© Ford Motor Company
Best-Sellers . . . So Far
Automotive sales in the U.S. remained flat due to weaker overall performances in April. At the end of the fourth month, sales in the U.S. are estimated at just under 5.5 million vehicles sold — slightly higher than the same period a year earlier. This number is estimated because General Motors no longer reports monthly sales figures, moving to quarterly releases instead. With this change, all total figures on this list will be estimated, and vehicles from General Motors will not be included. Even with flat sales for the industry, several brands are experiencing a great start to 2018, including Jeep, Mazda, Volkswagen and Toyota. General Motors continues to lead all other manufacturers in the U.S. with an estimated 17.9 percent market share, followed by Ford Motor Company, Toyota Motor Sales and Chrysler / FCA Group. Here are the best-selling vehicles in America (excluding General Motors) after the first four months of 2018, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© Subaru of America
20. Subaru Outback
2018 Sales: 58,205
Vs. 2017: 2.0 %
One of the vehicles that defined the crossover segment, the Outback is Subaru’s best-selling model. In fact, the company just celebrated the 2 millionth Outback sold in America. Sales of this wagon / SUV were down slightly in April compared to a year earlier, but overall sales are still going well. The last extensive redesign was for the 2015 model year, and for 2018 Outback receives revised exterior styling and interior updates with more premium materials. Chassis suspension and steering updates target a smoother ride with a more direct driving experience. New multimedia features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Nuance voice recognition, and Steering Responsive LED headlights are offered.
© Hyundai Motor America
19. Hyundai Elantra
2018 Sales: 61,108
Vs. 2017: -13.4 %
Since its redesign last year Elantra has been gaining momentum, becoming the best-selling model in the Hyundai lineup — surprising, given the general popularity of crossovers over passenger cars. Elantra has a strong start to the year, but sales are down about 14 percent in April compared to the same month of 2017. Available as a sedan or sportier GT, the Elantra features a signature hexagonal grille that closely ties it to the current Hyundai lineup. With a starting price below $17,000, Elantra is well equipped with entertainment and convenience features and is available with the latest high-tech safety equipment.
© FCA US LLC
18. Jeep Cherokee
2018 Sales: 67,497
Vs. 2017: 23.1 %
Jeep Cherokee sales struggled a bit last year with a decrease of nearly 15 percent compared to the previous year, but 2018 is certainly looking more positive for the small off-roader. April sales of this popular Jeep were up 20 percent versus April of 2017. Cherokee returned to the Jeep lineup as a 2014 model after a 12-year hiatus and — like all Jeep products — the popular SUV delivers legendary off-road capability with available features including a lifted off-road suspension with skidplates, tow hooks, Selec-Terrain traction control, Jeep Active Drive Lock with rear locker and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. Watch for an updated 2019 Jeep Cherokee arriving in showrooms shortly.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
17. Jeep Grand Cherokee
2018 Sales: 70,095
Vs. 2017: -7.1 %
The Jeep brand had considerable success last year which stands to reason, given the overall popularity of SUVs in America. This success continues in a big way — sales in April were the best the brand has ever had. The flagship Grand Cherokee continues its tradition of offering impressive off-road capability in an attractive package. Available with several 4WD systems and trim levels, the Grand Cherokee line ranges from the off-road-focused Trailhawk to the luxurious Summit. Jeep also offers a high-performance version called the Trackhawk — with a staggering 707 horsepower as its calling card.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
16. Toyota Highlander
2018 Sales: 71,338
Vs. 2017: 10.4 %
Toyota’s 7-passenger crossover had impressive sales last year, and it appears the Highlander’s popularity continues into 2018. Sales are up slightly in April compared to a year earlier. The Highlander benefitted from a major update for 2017, including performance upgrades, refreshed styling and a new SE trim level. The SE stands out as a sportier version with 19-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, dark paint for the front grille, dark headlight housings and dark roof rails. Also available is the fuel-efficient Highlander Hybrid, which features a direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 gas engine teamed with an electric drive motor-generator to produce a total of 306 horsepower while delivering a combined 29 mpg.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
15. Toyota Tacoma
2018 Sales: 72,590
Vs. 2017: 20.0 %
After experiencing a significant sales increase last year, Toyota’s compact pickup is starting 2018 with a bang — April sales reveal a jump of 10 percent versus April of 2017. Toyota’s compact pickup was all new for the 2016 model year, featuring a more aggressive design, a new V6 engine, a smoother ride and stellar off-road capability. The Tacoma is available in several configurations with two cab styles, two bed lengths, five trim levels and a choice of 2WD or 4WD. A new off-road-ready Tacoma TRD Pro was introduced earlier this year at the Chicago Auto Show, featuring 2.5-inch inch Fox shocks front and rear, combined with a larger front sway bar and TRD-tuned front springs that provide an additional one inch of lift.
© Nissan North America
14. Nissan Altima
2018 Sales: 73,806
Vs. 2017: -21.7 %
Once Nissan’s best-selling model, the Altima has experienced a decline over the last two years, allowing the hot-selling Rogue to claim its position as the top-selling Nissan in America. Altima’s sales dip is part of an overall decline in the popularity of passenger cars — Nissan passenger car sales were down around 11 percent in 2017. Altima continues its downward trend after a positive January, but the midsize sedan is holding its own thanks to a roomy interior as well as enhanced technology and connectivity. For 2018 all Nissan Altimas come standard with Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning. An all-new 2019 Altima with updated styling and powertrains is slated to arrive later this year.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
13. Nissan Sentra
2018 Sales: 77,001
Vs. 2017: 7.4 %
As with other manufacturers, Nissan continues to experience a general decline in passenger car sales. Even though Nissan’s passenger cars are selling at lower levels than last year, Sentra is clearly bucking the trend with an overall sales increase. However, the compact sedan had a drop in April versus a year earlier. A member of the Nissan lineup for more than 35 years, Sentra is currently in its seventh generation. Available in a wide trim range with two different powertrains, Sentra enters the 2018 model year with several upgrades. Most noteworthy: Automatic Emergency Braking is now standard on all Sentras (except those equipped with manual transmissions).
© American Honda Motors
12. Honda Accord
2018 Sales: 83,352
Vs. 2017: -13.9 %
Honda introduced an all-new Accord late last year, and it’s better than the previous generation in nearly every way. However, the new model doesn’t seem to be helping sales — Accord ended 2017 with sales in decline compared to a year earlier, and the family sedan is starting 2018 the same way. Sales were down almost 20 percent in April versus the same month in 2017. The new model features fresh styling, an updated interior, a suite of high-tech safety features as well as a lineup of new engines. Honda recently announced the new Accord 2.0T, which gives this popular four door a turbocharged 252-horsepower engine.
© Ford Motor Company
11. Ford Explorer
2018 Sales: 83,669
Vs. 2017: 2.3 %
The Ford Explorer remains a fixture on this list; last year the pioneering SUV had its best annual sales since 2005. This family-size SUV 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 of the Interceptor are up about 4 percent versus the first four months of 2017.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
10. Jeep Wrangler
2018 Sales: 85,280
Vs. 2017: 41.8 %
The all-new Jeep Wrangler has begun arriving in showrooms, and sales of this iconic off-roader have never been better. April sales were up almost 60 percent compared to a year earlier, making it the best month ever for Wrangler. The 2018 Wrangler retains its 7-slot grille and round headlights but is more aerodynamic than the previous generation. Two hardtops, a new Sunrider soft-top and a new Sky One-Touch power top are offered. Both 2-door and 4-door versions are available in Sport, Sport S, Rubicon and Sahara trim levels.
© Ford Motor Company
9. Ford Escape
2018 Sales: 88,733
Vs. 2016 -13.0 %
This small 5-passenger crossover from Ford has been the best-selling American-brand SUV for a long time. The Escape turned in strong numbers over the last few months of 2017, helping the popular SUV achieve its best sales year ever, although it starts 2018 down a bit compared to the previous year. Redesigned for the 2017 model year, Escape is available with front or all-wheel drive with updated styling and an array of new features. For 2018 Ford adds a higher-end SEL trim to the Escape lineup that includes leather seats, a power liftgate and the latest version of SYNC, Ford’s high-tech infotainment and connectivity system.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
8. Toyota Corolla
2018 Sales: 103,716
Vs. 2017: -7.8 %
Corolla is one of the most time-honored names in the Toyota lineup, and last year the company celebrated the 1 millionth Corolla built in the brand’s Mississippi assembly plant. Sales of the compact sedan have declined in the last few months, following the trend of most passenger cars. For 2018, Toyota equips all Corollas with Toyota Safety Sense-P, which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams. A new hatchback trim will join the Corolla lineup later this year.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
7. Honda CR-V
2018 Sales: 110,369
Vs. 2017: -12.9 %
All new for the 2017 model year, the redesigned Honda CR-V has been quite successful, posting its best numbers ever last year. Sales are starting slower for 2018 — currently 13 percent below April of 2017 — but the CR-V is still one of the best-selling crossovers in America. The CR-V’s success lies in its ability 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.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
6. Honda Civic
2018 Sales: 110,548
Vs. 2017: -2.1 %
The all-new Civic had its ups and downs in 2017, and ultimately this small Honda was unable to retain the best-selling-car crown. Sales are slightly lower than a year ago, but the Civic is still the best-selling model in the Honda lineup. The tenth generation of this popular car debuted early last year featuring fresh styling, improved aerodynamics, new vehicle architecture, a more spacious interior and two new engines. Fuel economy also is impressive — rated as high as 42 mpg with a new turbocharged powerplant. Civic can be more than basic transportation thanks to new high-performance variants: the Civic Type R and Civic Si.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
5. Toyota Camry
2018 Sales: 120,615
Vs. 2017: 5.0 %
Camry has held the title of best-selling passenger car in America for 15 years, and with a strong push in December the popular Toyota retained its crown for 2017. Sales in April 2018 are a bit lower than a year ago, but overall sales are still strong thanks to the arrival of an all-new eighth-generation Camry. Lower and wider than the previous version, the new Camry has an updated grille, integrated headlights and sculpted lines that give the sedan a more engaging presence, as well as a completely new interior and choice of fuel-efficient, powerful engines. This also is the first Camry ever offered with more than 300 horsepower.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
4. Toyota RAV4
2018 Sales: 122,466
Vs. 2017: 9.1 %
Toyota’s RAV4 crossover has experienced impressive sales since the redesigned model premiered for the 2016 model year, and it seems like the sales trend is continuing into 2018. April sales are down slightly compared to a year earlier, but overall the RAV4 is still going strong. One of the original compact crossovers on the American market, the current RAV4 features edgy styling and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. RAV4 can be powered by a 2.5-liter gas engine or a more powerful and efficient hybrid powertrain. Several trims are available, including a new Adventure Grade with more rugged styling, raised ground clearance and other special features. An all-new RAV4 recently rolled out at the 2018 New York Auto Show; look for the new model to start arriving in showrooms later this year.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
3. Nissan Rogue
2018 Sales: 139,785
Vs. 2017: 8.5 %
Small crossovers are clearly among the most popular vehicles with American shoppers, and Nissan has capitalized on this with the versatile Rogue. A strong showing over the last several months has helped Rogue become Nissan’s best-selling model for the first time, and a strong start in 2018 puts the Rogue at the top of the best-selling SUV list. 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. Rogue is also available as a hybrid and as a smaller model called Rogue Sport. For 2018, the Rogue is available with ProPILOT Assist — Nissan’s first step toward building autonomous vehicles.
© FCA US
2. Ram Truck
2018 Sales: 143,216
Vs. 2017: -11.9 %
Ram ended 2017 with a strong showing, posting record sales for the second year in a row. Sales are starting 2018 down slightly compared to a year earlier, however, we don’t expect the Ram to stay down very long — an all-new Ram 1500 rolled out at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year and it looks to improve on the current Ram in just about every way when it arrives this spring. The current Ram is available in many body styles and powertrains, offered in many special editions that keep customers returning to the brand. The latest to join the Ram lineup is the Limited Tungsten Edition, billed as the most luxurious Ram pickup ever.
© Ford Motor Company
1. Ford F-Series
2018 Sales: 287,295
Vs. 2017: 4.1%
The Ford F-Series pickup truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America for 36 years, and 2017 marked its 41st year as America’s best-selling pickup truck. The F-Series shows no signs of slowing — last month’s sales were the best April the F-Series has experienced in 18 years. This also marks 12 consecutive months of sales gains for the big truck. The 2018 F-150 is driving strong sales thanks to updated styling, added safety and convenience features and a new 3.3-liter V6 engine that generates 290 horsepower, joining Ford’s lineup of powerful turbocharged EcoBoost powerplants.
