© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Top Sellers of 2015 . . . So Far
With another month of sales in the books, the auto industry is continuing to see positive momentum. Overall sales are holding steady at a 5.4 percent increase over the first four months of 2014. There were a few standouts in April — Jeep was the fastest-growing volume brand with sales up 21 percent year over year, and Subaru announced its 41st consecutive month of year-over-year growth. General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler/FCA group were all up for April — 5.9 percent, 5.4 percent and 5.8 percent, respectively. Here’s a look at the best-sellers in America after four months of sales, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© FCA US
20. Chrysler 200
YTD Sales: 68,002
Vs. 2014: 96.0%
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 expected 36 mpg. The 200 also offers all-wheel drive — an uncommon feature in the midsize sedan market.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
19. Nissan Sentra
YTD Sales: 68,085
Vs. 2014: 24.1%
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.
© Ford Motor Company
18. Ford Focus
YTD Sales: 71,094
Vs. 2014: 0.1%
Sales of the Focus dropped slightly in April 2015 vs. April 2014, but it still remains 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 320-plus horsepower Focus RS will be coming to America soon.
© Ford Motor Company
17. Ford Explorer
YTD Sales: 77,551
Vs. 2014: 20.1%
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 more than 20 percent year over year, the 7-passenger crossover should see even better sales later this year when the revised 2016 model arrives in showrooms.
© Hyundai Motor America
16. Hyundai Elantra
YTD Sales: 78,653
Vs. 2014: 7.1%
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 each year. Elantra is the company’s sales leader, and not only was April 2015 its best sales month ever with an 8.3 percent increase over April 2014, it was the best sales month for Hyundai — 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.
© General Motors
15. Chevrolet Cruze
YTD Sales: 81,539
Vs. 2014: -6.2%
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 slight drop in April sales compared to the same month last year.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
14. Nissan Rogue
YTD Sales: 86,253
Vs. 2014: 31.7%
Nissan’s small crossover was redesigned in 2014, so the company has to be happy about a sales increase of more than 30 percent in the second year of the new generation’s sales, as well as an impressive 44.5 percent increase in April 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 gets EPA fuel economy ratings as high as 33 mpg.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
13. Toyota RAV4
YTD Sales: 89,924
Vs. 2014: 25.1%
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
12. Ford Escape
YTD Sales: 93,042
Vs. 2014: -3.0%
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 Ford’s best-selling SUV.
© General Motors
11. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 94,469
Vs. 2014: 23.7%
April 2015 marked record crossover sales for General Motors, and the Equinox played a big part —the small crossover also had its best month ever. 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.
© Honda North America
10. Honda Civic
YTD Sales: 95,102
Vs. 2014: -3.7%
The Civic is one of three Hondas among the 20 best-sellers. Although sales of the compact sedan and coupe have been declining, there was a modest increase in April 2015 vs. 2014. 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
9. Honda Accord
YTD Sales: 95,896
Vs. 2014: -15.4%
Accord sales are far below the Toyota Camry, which is a little surprising. As of April, Accord sales have fallen to their lowest point in recent years. Accord outsold the Ford Fusion in April, but it still lags behind the popular Ford sedan in year-to-date sales. Although Honda sales are up slightly compared to last year, these gains are primarily in trucks, which have had a very good year so far.
© Ford Motor Company
8. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 96,424
Vs. 2014: -7.3%
The Fusion holds the honor of being the best-selling domestic passenger car on this list. Even though April sales are down slightly, Fusion now ranks above the once-invincible Honda Accord —which is likely quite pleasing to the folks at Ford. 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: 102,579
Vs. 2014: 6.7%
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 and had its best sales month — ever — in April. In fact, CR-V is now the best-selling Honda in America.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
6. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 108,983
Vs. 2014: -4.6%
It may be one of only three Nissans in 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 4 percent for the year, making the brand the fifth best for sales in America.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
5. Toyota Corolla
YTD Sales: 122,718
Vs. 2014: 14.9%
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 had a strong 10 percent increase in sales for April vs. 2014.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
4. Toyota Camry
YTD Sales: 134,571
Vs. 2014: 1.7%
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 — Toyota seems to be having no trouble holding onto this coveted #1 spot.
2015 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4 EcoDiesel
3. Ram Truck
YTD Sales: 139,432
Vs. 2014: 4.4%
The Ram 1500 passed the Toyota Camry and moved into third place last year, and with strong sales the truck continues to hold this position. A new fuel-efficient EcoDiesel that claims 28 mpg and some special-edition trims are boosting sales of the full-size pickup. In September 2014 Ram predicted the EcoDiesel would comprise 20 percent of production.
© General Motors
2. Chevrolet Silverado
YTD Sales: 172,672
Vs. 2014: 14.7%
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: 240,139
Vs. 2014: 1.4%
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. According to some quick calculations, if Ford sold F-150s 24 hours a day for the 30 days of April, there would have been more than one F-150 sold every minute. And with an all-new F-150 just coming to market, Ford should continue to see success in the U.S.
If GM were really concerned with who is number one in sales they would stop selling GM trucks and just sell Chevys.
the thing is the f-series accounts for all of fords light and heavy duty trucks. if you combine gm’s gmc and chevy trucks the gap between the two would be a whole lot more narrow in sales between ford and gm.
Ford is the only real auto/truck manufacture that is a solid American company. Government/General motors builds for the most part an inferior product on every level. $53B bailout, in the pockets of UNION!!. The other company is now owned by a foreign company..
Please Paul, tell us all how the money went to the union, and how you arrived at that conclusion.Why do you have such a hard on for unions?GM provides hundreds of thousands of real jobs,the kind a person can raise a family, and live a fairly decent life.Oh yes, how could I forget,lazy good for nothing people who don,t want to work, and wait for the Union to keep their job.Paul, I tell you what,I may be wrong but,I am pretty sure if you could get a job in a car plant at a 10 year pay rate I think you just might take it.You my friend are thoroughly brain washed,I don.t want to envision the landscape if GM had went belly up.Over a million jobs Gone,not burger flipping jobs,real jobs.Paul, I never worked for GM, or any other car company,I drove a truck over 30 years,I know people who worked on union jobs,and at 63 we retired, not rich,401k,a little pension,I nor my wife of 42 years will not go hungry.Two grown college educated kids,6 grandkids, one going to college this fall.Oh yes, myself and my son served our country too.Keep on hating, It just makes you look foolish.Unions may not be perfect, but they are not the problem.
I used to be a ford guy until the last two trucks I bought had so many problems. First I bought a 1976 ford f150 brand new after 56000 miles my motor blew had to get a new motor hmmmm 50,000 mile warrenty) I drove it daily no hard miles back and forth to work and to the grocery store had the oil changed every 3000 miles had it changed a month before it blew blew on me. After that like a dummy I bought a 2005 f150 nice looking truck had a lot of nice features it spent more time at the dealer getting fixed nothing but electrical problem after problem talk about a lemon. so I bought an 1986 step side chevy 454 motor and am putting the money into it to restore.
Ford trucks SUCK PLAIN AND SIMPLE WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER.
Truth is that Ford took BILLIONS over the years to produce advanced electric cars and trucks yet has to produce a single one. They play the safe game. Just ask all the employees Ford sent to the chopping block before the bailouts, nearly 1/4 of its dealer status was revoked from dealers all over the US sending many into unemployment. So mr know nothing, ask the folks from Middletown Ford in Maryland ask the folks from Century Ford in Rockville Maryland….get off your high horse your an uninformed uneducated mouth