© Ford Motor Company
Best-Sellers . . . So Far
The first quarter of 2016 is complete, and automobile sales numbers are still looking positive. Overall car sales are up 3.3 percent year over year, with March not climbing as much as expected but still showing an increase of 3.1 percent. There were a few standouts among the major brands in March — Jeep sales increased more than 17 percent year over year, with Ram showing almost 15 percent growth. A number of brands had record third-month sales including Hyundai, Subaru and Audi. General Motors had a slight decline year over year, but continues to lead all other manufacturers in the U.S. with a 16.7 percent market share, followed by Ford Motor Company, Toyota Motor Sales and Chrysler / FCA group. Ford Motor Company actually outsold General Motors in March. Here’s a look at the best-sellers in America after the first three months of 2016, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© Ford Motor Company
20. Ford Focus
YTD Sales: 50,215
Vs. 2015: -5.2%
Sales of the Focus had increased in February 2016, but experienced a rather large drop in March — down 9.2 percent compared to 2015. Although overall Focus sales are down slightly for the year, the small car is holding steady as the 20th best-seller in America. With engines ranging from the efficient 1.0-liter EcoBoost to the powerful 350-horsepower EcoBoost found in the new RS, the Focus is a great small-car option. For 2016 Focus offers the SYNC 3 enhanced voice recognition and entertainment system as well as new high-tech safety features.
© General Motors
19. GMC Sierra
YTD Sales: 51,131
Vs. 2015: 13.2%
The GMC Sierra — the twin to the Chevrolet Silverado — had a very strong March. Sales were up almost 24 percent compare to a year earlier, contributing to the best March GMC has had since 2005. The robust sales increase for Sierra could be attributed to any number of updates it has for the 2016 model year, including revised styling as well as new features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
© General Motors
18. Chevrolet Malibu
YTD Sales: 58,222
Vs. 2015: 37.3%
The Chevrolet Malibu has been completely redesigned for the 2016 model year, and it’s clear from the sales numbers that the new look has been well received. A finalist for 2016 North American Car of the Year, the Malibu is 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 expected to deliver up to 48 mpg in the city.
© General Motors
17. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 59,879
Vs. 2015: -8.7%
One of just two Chevrolet models among the top 20 best-sellers, the Equinox is holding its own in the very competitive compact SUV market, and has experienced five years of record sales since the second generation launched in 2010. That said, sales have started to decline over the last few months compared to 2015, but that may simply be a reflection of the excellent sales last year. Equinox receives a number of updates for the 2016 model year, including fresh styling and some new high-tech features.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
16. Hyundai Sonata
YTD Sales: 61,457
Vs. 2015: 37.5%
The Hyundai Sonata was all-new for the 2015 model year, and the redesigned sedan has seen healthy sales since its introduction. In fact, March 2016 was the best sales month ever for Sonata, as well as for the entire Hyundai brand. The stylish 4-door sedan is available with a number of different powertrains, including a very efficient plug-in hybrid system. Sonata gets a number of improvements for the 2016 model year, including better fuel economy and the availability of an Automatic Emergency Braking system.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
15. Nissan Sentra
YTD Sales: 62,944
Vs. 2015: 23.4%
Sentra had a very healthy sales jump in March, keeping the compact sedan in the top 20 after dropping off the list last year. This impressive sales growth could be attributed to the introduction of a new Sentra for 2016 with updated styling, retuned suspension and a freshened interior. Apparently these changes are helping sustain and increase Sentra’s sales momentum.
© Ford Motor Company
14. Ford Explorer
YTD Sales: 63,415
Vs. 2015: 8.0%
The Explorer had a slight sales decline at the beginning of 2016, but this family-sized SUV has been a fixture on the best-sellers list and has made an impressive comeback over the last few months. The revised 2016 model brings a fresh look, new features and a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine good for 270 horsepower. Note: Explorer sales figures include sales of the Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility.
2015 Nissan Rogue
13. Nissan Rogue
YTD Sales: 69,036
Vs. 2015: 7.1%
Nissan’s small crossover was redesigned more than a year ago, making its steady sales increase even more impressive. Rogue finished 2015 with an increase of more than 40 percent over 2014, and sales continue to climb. The stylish crossover 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. Rogue is one of three Nissans on this 2016 best-sellers list.
© American Honda
12. Honda CR-V
YTD Sales: 71,188
Vs. 2015: -2.7%
After holding the top SUV sales spot last year, the CR-V has been experiencing some decline this year. Although it had a strong February, CR-V numbers dropped in March compared to 2015. The CR-V continues to offer consumers a comfortable, small crossover with great utility and excellent fuel economy, so we’ll keep an eye on sales as the year progresses.
© Ford Motor Company
11. Ford Escape
YTD Sales: 71,594
Vs. 2015: 6.4%
In terms of sales, this small 5-passenger crossover from Ford has had some ups and downs in the last year, but ultimately the Escape remains one of the best-selling SUVs in America. Healthy March numbers contributed to positive sales growth for the year thus far. Available with a fuel-efficient EcoBoost powertrain as well as innovative features such as a hands-free tailgate release, the Escape remains Ford’s best-selling SUV.
© Ford Motor Company
10. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 74,994
Vs. 2015: 4.9%
Fusion continues to hold the honor of being the best-selling domestic-brand passenger car on this list. Sales have had a good start this year, with a 2.2 percent increase in March vs. a year ago. 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. Look for a revised 2017 Fusion coming to showrooms soon.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
9. Toyota RAV4
YTD Sales: 76,122
Vs. 2015: 13.6%
Toyota’s RAV4 crossover experienced impressive sales figures over the last year, and with a redesigned model now arriving in showrooms it’s no surprise that this trend continues. The new RAV4 features edgier styling and is 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.
© Honda North America
8. Honda Accord
YTD Sales: 77,073
Vs. 2015: 12.3%
Although Accords may not be rolling off car lots at the same phenomenal rates as years past, with a strong 17 percent increase in March over February the popular family car is experiencing some positive growth. Available as a sedan or coupe, Accord remains one of the best-selling passenger cars in America. Overall Honda sales are up about 7 percent compared to this time last year.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
7. Toyota Corolla
YTD Sales: 84,260
Vs. 2015: -7.1%
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 are down year over year with a drop of more than 8 percent compared to March of 2015, contributing to Toyota’s overall sales decline year over year.
© Nissan North America
6. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 85,332
Vs. 2015: -1.8%
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. Although sales are down slightly for the year, March numbers had a strong 8.9 percent increase compare to 2015. Nissan’s best-seller gets refreshed for the 2016 model year with new exterior and interior styling, enhanced technology and connectivity, a new Altima SR sports trim and new available safety features. Fuel economy also gets a bump for the new model year.
© American Honda Motors
5. Honda Civic
YTD Sales: 87,303
Vs. 2015: 30.8%
Based on the large sales increase in March, it seems like the all-new Civic has been well received. The tenth generation of this popular compact 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. This increase in sales makes Civic the current leader in compact cars.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
4. Toyota Camry
YTD Sales: 96,244
Vs. 2015: -4.2%
The Camry used to battle with Honda Accord for top passenger car in America, but these days it’s Civic nipping at Camry’s (w)heels. Completely redesigned for the 2015 model year, Camry’s new styling and updated features have paid dividends. Although sales are down compared to last year, Camry still allows Toyota to hold onto this coveted No. 1 passenger car spot.
© FCA US
3. Ram Truck
YTD Sales: 113,367
Vs. 2015: 11.7%
The Ram 1500 passed the Toyota Camry and moved into third place last year, and with record March sales the big truck currently has a lock on this podium spot. The unique fuel-efficient EcoDiesel that claims 29 mpg on the highway and the popular Rebel trim 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.
© General Motors
2. Chevrolet Silverado
YTD Sales: 128,965
Vs. 2015: 1.8%
The perennial runner-up to the Ford F-Series, Silverado has been refreshed with updated styling and a number of new features for 2016. Thus far in 2016 sales have remained flat, but Silverado doesn’t show any sign of losing its No. 2 spot. The updated truck is available in a number of configurations and engine choices with a variety of high-tech features.
© Ford Motor Company
1. Ford F-Series
YTD Sales: 186,121
Vs. 2015: 5.0%
The Ford F-Series pickup truck has worn the sales crown as best-selling vehicle in America for more than 30 years and shows no signs of giving up the throne. Sales rose more than 9 percent in March, making this the best first quarter start for the big truck in 10 years. According to some rough calculations, there are more than 2,000 Ford F-Series trucks sold every day in America.
