© Ford Motor Company
Best-Sellers . . . So Far
The first six months of 2016 are already history, and even though automobile sales have slowed somewhat, the overall figures are still looking positive. Car sales remain up 1.4 percent year over year, with June sales increasing by 2.4 percent. There were a few standouts among the major brands in June — Jeep continued its impressive sales drive with a 16.5 percent increase year over year, with Ram trucks showing 11.3 percent growth. Hyundai, Subaru and Nissan reported record sales for June as well. General Motors continues to lead all other manufacturers in the U.S. with a 16.6 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 six months of 2016, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© Ford Motor Company
20. Ford Focus
YTD Sales: 103,144
Vs. 2015: -11.9%
Sales of the Focus saw a big drop of almost 12 percent in June compared to a year ago. 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.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
19. Hyundai Sonata
YTD Sales: 104,401
Vs. 2015: 9.0%
The Hyundai Sonata was all new for the 2015 model year, and the redesigned sedan has seen healthy sales since its introduction. However, Sonata sales were down 22 percent compared to June of 2015 — but overall the first six months of 2016 have been good for this stylish ride. The 4-door Sonata is available with a number of different powertrains, including a very efficient plug-in hybrid system. Sonata receives a number of improvements for the 2016 model year, including better fuel economy and the availability of an Automatic Emergency Braking system.
© General Motors
18. GMC Sierra
YTD Sales: 106,466
Vs. 2015: 5.6%
The GMC Sierra — twin to the Chevrolet Silverado — was down a bit in May with sales off 8 percent compared to a year earlier. However, the big truck is still seeing robust sales for the year — in fact the Sierra is enjoying its best year-to-date sales since 2006. This success is easily attributed to any number of updates the Sierra has for the 2016 model year, including revised styling as well as new features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
© General Motors
17. Chevrolet Malibu
YTD Sales: 120,325
Vs. 2015: 24.7%
The Chevrolet Malibu has been completely redesigned for the 2016 model year, and it’s clear from 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
16. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 121,320
Vs. 2015: -16.7%
One of just three Chevrolet models among the top 20 best-sellers, the Equinox is holding its own in the very competitive compact SUV market, and had 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
15. Nissan Sentra
YTD Sales: 123,014
Vs. 2015: 16.2%
Sentra had strong sales versus June 2015 with a bump of more than 20 percent. Overall sales are looking good — in fact Nissan continues to buck trends via a 13 percent increase in car sales vs. June of 2015. Sentra’s overall impressive growth can be attributed to the introduction of a new model for 2016 with updated styling, retuned suspension and a freshened interior. Apparently the changes have been well received.
© Ford Motor Company
14. Ford Explorer
YTD Sales: 129,107
Vs. 2015: 5.5%
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 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.
© Ford Motor Company
13. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 146,833
Vs. 2015: -4.1%
Fusion continues to hold the honor of being the best-selling domestic-brand passenger car on this list. Sales had a good start at the beginning of the year and while there was a slight decline last month, the Fusion saw a 4.4 percent increase in June versus 2016. 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.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
12. Nissan Rogue
YTD Sales: 148,883
Vs. 2015: 10.0%
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 in 2016. 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.
© Ford Motor Company
11. Ford Escape
YTD Sales: 155,378
Vs. 2015: 6.1%
In terms of sales, this small 5-passenger crossover from Ford has experienced some ups and downs in the last year, but ultimately the Escape remains one of the best-selling SUVs in America. June numbers reveal a healthy 20.2 percent increase, contributing to the best June for Ford SUVs in 15 years. 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.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
10. Honda CR-V
YTD Sales: 159,075
Vs. 2015: -2.4%
After holding the top SUV sales spot last year, the CR-V has been experiencing a loss of momentum in 2016. Although the CR-V had a 4.5 percent increase in June versus 2015 — making it the best June ever for the small crossover — overall sales are down. 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.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
9. Toyota RAV4
YTD Sales: 165,900
Vs. 2015: 15.5%
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. June saw a sales jump of 10 percent compared to June 2015, making this the best first half ever for RAV4. The new RAV4 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.
© Honda North America
8. Honda Accord
YTD Sales: 169,354
Vs. 2015: 8.7%
Although Accords may not be rolling off dealer lots at the same phenomenal rates as years past, the popular family car is continuing to see some positive growth. Available as a sedan or coupe, Accord remains one of the best-selling passenger cars in America. An all-new 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid has been added to the lineup, which could attract additional buyers.
© Nissan North America
7. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 172,695
Vs. 2015: 0.4%
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. Sales were up in June by almost 4 percent compared to 2015, but overall sales of the Japanese automaker’s popular sedan remain flat year over year. Nissan’s best-seller has been 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 receives a bump for the new model year.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
6. Toyota Corolla
YTD Sales: 182,193
Vs. 2015: -4.2%
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. Sales were up slightly in June compared to 2015, even if overall sales are down. Actually, sales of all Toyota cars are down 8 percent compared to the first half of 2015. 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.
© American Honda Motors
5. Honda Civic
YTD Sales: 189,840
Vs. 2015: 19.9%
Based on continuing sales increases during June 2016, 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 sales leader in compact cars.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
4. Toyota Camry
YTD Sales: 199,760
Vs. 2015: -7.4%
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.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
3. Ram Truck
YTD Sales: 231,405
Vs. 2015: 8.8%
Ram trucks continue to have a lock on this third-place spot, helped by a strong 14.4 percent sales increase in June versus 2015. Enough Ram trucks rolled off dealer lots to achieve the best June sales figures the truck brand has seen since 2004. A fuel-efficient EcoDiesel that claims 29 mpg on the highway and the popular off-road Rebel trim are helping to boost sales of this full-size pickup. Ram hopes the sales momentum will continue with the introduction of a more powerful HD pickup later in 2016.
© General Motors
2. Chevrolet Silverado
YTD Sales: 273,652
Vs. 2015: -0.8%
The perennial runner-up to the Ford F-Series, Silverado has been refreshed with updated styling and a number of new features for 2016. A strong April helped Silverado put some positive annual sales numbers on the board, but May and June saw slight declines compared to 2015. However, 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: 295,244
Vs. 2015: 10.7%
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 an impressive 28.6 percent in June — the best June in over a decade — and continue to drive a very strong overall sales increase for the year. “Strong customer demand has helped us continue growing our truck leadership position, further widening the gap with our nearest competitor versus last year,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president of U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. According to some rough calculations, more than 2,000 Ford F-Series trucks are sold every day in America.
