© Ford Motor Company
Best-Sellers . . . So Far
The first nine 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, up just 0.3 percent year over year, with September sales down slightly by 0.7 percent. Almost every major manufacturer had declines in September with the exception of Toyota and Nissan, the latter of which recorded its best September ever. Other brands reporting record sales growth for September include Hyundai and Subaru. General Motors continues to lead all other manufacturers in the U.S. with a 16.9 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 nine months of 2016, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
20. Hyundai Elantra
YTD Sales: 157,050
Vs. 2015: -1.2%
Hyundai got a jump on the 2017 model year when the redesigned 2017 Elantra began arriving at dealers in January of 2016. Although Elantra has surpassed Sonata as the brand’s best-selling model, sales are off slightly in September 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.
© FCA US LLC
19. Jeep Cherokee
YTD Sales: 158,346
Vs. 2015: -1.2%
Things continue to look good for the Jeep brand, with overall sales up more than 11 percent for the year. The Cherokee is experiencing a drop in sales of about 1.2 percent compared to 2015, but is still maintaining its position as Jeep’s top seller. 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
18. GMC Sierra
YTD Sales: 164,440
Vs. 2015: 1.7%
The GMC Sierra — twin to the Chevrolet Silverado — has had a strong showing throughout the year; however, September sales fell for the big truck. The Sierra is still looking positive for the year — in fact, year-to-date sales are the best since 2006. 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: 169,476
Vs. 2015: 9.9%
Sentra sales are down about 4 percent compared to September of 2015, but overall sales are looking good for the compact sedan. Sales for the Nissan brand also look good — up about 6 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: 170,389
Vs. 2015: 15.8%
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. With sales up by more than 26 percent last month, Malibu had its best September since 1980.
© General Motors
15. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 173,736
Vs. 2015: -18.8%
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 30 percent compared to September 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.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
14. Ford Explorer
YTD Sales: 188,425
Vs. 2015: -0.9%
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, 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: 201,462
Vs. 2015: -9.1%
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; September sales are down 18 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: 234,764
Vs. 2015: 0.8%
In terms of sales, this small 5-passenger crossover from Ford has experienced some ups and downs in the last year. September numbers reveal a sales decrease of about 12 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 Rogue
YTD Sales: 241,619
Vs. 2015: 13.3%
Nissan has found the perfect crossover formula with the Rogue, and it continues to experience impressive sales growth in 2016. September sales are up almost 6 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.
© Nissan North America, Inc.
10. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 242,321
Vs. 2015: -7.7%
Sales of the Nissan Altima seem to be recovering a bit — September numbers reveal a gain of 3.3 percent compared to the same month last year. Even though sales are down slightly for the year, the Altima still 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.
© American Honda Motors
9. Honda Accord
YTD Sales: 258,619
Vs. 2015: -2.3%
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 almost 20 percent in September compared to one year ago, with overall sales remaining flat year to date. An all-new 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid has been added to the lineup, featuring a number of high-tech features and impressive fuel economy, which could attract additional buyers.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
8. Toyota RAV4
YTD Sales: 260,380
Vs. 2015: 14.2%
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. September sales jumped almost 9 percent compared to 2015, moving the RAV4 up a position from August. 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: 263,493
Vs. 2015: 1.5 %
Bolstered by strong September sales, the CR-V managed to move up the ranks and claim the title of best-selling SUV — at least for last month. In fact, this was the third 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: 283,783
Vs. 2015: 13.6%
Demand for the all-new Civic evened out in September with sales almost exactly the same as 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 around it this month with 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: 289,002
Vs. 2015: 3.2%
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. Corolla sales jumped 17 percent in September compared to last year — enough to pass 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: 297,453
Vs. 2015: -8.8%
The Camry remains Toyota’s best-selling model, but with an 11 percent sales drop in September 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.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
3. Ram Truck
YTD Sales: 361,086
Vs. 2015: 8.3%
Ram trucks continue to have a lock on this third-place spot with an impressive sales increase of almost 30 percent in September 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: 425,556
Vs. 2015: -3.5%
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 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: 595,656
Vs. 2015: 5.5%
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 a number of innovative features and impressive capability.
