© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Best-Sellers . . . So Far
The first 11 months of 2016 are in the books, and the last few months of U.S. automotive sales data indicate that the yearly sales growth the country has been experiencing has finally leveled off. Vehicle sales are basically flat — up just 0.04 percent year over year, with November sales up around 4 percent. November looked much better than October, with double-digit percentage gains showing from a number of major brands including Volkswagen, Kia, GMC, Ram, and Subaru — which celebrated its 60th consecutive month of sales growth. General Motors continues to lead all other manufacturers in the U.S. with a 17.2 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 after the first 11 months of 2016, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
20. Hyundai Elantra
YTD Sales: 188,763
Vs. 2015: -17.0%
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, although it did have a noticeable November sales decline compared to a year ago. 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 later this year.
© FCA US
19. Jeep Grand Cherokee
YTD Sales: 189,023
Vs. 2015: 7.6%
Jeep sales in general were down in November compared to a year ago, and the Grand Cherokee mirrored that fact with a slight sales drop. Overall the Jeep flagship is looking positive for the year, 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: 197,672
Vs. 2015: 7.6%
Sentra sales are down about 3 percent compared to November of 2015, but overall sales are looking good for Nissan’s compact sedan. Sales for the Nissan brand also look good — up about 5 percent year-over-year. 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.
© General Motors
17. GMC Sierra
YTD Sales: 198,390
Vs. 2015: 0.9%
The GMC Sierra — twin to the Chevrolet Silverado — has had a strong showing throughout the year with November posting an impressive 14.4% increase versus a year ago. This success 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: 205,117
Vs. 2015: 12.3%
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. November data reveals a very impressive 72 percent increase in sales versus a year ago. 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
15. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 215,000
Vs. 2015: -15.9%
One of just three Chevrolet models among last month’s top 20 best-sellers, the Equinox is holding its own in the very competitive compact SUV market. Although overall sales are down, November had a nice recovery of sorts with a 10 percent increase over last year. The small crossover received a number of 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: 226,650
Vs. 2015: -0.4%
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, helped by an 18 percent jump compared to November 2015. The revised 2016 Explorer brings 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 33 percent sales increase year over year.
© Ford Motor Company
13. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 246,708
Vs. 2015: -10.2%
Fusion continues to hold the honor of being the best-selling domestic-brand passenger car on this list. At the beginning of the year sales were strong, but they have declined in recent months; November sales are down 10 percent compared to one 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. Ford is hoping for a boost in Fusion sales now that the revised 2017 model has started rolling into showrooms.
© Ford Motor Company
12. Ford Escape
YTD Sales: 281,281
Vs. 2015: 1.0%
This small 5-passenger crossover from Ford remains the best-selling American-brand SUV, helped by a strong November that delivered an 11 percent increase versus a year ago. Earlier this year Ford premiered the redesigned 2017 model 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, Inc.
11. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 282,617
Vs. 2015: -7.0%
Even though sales are down slightly for the year, the Altima remains Nissan’s best-selling passenger car. The popular 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: 289,427
Vs. 2015: 11.0%
Nissan has discovered the perfect crossover formula with the Rogue, and it continues to have impressive sales growth in 2016. November saw an impressive 18 percent climb in sales vs. the same month last year. The stylish crossover features a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, and with an advanced Xtronic transmission with Eco mode it has an EPA fuel economy rating as high as 33 mpg. Nissan unveiled an updated 2017 model earlier this year with revised styling and — for the first time — a hybrid version.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
9. Honda Accord
YTD Sales: 311,352
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 up around 6 percent in November compared to a year ago, with overall sales slightly down 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: 314,925
Vs. 2015: 11.1%
Toyota’s RAV4 crossover experienced impressive sales last year, and with a redesigned model now arriving in showrooms it’s no surprise that this trend continues. November sales show continued growth compared to 2015, so the RAV4 is certainly holding its own. 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: 319,557
Vs. 2015: 1.6 %
The CR-V has managed to hold onto its title of best-selling SUV in America, even with a slight decline in sales versus November 2015. 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 Motors
6. Honda Civic
YTD Sales: 335,445
Vs. 2015: 10.9%
Demand for the all-new Civic increased slightly in November, with sales bumping up around 1 percent compared to a year ago. 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 are scheduled to arrive in the U.S. next year.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
5. Toyota Corolla
YTD Sales: 346,999
Vs. 2015: 3.7%
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 climbed by almost 12 percent in November compared to last year — 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: 355,204
Vs. 2015: -9.4%
The Camry remains Toyota’s best-selling model, but with a 9 percent sales drop in November compared to 2015, its smaller sibling Corolla is catching up. Even with lower sales, Camry still holds onto the best-selling passenger car title — one it has held for the last 14 years. Redesigned for the 2015 model year with an aggressive new grille and front bumper, Camry features available LED headlights with integrated front turn signals and LED daytime running lights. A 2018 Camry is scheduled to debut at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January.
© FCA US
3. Ram Truck
YTD Sales: 441,862
Vs. 2015: 8.1%
Ram trucks continue to have a lock on this third-place spot with an impressive sales increase of almost 8 percent in November compared to a year ago. 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: 520,604
Vs. 2015: -3.2%
The perennial runner-up to the Ford F-Series, Silverado has been refreshed with updated styling and several new features for 2016. A strong April helped Silverado put some positive annual sales numbers on the board, but the last five months have seen slight declines compared to 2015. Even with a slight drop in sales for the year, the big truck doesn’t show any sign of losing its No. 2 spot. The updated Silverado 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: 733,287
Vs. 2015: 5.5%
The Ford F-Series 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. November numbers confirm an increase in sales of almost 11 percent versus a year ago — the best November results since 2001. Another contributing factor to the F-150 sales juggernaut was the arrival of an all-new F-Series Super Duty that began rolling into showrooms earlier this year, boasting plenty of innovative features and impressive capability.
