© Ford Motor Company
Best-Sellers . . . So Far
The first five 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 1.1 percent year over year, although May sales had a 6.1 percent decline overall. There were a few standouts among the major brands in May — Jeep continued its impressive sales drive with a 13.7 percent increase year over year, with Hyundai showing 11.6 percent growth. General Motors dropped 18 percent compared to May of 2015, but 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-sellers in America after the first five months of 2016, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© FCA US LLC
20. Jeep Cherokee
YTD Sales: 86,409
Vs. 2015: -0.6%
Things continue to look good for the Jeep brand — with overall sales up more than 16 percent for the year, this was the best May on record for Jeep. Cherokee sales were down slightly for the month but remain flat for the year so far, and this very capable 5-passenger crossover continues to be Jeep’s best-selling model. Cherokee delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability with available task-specific features that include lifted off-road suspension with skidplates, tow hooks, Selec-Terrain traction control, Jeep Active Drive Lock with rear locker and Selec-Speed Crawl Control.
© General Motors
19. GMC Sierra
YTD Sales: 89,304
Vs. 2015: 8.6%
The GMC Sierra — twin to the Chevrolet Silverado — was down a bit in May with sales off 7 percent compared to a year earlier. However, the big truck is still seeing robust sales for the year, 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.
© Hyundai Motor America
18. Hyundai Sonata
YTD Sales: 92,547
Vs. 2015: 14.8%
The Hyundai Sonata was all-new for the 2015 model year, and the redesigned sedan has seen healthy sales since its introduction. However, sales of the Sonata were down 12 percent compared to May of 2015 — in fact, car sales were soft for the entire Hyundai lineup. The stylish 4-door sedan 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
17. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 101,738
Vs. 2015: -17.9%
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
16. Nissan Sentra
YTD Sales: 102.293
Vs. 2015: 15.3%
Sentra had a slight drop in sales vs. May 2015 but overall sales are strong, keeping the compact sedan in the top 20 after dropping off the list last year. Nissan car sales in general were down for the month — a trend we’re seeing for many manufacturers. Sentra’s overall impressive growth can be attributed to the introduction of a new Sentra for 2016 with updated styling, retuned suspension and a freshened interior. Apparently the changes have been well received.
© General Motors
15. Chevrolet Malibu
YTD Sales: 104,187
Vs. 2015: 28.2%
The Chevrolet Malibu has been completely redesigned for the 2016 model year, and it’s clear from the sales numbers that the new look has been well received. Sales are up almost 13 percent for the month of May — the best retail sales month for Malibu since 1981. Yes, you read that right — 1981. 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.
© Ford Motor Company
14. Ford Explorer
YTD Sales: 108,751
Vs. 2015: 8.9%
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.
2015 Nissan Rogue
13. Nissan Rogue
YTD Sales: 119,637
Vs. 2015: 6.7%
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. 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
12. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 120,313
Vs. 2015: -5.8%
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; however, May numbers reflect a 21 percent decline versus May 2015. 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.
© Ford Motor Company
11. Ford Escape
YTD Sales: 126,375
Vs. 2015: 3.3%
In terms of sales, this small 5-passenger crossover from Ford has had some ups and downs in the last year, but ultimately the Escape remains one of the best-selling SUVs in America. May numbers reveal a 5.5 percent increase, and Escape is still seeing positive sales growth for the year thus far. 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: 129,460
Vs. 2015: -3.9%
After holding the top SUV sales spot last year, the CR-V has been experiencing a loss of momentum in 2016. Although it had a strong start to the year, CR-V numbers dropped in May by almost 9 percent compared to 2015. 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: 138,535
Vs. 2015: 16.7%
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. May saw a jump in sales of 12 percent compared to May 2015. The new RAV4 features edgier styling and is 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: 140,548
Vs. 2015: 9.6%
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. Overall company sales are up about 6 percent compared to this time last year, keeping the Japanese automaker on track for a second year of record-setting sales.
© Nissan North America
7. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 142,220
Vs. 2015: -0.3%
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 down in May by 15.5 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: 151,243
Vs. 2015: -5.2%
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. That said, sales were down for the month of May as well as for the year overall — not only for Corolla but Toyota in general. 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: 158,030
Vs. 2015: 22.0%
Based on the continued sales increase during May 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: 167,199
Vs. 2015: -6.3%
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: 193,279
Vs. 2015: 7.7%
Ram trucks continue to have a lock on this third-place spot, even though they experienced a bit of a sales drop in May versus 2015. Enough Ram trucks rolled off dealer lots to achieve the best May sales figures the truck brand has seen since 2005. 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: 223,990
Vs. 2015: -0.1%
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 was not as strong, so overall sales are flat compared to last year. 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: 324,307
Vs. 2015: 7.4%
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 nine percent in May vs. May of 2014, continuing to drive an impressive overall sales increase for the year. “Customers are showing how much they value the fuel economy, towing capability and technology we offer in our trucks, with F-Series sales producing another strong gain in May,” 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.
