© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Best-Sellers
With the first quarter of 2017 complete, U.S. vehicle sales reveal a slight decline following record numbers last year. Current sales stand at 4,029,084 units — about 1.6 percent below a year ago. Nissan and Subaru were the standouts with record March sales — in fact this is the 64th consecutive month of year-over-year increases for Subaru. General Motors continues to lead all other manufacturers in the U.S. with a 17.3 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 quarter of 2017, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© General Motors
20. GMC Sierra
YTD Sales: 49,810
Vs. 2016: -2.6 %
The GMC Sierra had a strong showing throughout most of last year; however, with a 14 percent decline in March versus last year, overall sales are now down for the quarter. 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
19. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 50,786
Vs. 2016: -32.3%
Ford’s best-selling passenger car has experienced a sales decline over the last few months compared to a year earlier, which is somewhat surprising since a refreshed 2017 model began arriving in showrooms in the middle of 2016. That said, the rest of the Ford car lineup also had a sales drop of more than 24 percent compared to the first quarter 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
18. Nissan Sentra
YTD Sales: 51,414
Vs. 2016: -18.3%
Although Nissan had record sales in March, most of this success came from trucks and SUVs — car sales are starting the new year in decline. Sentra sales are following suit; however, the small car is still one of the best-selling compacts in America. A new Sentra was introduced early last year 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. Joining the Sentra lineup this year is a new high-performance NISMO edition.
© General Motors
17. Chevrolet Cruze
YTD Sales: 53,923
Vs. 2016: 44.8%
Counter to the waning popularity of the passenger car, the Chevrolet Cruze has experienced strong growth in the first quarter of 2017. 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.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
16. Hyundai Elantra
YTD Sales: 54,202
Vs. 2016: 37.7%
Hyundai got a jump on the new model year when the redesigned 2017 Elantra began arriving at dealers about a year ago. Elantra has since surpassed Sonata as the brand’s best-selling model, underscored by a robust 43 percent increase in March sales versus 2016. 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 this year, as well as an all-new Elantra GT.
© FCA US
15. Jeep Grand Cherokee
YTD Sales: 56,600
Vs. 2016: 18.8%
The Jeep brand had great success last year, and that trend seems to be continuing into 2017. Leading Jeep’s charge is the flagship Grand Cherokee, posting an impressive 22 percent sales gain compared to March of 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.
© General Motors
14. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 62,709
Vs. 2016: 4.7%
One of just three Chevrolet models among March’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 seeing a nice recovery in 2017 — March sales were up 5.5 percent compared to a year ago. An all-new 2018 Equinox will be arriving later this year with an updated design and a number of new features.
© Ford Motor Company
13. Ford Explorer
YTD Sales: 62,770
Vs. 2016: -1.0%
Although Explorer experienced sales fluctuations last year, this family-size SUV remains a fixture on the best-sellers list. 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 and experienced a 30 percent sales increase year over year in 2016.
© Honda North America
12. Honda Accord
YTD Sales: 69,815
Vs. 2016: -9.4%
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 have been in decline over the last few months, with March recording a drop of 12 percent compared to a year earlier. Available in a variety of trim levels, 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.
© Nissan North America
11. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 73,985
Vs. 2016: -13.3%
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; however, Altima is still one of the best-selling passenger cars in the U.S. 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.
© Ford Motor Company
10. Ford Escape
YTD Sales: 76,338
Vs. 2016: 6.6%
This small 5-passenger crossover from Ford has been the best-selling American-brand SUV for a long time, and with a strong showing so far in 2017 it appears to be holding onto this distinction. Ford recently introduced a redesigned 2017 Escape 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.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
9. Toyota RAV4
YTD Sales: 80,533
Vs. 2016: 5.8%
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 quarter ever — impressive considering it is coming off 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.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
8. Toyota Corolla
YTD Sales: 81,435
Vs. 2016: -8.0%
The Corolla certainly is an old-timer — in name at least. Although the car was redesigned last year, the name has been around for 50 years. Corolla sales have declined slightly in the last few months, but the overall numbers are strong enough to make this small car Toyota’s current best-selling model overall. 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.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
7. Honda Civic
YTD Sales: 81,654
Vs. 2016: -6.5%
Demand for the all-new Civic has decreased slightly in 2017; however, this could be 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 recent Los Angeles debut of the high-performance Civic Type R and Civic Si — both scheduled to arrive in the U.S. this year.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
6. Toyota Camry
YTD Sales: 83,459
Vs. 2016: -13.3%
Camry has held the title of best-selling passenger car in America for 15 years, and despite a steep sales decline during the first two months of 2017 when the popular passenger hauler fell farther down the ranks, the Camry has retaken its throne — at least for now. Redesigned for the 2015 model year with an aggressive new grille and front bumper, the current generation continues into the 2017 model year with available LED headlights incorporating integrated front turn signals and LED daytime running lights. An all-new 2018 Camry debuted at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and will be arriving in showrooms later this year.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
5. Honda CR-V
YTD Sales: 94,057
Vs. 2016: 32.1 %
Honda’s CR-V continues to have strong sales in 2017, setting a record for March with a 23-percent increase over March of 2016. 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: 101,421
Vs. 2016: 46.9 %
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 later in the year a smaller Rogue Sport will be joining the lineup.
© FCA US
3. Ram Truck
YTD Sales: 119,199
Vs. 2016: 5.2 %
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 many bodystyles and powertrains, Ram continues to iterate special editions that keep customers coming back to the brand. The latest are the Ram 1500 Rebel Black special edition that adds black wheels, brush guards and all-black Katzkin interior to the off-road-ready Ram Rebel, as well as a limited-edition Ram 1500 Copper Sport.
© General Motors
2. Chevrolet Silverado
YTD Sales: 128,467
Vs. 2016: -0.4 %
The perennial runner-up to the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet’s Silverado had a strong February but the decline of 11.6 percent in March compared to a year ago has 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.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
1. Ford F-Series
YTD Sales: 205,281
Vs. 2016: 10.3%
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. More than 26 million F-Series pickups have been sold since 1977, and the latest versions are rolling off dealer lots at an impressive rate. The F-Series shows no signs of slowing, kicking off 2017 with its best sales start since 2004. 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.
