Bestselling American Cars
Born in the USA
The result of a post-war sentiment in the U.S. that grew during the late 1960s through the end of the 20th century, in past decades it was considered un-American to purchase a vehicle from a foreign car company. However, with the increasing globalization of business since the turn of the new millennium that sentiment has slowly diminished. With so many vehicles being produced by so many car companies at so many factories in so many locations around the world, new generations of American car buyers are more concerned about getting the best vehicle rather than considering where it was built. On top of that, defining an American car is not as simple as it used to be. Many import brands are built in the U.S., while many U.S. brands are built outside U.S. borders. (That said, domestically-built vehicles outsold imports almost four to one in 2015.) So for the purposes of this story, we are looking at the most popular American brands sold in the U.S. during 2015, regardless of where the vehicles were built. Numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
© Ford Motor Company
20. Ford Transit
2015 Sales: 117,577
Vs. 2014: 475.0%
An entirely new vehicle for the 2015 model year, the Transit replaced the Econoline van and proceeded to become the best-selling van in America. With almost 60 different configurations possible, the Transit can be configured to carry cargo, passengers or both. The Transit sells in 116 markets worldwide — primarily for commercial use.
2015 Jeep Patriot
19. Jeep Patriot
2015 Sales: 118,464
Vs. 2014: 26.8%
The Jeep brand is having tremendous sales success — global sales increased 22 percent during 2015 to the highest level in the brand’s 75-year history. Patriot also had its best sales year in 2015 and enters the new model year as one of the least expensive SUVs on the market. A low starting price combined with impressive fuel economy and expected Jeep off-road capability contribute to the Patriot’s popularity.
2015 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ
18. Chevrolet Traverse
2015 Sales: 119,945
Vs. 2014: 15.4%
Considering that the Chevrolet Traverse was last redesigned for the 2013 model year, its continued sales increase is a clear endorsement of this versatile 8-passenger crossover. Traverse’s success has been a big factor in Chevrolet’s 13 consecutive months of year-over-year crossover sales increases. Chevrolet adds OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with a Wi-Fi hotspot to the Traverse for 2016.
© Ford Motor Company
17. Ford Mustang
2015 Sales: 122,349
Vs. 2014: 48.1%
Completely new for the 2015 model year, the Mustang is one of the most iconic cars on the road — and easily recognized since it’s been on the market for more than 50 years. Mustang handily beat Camaro in the sales race last year, selling about 45,000 more vehicles in 2015. An all-new Camaro is hitting showrooms, so 2016 is not a sure bet for the legendary Ford pony car.
© Ford Motor Company
16. Ford Edge
2015 Sales: 124,120
Vs. 2014: 14.0%
The Edge is Ford’s stylish 5-passenger crossover that received a complete update for the 2015 model year. Sales were up an impressive 29.3 percent in December vs. 2014, proving the new Edge continues to be popular among crossover buyers. Three engines are available for Edge, including a new 2.7-liter EcoBoost unit producing an impressive 315 horsepower.
© FCA US LLC
15. Chrysler 200
2015 Sales: 177,889
Vs. 2014: 51.6%
Chrysler completely redesigned the 200 for 2015, and based on its stylish exterior and premium-looking interior it’s no surprise that this entry-level model is seeing such a healthy sales increase recently — in fact, 2015 was the 200’s best year ever. In addition to its good looks, the 200 is the first midsize sedan with a standard 9-speed automatic transmission, which helps it achieve an estimated 36 mpg. The 200 also offers all-wheel drive — an uncommon feature in the midsize sedan market.
© General Motors
14. Chevrolet Malibu
2015 Sales: 194,854
Vs. 2014: 3.4%
Malibu sales had been dropping off in the last few months of 2015 — December saw a decline of 27 percent compared to December 2014 — but an all-new Malibu was recently introduced, which is likely to reverse that trend. 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.
© FCA US LLC
13. Jeep Grand Cherokee
2015 Sales: 195,958
Vs. 2014: 6.6%
The Grand Cherokee offers a great mix of luxury and premium amenities in one of the most capable 5-passenger SUVs on the market. Refreshed for the 2014 model year, Grand Cherokee continues to see positive sales growth — December sales were more than 22 percent higher than the same month in 2014. Updates for the 2016 model year include fuel-economy improvements as well as upgraded features.
© Ford Motor Company
12. Ford Focus
2015 Sales: 202,478
Vs. 2014: -7.8%
Sales of the Focus dropped more than 26 percent in December compared to a year ago, but the small car is still holding steady as one of the best-selling small cars in America. With engines ranging from the efficient 45-mpg 1.0-liter EcoBoost to the powerful 350-horsepower EcoBoost found in the new all-wheel-drive Focus RS, the Focus offers great variety in a small-car option.
© FCA US LLC
11. Jeep Wrangler
2015 Sales: 202,702
Vs. 2014: 15.6%
One of the most capable vehicles on the market, the Wrangler is another Jeep achieving record sales in 2015. Wrangler is available as a 2- or 4-door model and can be had in a number of special editions, including the new Black Bear Edition as well as the Rubicon Hard Rock Edition, Freedom Edition and Willys Wheeler.
© FCA US LLC
10. Jeep Cherokee
2015 Sales: 220,260
Vs. 2014: 23.4%
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 sales year on record, and has helped Jeep to its sixth consecutive year of annual sales growth. Cherokee is available in a number of trim levels and boasts Jeep’s legendary off-road capability.
© General Motors
9. GMC Sierra
2015 Sales: 224,139
Vs. 2014: 5.8%
The twin to the Chevrolet Silverado, the GMC Sierra finished off 2015 with great sales momentum, reporting a 17 percent increase in December vs. 2014. Trucks in general have seen great success in 2015, and the Sierra’s bump in sales can also be attributed to the updated 2016 model that includes refreshed styling and a number of new luxury and convenience features.
© General Motors
8. Chevrolet Cruze
2015 Sales: 226,602
Vs. 2014: -17.0%
Imports owned the small car market for a long time, but the Chevy Cruze has become one of the most successful small cars the Detroit-based automaker has ever delivered, with more than 3 million sold globally since its launch in 2010. Sales had been slow for this small car in the last few months, dropping just over 5 percent compared to December 2014. Chevrolet is hoping that will change with the introduction of the all-new 2016 Cruze, which adds a hatchback to the lineup.
© Ford Motor Company
7. Ford Explorer
2015 Sales: 249,251
Vs. 2014: 18.7%
More than 7 million Explorers have been sold since it went on sale 25 years ago, making it one of the best-selling SUVs in America. With an increase of more than 17 percent in December vs. 2014, the 7-passenger crossover is enjoying strong sales as the revised 2016 model arrives in showrooms with updated styling and new features. Note: Explorer sales figures include sales of the Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility.
© General Motors
6. Chevrolet Equinox
2015 Sales: 277,589
Vs. 2014: 14.6%
December 2015 marked the 13th consecutive month of record crossover sales for Chevrolet, and the Equinox played a big part with impressive sales growth year over year. One of five Chevrolet models among the top 20 best-selling American brands, 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
5. Ford Fusion
2015 Sales: 300,170
Vs. 2014: -2.2%
Fusion holds the honor of being the best-selling domestic-brand passenger car on this list. While overall sales for the year were down slightly, December sales were up 10.4 percent compared to 2014. 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. An updated 2017 Ford Fusion just debuted at the Detroit Auto Show, which should refresh Fusion sales.
© Ford Motor Company
4. Ford Escape
2015 Sales: 306,492
Vs. 2014: 0.1%
This small 5-passenger crossover from Ford had begun to see a slight decline in sales compared to 2014, but over the last few months that trend has turned around. Sales of the Escape were up 9.2 percent compared to December 2014, and Escape still manages to be one of the best-selling SUVs in America. Available with the fuel-efficient EcoBoost powertrain as well as innovative features such as hands-free tailgate operation, the Escape remains Ford’s best-selling SUV.
© FCA US
3. Ram Pickup
2015 Sales: 451,116
Vs. 2014: 2.6%
The Ram pickup holds a solid third spot the best-selling vehicle list for 2015 with a modest improvement over the 2014 model year. The EcoDiesel-powered Ram is rated 29 mpg, making it the most fuel-efficient full-size truck on the market. At the other end of the scale, the Ram HD boasts best-in-class towing with a 31,210-pound rating. Both likely contributing factors to Ram’s success.
© General Motors
2. Chevrolet Silverado
2015 Sales: 600,544
Vs. 2014: 13.4%
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 has seen some impressive sales increases. With its best December sales since 2005, the Silverado continues to eat away at Ford’s lead, but in the end it locks in a still-impressive second-place finish. And yes, including the GMC Sierra, full-size pickups from General Motors do exceed sales of the F-150 — but they are still separate brands and thus counted separately.
© Ford Motor Company
1. Ford F-Series
2015 Sales: 780,354
Vs. 2014: 3.5%
The Ford F-Series pickup truck has earned the crown as the best-selling vehicle in America — 2015 marks the 34th consecutive year at the top, and the 39th year as the best-selling truck. Sales ended up slightly higher for the year, and it was the best December for the F-Series in more than a decade, indicating that the new design has been well received. Doing some simple math reveals the staggering popularity of F-150: in America more than 2,000 Ford F-Series trucks get sold every day.
