© Ford Motor Company
Best-Sellers . . . So Far
With the first half of 2017 complete, U.S. vehicle sales are showing continued declines following record numbers last year. Current sales stand at 8,456,296 units — about 2.1 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 seeing record sales for trucks and SUVs. Although the auto industry is experiencing a general decline, several brands had strong sales for June, including Ram, Buick, Volkswagen and Subaru. General Motors continues to lead all other manufacturers in the U.S. with a 16.78 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 half of 2017, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
20. Toyota Highlander
YTD Sales: 99,975
Vs. 2016: 22%
Toyota’s 7-passenger crossover had impressive sales during the first half of 2017, placing it on the 20 best-sellers list for the first time this year. Highlander sales were up almost 30 percent in June versus 2016, helping to make this the best first half on record for the crossover. Highlander is available with front- or all-wheel drive and can be equipped with a variety of safety and luxury features. Toyota offers a choice of 4-cylinder, V6 or hybrid powertrains for the Highlander — the latter delivering up to 28 mpg on the highway.
© Hyundai Motor America
19. Hyundai Elantra
YTD Sales: 100,252
Vs. 2016: 4.1%
Hyundai’s compact Elantra received a complete redesign for the 2017 model year with updated styling as well as many new features. The new look has helped Elantra surpass Sonata as the brand’s best-selling model, and while overall sales are up for the year, June was not a good month for Elantra, posting a 40 percent decline compared to June 2016. Elantra’s new design features a signature hexagonal grille that closely ties it to the current Sonata, 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 joins the lineup this year, as well as the all-new Elantra GT.
© General Motors
18. Chevrolet Cruze
YTD Sales: 105,188
Vs. 2016: 21.3 %
Counter to the waning popularity of the passenger car, the stylish Chevrolet Cruze had experienced strong growth during the first months of 2017. Unfortunately, in June the small Chevy’s sales were down 31 percent compared to a year earlier. Redesigned for the 2016 model year and now featuring a hatchback version, Cruze has a standard turbocharged 153-horsepower 1.4-liter direct-injection engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or an available 6-speed automatic. Cruze achieves 40 mpg on the highway, with start-stop technology improving efficiency in stop-and-go driving.
© Ford Motor Company
17. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 107,225
Vs. 2016: -27.0%
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 June sales down almost 32 percent compared to June of 2016. That said, the entire Ford car lineup declined 23 percent compared to June of 2016. With available all-wheel drive and a variety of engine choices — including a very efficient plug-in hybrid — the Fusion still makes a great option as a stylish family sedan.
© Nissan North America
16. Nissan Sentra
YTD Sales: 112,574
Vs. 2016: -8.5%
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 8.7 percent higher than June 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.
© FCA US
15. Jeep Grand Cherokee
YTD Sales: 116,379
Vs. 2016: 16.0%
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 20 percent sales gain compared to June 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.
© General Motors
14. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 133,454
Vs. 2016: 10.0%
One of three Chevrolet models among June’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 very strong June sales, which increased almost 50 percent compared to a year ago. The upward sales trend is likely to continue as an all-new 2018 Equinox is now coming to market with an updated design and new features.
© Ford Motor Company
13. Ford Explorer
YTD Sales: 135,551
Vs. 2016: 5.0 %
Although Explorer experienced sales fluctuations last year, this family-size SUV remains a fixture on the best-sellers list with sales climbing almost 20 percent in June 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
12. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 146,284
Vs. 2016: -15.3%
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: 156,956
Vs. 2016: 1.0%
This small 5-passenger crossover from Ford has been the best-selling American-brand SUV for a long time; although sales are somewhat flat compared to last year, 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: 160,091
Vs. 2016: -5.5%
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, but in the last two months Accord numbers have increased over 2016. Available in a variety of trim levels, Honda’s Accord can even be equipped with a manual transmission — a nice perk for driving enthusiasts. 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.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
9. Honda Civic
YTD Sales: 175,763
Vs. 2016: -7.4%
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.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
8. Toyota Corolla
YTD Sales: 176,527
Vs. 2016: -4.5%
Corolla is one of the oldest names in the Toyota lineup; however, the iconic small car was redesigned last year. Sales of the compact sedan have declined slightly in the last few months, but the overall numbers are strong enough to push it ahead of the popular Honda Civic. 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.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
7. Toyota Camry
YTD Sales: 176,897
Vs. 2016: -11.4%
Camry has held the title of best-selling passenger car in America for 15 years, and despite a steep sales decline during the first few months of 2017 when the popular passenger hauler fell farther down the ranks, the Camry has retaken its throne — at least for now. Toyota hopes to hold on to this top placement with an all-new 8th-generation Camry coming to market this summer. 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.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
6. Toyota RAV4
YTD Sales: 184,766
Vs. 2016: 11.4%
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. 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.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
5. Honda CR-V
YTD Sales: 187,256
Vs. 2016: 17.7 %
All new for the 2017 model year, the redesigned Honda CR-V has been quite successful with strong sales so far this year. June 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.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
4. Nissan Rogue
YTD Sales: 195,689
Vs. 2016: 31.4 %
It seems like Nissan has discovered the perfect crossover formula with the Rogue, and it continues to maintain impressive sales growth. 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: 250,443
Vs. 2016: 7.4 %
Ram truck continues to have a lock on this third-place spot with a strong showing to begin 2017, following the best annual sales the pickup has experienced in the last decade. With a 5 percent increase last month compared to the same time last year, it was the best June sales on record for the full-size pickup. With many body styles and powertrains, 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: 262,940
Vs. 2016: -3.9 %
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 earlier on in the year compared to a year ago have erased some of those gains. Sales were up slightly in June — we’ll have to wait and see if this becomes a trend. 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.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
1. Ford F-Series
YTD Sales: 429,860
Vs. 2016: 8.8%
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 June sales that were almost 10 percent higher than June of 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 55 percent of retail sales in June, according to Ford.
