a few standouts in June — Jeep and Chrysler brands both saw sales growth of more than 20 percent year over year, helping the FCA group to its 63rd consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. General Motors continues to lead all other manufacturers in the U.S. with a 17.7% market share, followed by Ford Motor Company, Toyota Motor Sales and Chrysler/FCA group, all of which showed year-over-year gains. Here’s a look at the best-sellers in America for the first half of calendar 2015, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© Nissan North America
20. Nissan Sentra
YTD Sales: 105,901
Vs. 2014: 12.8%
Currently in it seventh generation, the Sentra 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.
© FCA US
19. Chrysler 200
YTD Sales: 106,569
Vs. 2014: 135.9%
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 fact, this was the 200’s best June ever. 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 estimated 36 mpg. The 200 also offers all-wheel drive — an uncommon feature in the midsize sedan market.
© Ford Motor Company
18. Ford Focus
YTD Sales: 117,079
Vs. 2014: -3.2%
Sales of the Focus dropped more than 16 percent in June 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, the Focus is a great small-car option. Focus is 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: 122,404
Vs. 2014: 17.2%
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 more than 30 percent in June vs 2014, the 7-passenger crossover is starting to see the results from the revised 2016 model just arriving in dealerships. Note: Explorer sales figures include the Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility.
© General Motors
16. Chevrolet Cruze
YTD Sales: 127,938
Vs. 2014: -12.0%
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. Chevy’s small sedan did have a 13 percent drop in sales compared to June of last year, but still manages to be the 16th best-seller in America.
© Hyundai Motor America
15. Hyundai Elantra
YTD Sales: 128,698
Vs. 2014: 14.4%
Elantra is Hyundai’s sales leader, and with a 55 percent increase compared to June 2014, the small car moved up a slot on this best-sellers list and helped boost Hyundai sales 8.2 percent overall. 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.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
14. Nissan Rogue
YTD Sales: 135,397
Vs. 2014: 36.3%
Nissan’s small crossover was redesigned in 2014, so the company has to be happy about a steady sales increase of more than 30 percent in the second year of the new generation’s sales, as well as an impressive 54.2 percent increase in June 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.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
13. Toyota RAV4
YTD Sales: 143,575
Vs. 2014: 22.8%
The RAV4 is moving into its third year of the current generation, which makes the almost 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.
© General Motors
12. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 145,685
Vs. 2014: 20.6%
June 2015 marked 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. Chevrolet is hoping this trend continues when an updated 2016 model goes on sale later this year.
© Ford Motor Company
11. Ford Escape
YTD Sales: 146,416
Vs. 2014: -4.2%
This small 5-passenger crossover from Ford has had a slight decline in sales compared to 2014 — not surprising since it’s been a few years since its last update. That said, 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, the Escape remains Ford’s best-selling SUV.
© Ford Motor Company
10. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 153,158
Vs. 2014: -7.5%
The Fusion holds the honor of being the best-selling domestic passenger car on this list. June sales are down almost 8 percent compared to last June, but the 153,000 sales is still enough for the Fusion to hold on to a 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 USA
9. Honda Accord
YTD Sales: 155,746
Vs. 2014: -15.9%
Accord was once at the top of the charts, but with sales continuing to decline the popular sedan is barely holding onto the 9th spot on this list. June sales are down 15 percent compared to June of 2014. Although overall Honda sales are up slightly compared to last year, these gains are primarily in trucks and SUVs, which have had a very good year thus far.
© Honda USA
8. Honda Civic
YTD Sales: 158,301
Vs. 2014: -5.3%
The Civic is one of three Hondas among the 20 best-sellers. Although sales of the compact sedan and coupe have been declining, overall sales are close to those recorded a year ago. 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 USA
7. Honda CR-V
YTD Sales: 163,108
Vs. 2014: 5.4%
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. The CR-V was all new for 2015, which has helped the Honda of crossovers continue to see increasing sales.
© Nissan North America
6. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 172,031
Vs. 2014: -2.5%
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 almost 5 percent for the year, making the brand the sixth best for sales in America, just slightly behind Honda.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
5. Toyota Corolla
YTD Sales: 190,131
Vs. 2014: 9.0%
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 eleventh 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.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
4. Ram Truck
YTD Sales: 212,716
Vs. 2014: 4.3%
The Ram 1500 passed the Toyota Camry and moved into third place in last year, but June saw Camry taking back its podium spot. Even so, the latest figures showed the best June sales numbers the Ram pickup has seen in 11 years. 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 the new Rebel off-road Ram.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
3. Toyota Camry
YTD Sales: 215,816
Vs. 2014: -3.0%
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 this coveted #1 spot.
© General Motors
2. Chevrolet Silverado
YTD Sales: 275,822
Vs. 2014: 14.6%
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 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: 357,180
Vs. 2014: -2.4%
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 the 30 days of June, 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.
