© Ford Motor Company
Best-Sellers
A full year of sales is now in the books, with a final figure of 17,539,052 vehicles sold, representing a mere 0.3 percent increase versus 2015. This was the seventh straight year of sales gains in America, helped by a strong December that translated to a 3 percent increase across the board. Several brands had record sales for 2016, including Kia, Subaru, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Infiniti and Hyundai. General Motors continues to lead all other manufacturers in the U.S. with a 17.3 percent market share, followed by Ford Motor Company, Toyota Motor Sales and Chrysler / FCA group. Here’s a look at the best-selling models in America for 2016, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
20. Hyundai Elantra
YTD Sales: 208,319
Vs. 2015: -13.8%
Hyundai got a jump on the 2017 model year when the redesigned 2017 Elantra began arriving at dealers in January of 2016. Elantra has surpassed Sonata as the brand’s best-selling model, underscored by a healthy 37 percent increase in December sales versus 2015. The new design features a signature hexagonal grille that closely ties Elantra to the current Sonata design, and includes such high-end features as HID headlights with Dynamic Bending lights, as well as vertical LED daytime running lights — unusual in this vehicle class. A new turbocharged Elantra Sport will be joining the lineup this year.
© FCA US
19. Jeep Grand Cherokee
YTD Sales: 212,273
Vs. 2015: 8.1%
Jeep saw an overall increase in sales for 2016, and the Grand Cherokee certainly did its part to help achieve the bump in sales. Overall the Grand Cherokee was Jeep’s best-selling model, continuing its tradition of offering impressive off-road capability in an attractive SUV package. Available with a number of 4WD systems as well as trim levels, the Grand Cherokee line added the off-road-focused Trailhawk and the luxurious Summit to the lineup to bolster sales momentum.
© Nissan North America
18. Nissan Sentra
YTD Sales: 214,709
Vs. 2015: 5.5%
Sentra sales are down about 14 percent compared to December of 2015, but overall sales are looking good for Nissan’s compact sedan. Sales for the Nissan brand also look good, with the Japanese brand automaker tallying record sales for 2016. Sentra’s impressive overall growth can be attributed to the introduction of a new model for 2016 with updated styling, retuned suspension and a freshened interior. Available high-tech features include Forward Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Joining the Sentra lineup this year is a new high-performance NISMO edition.
© General Motors
17. GMC Sierra
YTD Sales: 221,680
Vs. 2015: -1.1%
The GMC Sierra — twin to the Chevrolet Silverado —had a strong showing throughout the year; however, December sales revealed a 15 percent decline versus 2015. The overall success of GMC’s best-selling vehicle could be easily attributed to any number of updates Sierra had for the 2016 model year, including revised styling as well as new features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. GMC’s professional-grade pickup is available in multiple trim levels, including the luxurious Sierra Denali.
© General Motors
16. Chevrolet Malibu
YTD Sales: 227,881
Vs. 2015: 16.9%
The Chevrolet Malibu was completely redesigned for the 2016 model year, and it’s clear from sales numbers that the update has been well received. December data reveals a very impressive 87 percent increase in sales versus a year previous. A finalist for 2016 North American Car of the Year, the Malibu was new from the ground up with a roomier interior, high-tech features such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, fresh styling and a new hybrid powertrain that is rated at 49 mpg in the city — impressive economy for a vehicle this size.
© General Motors
15. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 242,195
Vs. 2015: -12.8%
One of just three Chevrolet models among last year’s top 20 best-sellers, the Equinox is holding its own in the very competitive compact SUV market. Although overall sales are down, December had a nice recovery of sorts with a healthy 25 percent increase over 2015. The small crossover received several updates for the 2016 model year, including fresh styling and some new high-tech features.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
14. Ford Explorer
YTD Sales: 248,507
Vs. 2015: -0.3%
The Explorer has experienced ups and downs in sales this year, but this family-sized SUV has been a fixture on the best-sellers list and continues to retain its position. The revised 2016 Explorer features a fresh look, new features and a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine good for 270 horsepower. Note: Explorer figures include sales of the Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility, which is reportedly the most popular vehicle for law enforcement officers and has experienced a 30 percent sales increase year over year.
© Ford Motor Company
13. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 265,840
Vs. 2015: -11.4%
Fusion continues to hold the honor of being the best-selling domestic-brand passenger car on this list. At the beginning of 2016 sales were strong, but they have declined in recent months; December sales are down 25 percent compared to one year ago, even with the refreshed 2017 model now on sale. With available all-wheel drive and a variety of engine choices — including a very efficient plug-in hybrid — the Fusion makes a great option for a stylish family sedan.
© Ford Motor Company
12. Ford Escape
YTD Sales: 307,069
Vs. 2015: 0.2%
This small 5-passenger crossover from Ford remains the best-selling American-brand SUV, despite the drop in December sales versus one year previous. Ford recently introduced a redesigned 2017 Escape that features a new exterior look, new interior, new engines and more driver-assistance technology. Most obvious is the new raised trapezoidal grille that ties Escape’s look more closely to other Ford SUVs.
© Nissan North America
11. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 307,380
Vs. 2015: -7.8%
Once Nissan’s best-selling model, the Altima experienced a decline in 2016, allowing the hot-selling Rogue to claim its position as the top-selling Nissan in America. Still one of the best-selling passenger cars in the U.S., the popular Altima family sedan was refreshed for the 2016 model year with new interior and exterior styling, enhanced technology and connectivity, a new Altima SR sports trim and new available safety features. Fuel economy also received a bump for the new model year.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
10. Nissan Rogue
YTD Sales: 329,904
Vs. 2015: 14.9%
Nissan has discovered the perfect crossover formula with the Rogue, and it continues to have impressive sales growth. December saw a formidable 53 percent climb in sales versus the same month last year, helping Rogue become Nissan’s best-selling model for the first time. Nissan introduced a new 2017 Rogue with updated styling and features. The updated Rogue has a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an advanced Xtronic transmission with Eco mode, boasting an EPA fuel economy rating as high as 33 mpg. The 2017 Rogue lineup includes a new hybrid.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
9. Honda Accord
YTD Sales: 345,225
Vs. 2015: -2.9%
Although Accords may not be rolling off dealer lots at the same phenomenal rates as years past, the popular family car is still one of the best-selling passenger cars on the market. Sales were down slightly in December compared to a year ago, with overall sales down slightly for the year. An all-new 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid has been added to the lineup, featuring several high-tech features and impressive fuel economy, which could attract additional buyers.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
8. Toyota RAV4
YTD Sales: 352,154
Vs. 2015: 11.6%
Toyota’s RAV4 crossover experienced impressive sales in 2016, and with the redesigned model that trend continues. RAV4 sales hit an all-time high in December, helping the small crossover to record sales in 2016 and just a few thousand units behind the best-selling SUV in America: the Honda CR-V. The new model features edgier styling and it’s now available as a hybrid. All RAV4 Hybrids are 4WD — the gas engine combines with an electric motor to drive the front wheels, while an additional electric motor provides power to the rear wheels.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
7. Honda CR-V
YTD Sales: 357,335
Vs. 2015: 3.4 %
The CR-V has managed to hold onto the title of best-selling SUV in America, thanks to record sales in December and its best annual sales ever. The CR-V continues to offer consumers a comfortable, small crossover with great utility and excellent fuel economy. In fact, CR-V’s 2.4-liter 185-horsepower engine teamed with a new continuously variable transmission makes it one of the most fuel-efficient crossovers on the market.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
6. Honda Civic
YTD Sales: 366,927
Vs. 2015: 9.4%
Demand for the all-new Civic decreased slightly in December; however, overall 2016 was the best sales year ever for the compact model. The tenth generation of this popular car features fresh styling, improved aerodynamics, new vehicle architecture, a more spacious interior and two new engines. Fuel economy is also impressive — rated as high as 42 mpg with a new turbocharged powerplant. Civic has a lot of buzz thanks to the recent Los Angeles debut of the high-performance Civic Type R and Civic Si — both scheduled to arrive in the U.S. this year.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
5. Toyota Corolla
YTD Sales: 378,210
Vs. 2015: 2.7%
The Corolla certainly is an old-timer — in name at least. 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 its introduction. Corolla sales declined a bit in December compared to last year — but the overall numbers are strong enough to stay ahead of the hot-selling Honda Civic. Corolla continues to be one of the best-selling passenger cars in America, thanks in part to its impressive fuel economy, roomy interior and extensive list of standard features.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
4. Toyota Camry
YTD Sales: 388,618
Vs. 2015: -9.5%
With the final sales figures in, the Toyota Camry managed to hold onto the title of best-selling passenger car in America — a rank it has held for 15 years. December sales revealed a decline of about 7 percent for the month compared to a year previous. Redesigned for the 2015 model year with an aggressive new grille and front bumper, the current design continued for 2016 and into the 2017 model year with available LED headlights with integrated front turn signals and LED daytime running lights. An all-new 2018 Camry is scheduled to debut at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this month.
© FCA US
3. Ram Truck
YTD Sales: 489,418
Vs. 2015: 8.7%
Ram truck continues to have a lock on this third-place spot with an impressive sales increase of almost 15 percent in December compared to a year ago. Overall sales for 2016 are the best numbers the Ram Truck has put on the board in the last decade. With a fuel-efficient EcoDiesel that claims 29 mpg on the highway as well as the popular off-road Rebel trim, Ram seems to be gaining in popularity. For those looking for something more high end, Ram offers the Limited trim with a luxurious interior and a unique grille.
© General Motors
2. Chevrolet Silverado
YTD Sales: 574,846
Vs. 2015: -4.3%
The perennial runner-up to the Ford F-Series, Silverado was refreshed with updated styling and several new features for 2016. However, sales have been declining a bit recently — December numbers were down almost 14 percent compared to December 2015, and overall sales were down for the year. Silverado is available in many configurations with different cab and trim-level options. When properly equipped, the Silverado 1500 can tow more than 12,000 pounds.
© Ford Motor Company
1. Ford F-Series
YTD Sales: 820,799
Vs. 2015: 5.2%
The Ford F-Series pickup truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America for 35 years — 2016 was the 40th year as America’s best-selling pickup truck. More than 26 million F-Series pickups have been sold since 1977, and the latest versions are rolling off dealer lots at an impressive rate. December sales were up almost 3 percent versus a year ago, and with more than 800,000 units sold in 2016 the F-Series outsold Toyota’s Camry and Corolla combined. Another contributing factor to the F-Series sales juggernaut was the arrival of an all-new Super Duty that began rolling into showrooms earlier this year, boasting plenty of innovative features and impressive capability.
