© Ford Motor Company
Best-Sellers . . . So Far
With the first seven months of 2017 complete, U.S. vehicle sales are continuing to decline following record numbers last year. Current sales stand at 9,873,579 units — about 2.9 percent below the previous year. Aside from a few exceptions, most of these declines are within the passenger car segment, while at the same time many manufacturers are having record sales for trucks and SUVs. Although the auto industry is experiencing a general decline, several brands had strong sales for July, including Infiniti, Subaru, Toyota and Audi. General Motors continues to lead all other manufacturers in the U.S. with a 16.73 percent market share, followed by Ford Motor Company, Toyota Motor Corporation and Chrysler / FCA Group. Here’s a look at the best-sellers in America after the first seven months of 2017, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© FCA US LLC
20. Jeep Wrangler
YTD Sales: 117,620
Vs. 2016: -1.2%
The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most recognized vehicles in the world — its basic shape hasn’t changed much since it was first introduced as the CJ in the 1940s. Sales are basically flat for the year as well as July compared to a year ago, but Wrangler remains one of Jeep’s best-sellers. Although its features and amenities have been updated considerably over the years, the Wrangler’s legendary off-road capability remains true to form. With one of the highest resale values of any vehicle in America, the Wrangler is available in a variety of trim levels as well as with two or four doors.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
19. Toyota Highlander
YTD Sales: 118,992
Vs. 2016: 22.5%
Toyota’s 7-passenger crossover has had impressive sales since January, placing it on the 20 best-sellers list for the first time this year. Highlander sales were up 25 percent in July versus 2016, making this the best start on record for the crossover. The success can be attributed to Highlander’s major update for the 2017 model year, including performance upgrades, refreshed styling and a new SE trim level. The SE stands out as a sportier version with 19-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, dark paint for the front grille, dark headlight housings and dark roof rails. Also new is the fuel-efficient Highlander Hybrid, which features a direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 gas engine teamed with an electric drive motor-generator to produce a total of 306 horsepower while delivering a combined 29 mpg.
© General Motors
18. GMC Sierra
YTD Sales: 119,116
Vs. 2016: -7.6%
The GMC Sierra had a strong showing throughout most of last year; however, with an 11 percent decline in July versus last year, overall sales are now down for 2017. Virtual twin to the Chevrolet Silverado, the Sierra features GMC IntelliLink with a new 7-inch touchscreen display, an available remote-locking tailgate, wireless phone charging and available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sierra also has impressive capability — even with its fuel-efficient V6 engine, the pickup can tow up to 7,400 pounds when properly equipped.
© Ford Motor Company
17. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 121,111
Vs. 2016: -29.1%
Ford’s best-selling passenger car has experienced a sales decline over the last few months compared to a year earlier, and that decline has continued with July sales down more than 42 percent compared to July of 2016. That said, the entire Ford car lineup declined almost 20 percent compared to July of last year. Fusion has been refreshed for the 2017 model year with subtle exterior design changes, interior improvements, new driver assistance technology and two new trim levels. Fusion remains the best-selling passenger car in the Ford lineup.
© Nissan North America
16. Nissan Sentra
YTD Sales: 131,298
Vs. 2016: -7.2%
As with other manufacturers, Nissan is experiencing a general decline in passenger car sales and Sentra sales are following suit. However, June let in a bit of light for the compact Nissan, with sales slightly higher than July of 2016. A new Sentra was introduced early last year with updated styling, retuned suspension and a refreshed 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.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
15. Jeep Grand Cherokee
YTD Sales: 135,403
Vs. 2016: 15.7%
The Jeep brand had great success last year, and that trend seems to be continuing into 2017, largely due to America’s love affair with the SUV. Leading Jeep’s charge is the flagship Grand Cherokee, posting a 14 percent sales gain compared to July 2016. The Grand Cherokee continues its tradition of offering impressive off-road capability in an attractive SUV package. Available with several 4WD systems and trim levels, the Grand Cherokee line added the off-road-focused Trailhawk and the luxurious Summit to the lineup to bolster sales momentum. Later this year the high-performance Trackhawk will join the Jeep lineup — with a staggering 707 horsepower as its calling card.
© General Motors
14. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 156,978
Vs. 2016: 9.6%
One of three Chevrolet models among July’s top 20 best-sellers, the Equinox continues to hold its own in the very competitive compact SUV segment. Although overall sales were down last year, the small crossover is experiencing a nice recovery in 2017, helped considerably by healthy July sales, which increased 7.5 percent compared to a year ago. The upward sales trend is likely to continue as an all-new 2018 Equinox comes to market with an updated design and new features.
© Ford Motor Company
13. Ford Explorer
YTD Sales: 157,080
Vs. 2016: 5.9%
Although Explorer experienced sales fluctuations last year, this family-size SUV remains a fixture on the best-sellers list with sales climbing around 12 percent in July versus 2016. The 2017 Explorer offers many high-tech convenience and safety features including the latest version of SYNC, Ford’s voice-activated infotainment system. Two EcoBoost engines are available, including a powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 365 horsepower. Note: Explorer figures include sales of the Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility, which is reportedly the most popular vehicle for law enforcement officers; current sales reveal a slight increase this year versus 2016.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
12. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 168,598
Vs. 2016: -14.7%
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. This sales dip has continued into 2017 and is part of an overall decline in the popularity of passenger cars. However, Altima is still one of the best-selling passenger cars in the U.S., and is still holding its own thanks to an update last year with new interior and exterior styling, enhanced technology and connectivity, a new Altima SR sports trim and new available safety features.
© Ford Motor Company
11. Ford Escape
YTD Sales: 184,672
Vs. 2016: 1.7%
This small 5-passenger crossover from Ford has been the best-selling American-brand SUV for a long time; sales are up about 6 percent in July vs. a year ago, so the small crossover appears to be holding onto this best-sellers distinction. Ford recently introduced a redesigned 2017 Escape that features a new exterior look, new interior, new fuel-efficient 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.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
10. Honda Accord
YTD Sales: 190,994
Vs. 2016: -5.1%
Although Accords may not be rolling off dealer lots at the same phenomenal rates as years past, the popular family car is still selling reasonably well. Early 2017 sales had been in decline over the first few months, and July is continuing that trend with a slight 3.3 percent drop compared to July of 2016. Available in a variety of trim levels, Honda’s Accord can even be equipped with a manual transmission — somewhat unique in the family sedan marketplace. In addition to being the passenger car with the best overall value, Accord is also one of the safest vehicles on the road, earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating for crash tests and crash avoidance.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
9. Toyota Corolla
YTD Sales: 204,860
Vs. 2016: -8.8%
Corolla is one of the most time-honored names in the Toyota lineup; although the name connotes longevity, the iconic small car was all new last year. Sales of the compact sedan have declined slightly in the last few months, allowing the Corolla’s direct competitor — the Honda Civic — to overtake it. The new Corolla iM (formerly the Scion iM) makes up a very small percentage of total Corolla sales, but Corolla’s continued success can be attributed in part to its impressive fuel economy, roomy interior and extensive list of standard features.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
8. Toyota Camry
YTD Sales: 210,724
Vs. 2016: -9.9%
Camry has held the title of best-selling passenger car in America for 15 years, but with sales in slight decline compared to a year ago and the popularity of the new Honda Civic, the Camry has relinquished its crown — at least temporarily. Toyota will likely take back this top spot thanks to the all-new 8th-generation Camry that recently began arriving in showrooms. Lower and wider than the previous generation, the new Camry has an updated front grille, integrated headlights and sculpted lines to give the sedan a more engaging presence, as well as a completely new interior and choice of fuel-efficient, powerful engines.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
7. Honda Civic
YTD Sales: 212,446
Vs. 2016: -4.6%
Demand for the all-new Civic has decreased slightly in 2017; however, this is likely due to the strong pace set last year 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 upcoming high-performance Civic Type R and Civic Si — both scheduled to arrive in the U.S. this year. Thanks to sales increases of 11 percent in July versus 2016, Civic is currently the best-selling passenger car in America.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
6. Honda CR-V
YTD Sales: 219,017
Vs. 2016: 12.3%
All new for the 2017 model year, the redesigned Honda CR-V has been quite successful with strong sales thus far this year. July sales declined a bit versus a year ago; however, this seems to be a result of supply not meeting demand. 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.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
5. Toyota RAV4
YTD Sales: 226,570
Vs. 2016: 14.6%
Toyota’s RAV4 crossover experienced impressive sales in 2016, and with a redesigned model that trend continues into the new year. The RAV4 started 2017 with its best first half ever — impressive considering it had record sales in 2016 – and July was the best sales month on record for the small crossover. The updated RAV4 features edgier styling and is 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.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
4. Nissan Rogue
YTD Sales: 228,114
Vs. 2016: 25.2%
Small crossovers are clearly among the most popular vehicles with American shoppers, and Nissan has capitalized on this with the versatile Rogue. A strong showing over the last several months has helped Rogue become Nissan’s best-selling model for the first time, and currently the Rogue holds the distinction of being the best-selling SUV in America. In the latter part of 2016, Nissan introduced a 2017 Rogue with updated styling and features. The new 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 is also available as a hybrid, and is now joined by a smaller model called Rogue Sport.
© FCA US
3. Ram Truck
YTD Sales: 290,151
Vs. 2016: 6.3%
Ram truck continues to take advantage of America’s love affair with the pickup truck, posting a strong showing so far in 2017, following the best annual sales the pickup has experienced in the last decade. Sales were basically flat in July compared to 2016, but good enough to keep this full-size truck locked into the third-place position. With many body styles and powertrains available, Ram continues to iterate special editions that keep customers coming back to the brand. The latest to join the Ram lineup is the Limited Tungsten Edition, billed as the most luxurious Ram pickup ever.
© General Motors
2. Chevrolet Silverado
YTD Sales: 308,906
Vs. 2016: -5.8%
The perennial runner-up to the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet’s Silverado had a strong showing at the beginning of the year, but double-digit declines compared to a year ago have erased some of those gains. Silverado is available in many configurations with different cab and trim-level options, ranging from a basic work truck to the ultra-luxurious High Country. Silverado also is available with many advanced safety technologies, including a Teen Driver feature that allows parents to view the vehicle’s maximum speed, distance driven and the number of times active safety features were engaged during a drive.
© Ford Motor Company
1. Ford F-Series
YTD Sales: 499,327
Vs. 2016: 8.3%
The Ford F-Series pickup truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America for 35 years, and 2016 marked its 40th year as America’s best-selling pickup truck. The F-Series shows no signs of slowing, kicking off 2017 with its best sales start since 2004, emphasized by July sales that were almost 6 percent higher than July 2016. Another contributing factor to the F-Series sales juggernaut was the arrival of an all-new Super Duty, boasting plenty of innovative features and impressive capability. High-end Super Duty trucks accounted for 53 percent of retail sales in July, according to Ford.
