© Ford Motor Company
Top Sellers . . . So Far
The first two months of 2016 are in the books, and the sales numbers are looking positive. Overall automobile sales are up 3.4 percent year over year, with February showing an increase of almost 7 percent. There were a few standouts among the major brands in February — Jeep saw a more than 22 percent increase year over year, with Ford showing impressive 20 percent growth. A number of brands saw record February sales, including Hyundai, Subaru and Nissan. General Motors had a slight decline year over year, but continues to lead all other manufacturers in the U.S. with a 17 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 two months of 2016 sales, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© FCA US LLC
20. Jeep Cherokee
YTD Sales: 30,364
Vs. 2015: 4.1%
Jeep introduced an all-new Cherokee in 2014, and while the design is somewhat unusual the crossover has been a hit with consumers. Sales have continued to grow — this was the Cherokee’s best February sales on record, and has helped Jeep to its 29th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Cherokee is available in a number of trim levels and boasts Jeep’s legendary off-road capability.
© Ford Motor Company
19. Ford Focus
YTD Sales: 31,597
Vs. 2015: -2.8%
Sales of the Focus were quite impressive in February, posting a 33 percent increase versus February 2015. Although overall sales are down slightly for the year, the Focus is still holding steady as the 19th best-seller in America. With engines ranging from the efficient 1.0-liter EcoBoost to the powerful 252-horsepower EcoBoost found in the ST, the Focus is a great small-car option. Focus is generating some excitement among enthusiasts, given Ford’s announcement that the 350-horsepower Focus RS will be coming to America this spring.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
18. Hyundai Sonata
YTD Sales: 32,679
Vs. 2015: 24.0%
The Hyundai Sonata was all-new for the 2015 model year, and the redesigned sedan has seen healthy sales since its introduction. In fact, last month was the best February ever for Hyundai. The stylish 4-door sedan is available with a number of different powertrains, including a very efficient plug-in hybrid system. Sonata gets a number of revisions for the 2016 model year including improved fuel economy and the availability of an Automatic Emergency Braking system.
© General Motors
17. Chevrolet Malibu
YTD Sales: 36,164
Vs. 2015: 39.9%
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. The 2016 Malibu — a finalist for 2016 North American Car of the Year — 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.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
16. Nissan Sentra
YTD Sales: 36,743
Vs. 2015: 23.5%
Sentra saw a very healthy sales jump in February, keeping the compact sedan in the top-20 list after dropping off last year. Nissan has just introduced a new Sentra with updated styling, retuned suspension and a freshened interior — apparently these changes are helping sustain Sentra’s sales momentum.
© General Motors
15. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 38,399
Vs. 2015: -7.0%
Chevrolet had its best February since 2007, and although Equinox sales had a slight decline in the second month of 2016, it still played a big part with impressive sales growth year over year. One of just two Chevrolet models among the top 20 best-sellers, the Equinox is holding its own in the very competitive compact SUV market, and has seen five years of record sales since the second generation launched in 2010.
© Ford Motor Company
14. Ford Explorer
YTD Sales: 39,003
Vs. 2015: 9.4%
The Explorer may have had a slight decline in the first month of 2016, but this family-sized SUV has been a fixture on the best-sellers list and has made an impressive comeback with a 20 percent increase in February vs. a year ago. The revised 2016 model brings a freshened look, new features and a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine good for 270 horsepower. Note: Explorer sales figures include sales of the Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
13. Nissan Rogue
YTD Sales: 41,323
Vs. 2015: 11.5%
Nissan’s small crossover was redesigned more than a year ago, making the steady increase in sales is even more impressive. Rogue finished 2015 with an increase of more than 40 percent over 2014 and sales continue to climb. Rogue 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.
© Ford Motor Company
12. Ford Escape
YTD Sales: 43,073
Vs. 2015: 5.1%
This small 5-passenger crossover from Ford has seen some ups and downs in the last year, but ultimately the Escape still manages to be one of the best-selling SUVs in America. Healthy February sales have contributed to positive sales growth for the year so far. Available with the 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
11. Honda CR-V
YTD Sales: 44,458
Vs. 2015: -2.3%
After holding the top SUV sales spot for the last year, the CR-V saw a major sales decline in January and dropped in ranking by several places; however, strong February sales have done a lot to reverse that trend, moving the CR-V back up the list a few positions. The CR-V still offers a comfortable, small crossover with great utility and excellent fuel economy, so we’ll keep an eye on sales as the year progresses.
© Ford Motor Company
10. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 45,319
Vs. 2015: 6.8%
Fusion holds the honor of being the best-selling domestic-brand passenger car on this list. Sales have had a good start this year, with a 12 percent increase in February vs. a 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. Look for a revised 2017 Fusion coming to showrooms soon.
© Honda North America
9. Honda Accord
YTD Sales: 46,550
Vs. 2015: 9.2%
The Accord may not be moving at the sales levels it once was, but with a strong 19 percent increase in February the popular family car is experiencing some positive growth. Available as a sedan or coupe, Accord remains one of the best-selling passenger cars in America. Honda sales overall are up compared to last year; in fact, the second month of 2016 was the best February on record.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
8. Toyota RAV4
YTD Sales: 47,077
Vs. 2015: 12.7%
Toyota’s RAV4 crossover has experienced impressive sales figures over the last year, and with a redesigned model coming to market it’s no surprise that this trend continues. 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.
© Nissan North America
7. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 50,476
Vs. 2015: -8.0%
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. Nissan’s best-seller gets refreshed for the 2016 model year with new exterior and interior styling, enhanced technology and connectivity, a new Altima SR sports trim and new available safety features. Fuel economy also gets a bump for the new model year.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
6. Toyota Corolla
YTD Sales: 51,704
Vs. 2015: -6.3%
The Corolla certainly is an old-timer — at least in name. 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 it was introduced. Although Corolla sales are lower year over year, it did see an increase in February so we may see some positive movement going forward.
© American Honda Motors
5. Honda Civic
YTD Sales: 54,448
Vs. 2015: 37.0%
It appears that the all-new Civic has been well received based on the large increase in sales. The 10th 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 leader in compact cars.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
4. Toyota Camry
YTD Sales: 59,253
Vs. 2015: 0.8%
The Camry used to battle with the Accord for top passenger car, but now it’s the Civic nipping at the Camry’s heels. Completely redesigned for the 2015 model year, Camry’s new style and updated features have paid dividends. Although sales are flat year over year, Toyota is still able to hold onto this coveted No. 1 passenger car spot.
© FCA US
3. Ram Truck
YTD Sales: 68,493
Vs. 2015: 14.3%
The Ram 1500 passed the Toyota Camry and moved into third place last year, and with record February sales the big truck currently has a lock on this podium spot. A new fuel-efficient EcoDiesel that claims 29 mpg on the highway and some special-edition trims are boosting sales of the full-size pickup. Ram hopes to keep sales momentum going with the introduction of a more powerful HD pickup in 2016, as well as the new Rebel off-road Ram.
© General Motors
2. Chevrolet Silverado
YTD Sales: 80,999
Vs. 2015: -0.6%
The perennial runner-up to the Ford F-Series, Silverado was completely redesigned for 2014 with new styling and a series of new engines, and as a result saw strong sales last year. So far in 2016 sales have remained flat but Silverado doesn’t show any sign of losing its No. 2 spot. The updated truck is available in a number of configurations with a variety of high-tech features.
© Ford Motor Company
1. Ford F-Series
YTD Sales: 112,237
Vs. 2015: 2.4%
The Ford F-Series pickup truck has worn the sales crown as best-selling vehicle in America for more than 30 years. Sales rose almost 10 percent in February — high enough for the F-150 to easily hold onto its crown. According to some rough calculations, there are more than 2,000 Ford F-Series trucks sold every day in America.
