© Ford Motor Company
Best-Sellers . . . So Far
The first 10 months of 2016 are in the books, and it appears that the yearly automotive sales growth the country has been experiencing has hit a plateau. Vehicle sales are basically flat, down just 0.3 percent year over year, with October sales dropping nearly 6 percent. Almost every major manufacturer had declines in October, but there were some bright spots within the brands. Hyundai and Subaru both had record sales in October, while Ram and Buick both had strong, positive growth for the month. General Motors continues to lead all other manufacturers in the U.S. with a 17.1 percent market share, followed by Ford Motor Company, Toyota Motor Sales and Chrysler / FCA group. Here’s a look at the best-selling models in America after the first 10 months of 2016, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© FCA US LLC
20. Jeep Cherokee
YTD Sales: 171,877
Vs. 2015: -3.4%
Things continue to look good for the Jeep brand, with overall sales up almost 10 percent for the year. However, the Cherokee seems to have hit its peak, experiencing a drop in sales of 23 percent compared to October of 2015, although it remains Jeep’s top seller. Cherokee delivers legendary 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.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
19. Hyundai Elantra
YTD Sales: 172,967
Vs. 2015: -17.6%
Hyundai got a jump on the 2017 model year when the redesigned 2017 Elantra began arriving at dealers in January of 2016. Elantra has surpassed Sonata as the brand’s best-selling model, and had a slight sales increase in October compared to a year ago. The new design features a signature hexagonal grille that closely ties the 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 later this year.
© General Motors
18. GMC Sierra
YTD Sales: 179,490
Vs. 2015: -0.4%
The GMC Sierra — twin to the Chevrolet Silverado — has had a strong showing throughout the year; however, October sales fell almost 19 percent for the big truck. Even with that drop, the Sierra is keeping pace with 2015 sales overall. This success could be easily attributed to any number of updates the Sierra had for the 2016 model year, including revised styling as well as new features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
© Nissan North America
17. Nissan Sentra
YTD Sales: 183,644
Vs. 2015: 8.5%
Sentra sales are down about 5 percent compared to October of 2015, but overall sales are looking good for the compact sedan. Sales for the Nissan brand also look good — up about 5 percent year-over-year. Sentra’s overall impressive growth can be attributed to the introduction of a new model for 2016 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.
© General Motors
16. Chevrolet Malibu
YTD Sales: 186,540
Vs. 2015: 8.5%
The Chevrolet Malibu has been completely redesigned for the 2016 model year, and it’s clear from sales numbers that the update has been well received. 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.
© General Motors
15. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 193,400
Vs. 2015: -18.1%
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. That said, the small crossover had a sales drop of about 11 percent compared to October 2015, so holding onto this position may become difficult as the year wanes. Equinox received a number of updates for the 2016 model year, including fresh styling and some new high-tech features.
© Ford Motor Company
14. Ford Explorer
YTD Sales: 207,022
Vs. 2015: -1.8%
The Explorer has experienced ups and downs in sales this year, but this family-sized SUV has been a fixture on the best-sellers list and continues to retain its position, despite a 10 percent drop compared to October 2015. 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, which is reportedly the most popular vehicle for law enforcement officers and has experienced a 31 percent sales increase year over year.
© Ford Motor Company
13. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 229,148
Vs. 2015: -10.2%
Fusion continues to hold the honor of being the best-selling domestic-brand passenger car on this list. At the beginning of the year sales were strong, but they have declined in recent months; October sales are down 21 percent compared to one 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. Sales may get a boost now that the revised 2017 Fusion has started rolling into showrooms.
© Ford Motor Company
12. Ford Escape
YTD Sales: 258,269
Vs. 2015: 0.2%
In terms of sales, this small 5-passenger crossover from Ford has experienced some ups and downs in the last year. October numbers reveal a sales decrease of about 5 percent compared to 2015, but ultimately the Escape remains one of the best-selling SUVs in America. Available with a fuel-efficient EcoBoost powertrain as well as innovative features such as a hands-free tailgate release, the Escape also continues to be Ford’s best-selling SUV.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
11. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 262,578
Vs. 2015: -7.3%
Even though sales are down slightly for the year, the Altima remains Nissan’s best-seller. The popular family sedan 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 received a bump for the new model year.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
10. Nissan Rogue
YTD Sales: 262,798
Vs. 2015: 10.4%
Nissan has found the perfect crossover formula with the Rogue, and it continues to have impressive sales growth in 2016. That said, October sales did drop about 15 percent compared to the same month last year. The stylish crossover 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. Rogue is one of three Nissans on this 2016 best-sellers list.
© American Honda Motors
9. Honda Accord
YTD Sales: 284,170
Vs. 2015: -3.7%
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 were down more than 15 percent in October compared to one year ago, with overall sales slightly down for the year. An all-new 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid has been added to the lineup, featuring several high-tech features and impressive fuel economy, which could attract additional buyers.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
8. Toyota RAV4
YTD Sales: 286,809
Vs. 2015: 12%
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. October sales were down a bit compared to 2015, but the RAV4 is certainly holding its own. The new model features edgier styling and it’s 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.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
7. Honda CR-V
YTD Sales: 293,799
Vs. 2015: 1.8 %
Bolstered by strong October sales, the CR-V managed to hold onto its title of best-selling SUV in America. In fact, this was the fourth record-setting month in a row for Honda’s compact crossover. 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.
© American Honda Motors
6. Honda Civic
YTD Sales: 310,142
Vs. 2015: 11.7%
Demand for the all-new Civic declined slightly in October, with sales declining around 5 percent compared to one year ago. 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 Paris debut of the high-performance Civic Type R, which is scheduled to come to America next year.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
5. Toyota Corolla
YTD Sales: 318,737
Vs. 2015: 3.0%
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. Corolla sales climbed slightly in October compared to last year — enough to stay ahead of the hot-selling Honda Civic. 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.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
4. Toyota Camry
YTD Sales: 327,015
Vs. 2015: -9.4%
The Camry remains Toyota’s best-selling model, but with an 15 percent sales drop in October compared to 2015, its smaller sibling Corolla is catching up. Even with lower sales, Camry still holds onto the best-selling passenger car title — one it has held for the last 14 years. Redesigned for the 2015 model year with an aggressive new grille and front bumper, Camry features available LED headlights with integrated front turn signals and LED daytime running lights.
© FCA US
3. Ram Truck
YTD Sales: 404,977
Vs. 2015: 8.1%
Ram trucks continue to have a lock on this third-place spot with an impressive sales increase of almost seven percent in October compared to a year ago. With a fuel-efficient EcoDiesel that claims 29 mpg on the highway as well as the popular off-road Rebel trim, Ram seems to be gaining in popularity. Ram hopes the sales momentum will continue with the introduction of a more powerful HD pickup later in 2016, and for 2017 Ram will introduce a new special-edition Night package for the 1500 variant.
© General Motors
2. Chevrolet Silverado
YTD Sales: 475,324
Vs. 2015: -3.5%
The perennial runner-up to the Ford F-Series, Silverado has been refreshed with updated styling and several new features for 2016. A strong April helped Silverado put some positive annual sales numbers on the board, but the last five months have seen slight declines compared to 2015. Even with a slight drop in sales for the year, 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.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
1. Ford F-Series
YTD Sales: 661,198
Vs. 2015: 5.0%
The Ford F-Series 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 continue to be strong for this popular pickup. According to some rough calculations, more than 2,000 Ford F-Series trucks are sold every day in America. An all-new F-Series HD will begin arriving in showrooms shortly with plenty of innovative features and impressive capability.
