1. Ford F-Series
YTD Sales: 460,901
Vs. 2015: 8.8%
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 Super Duty will begin arriving in showrooms shortly with a number of innovative features and impressive capability.
2. Chevrolet Silverado
YTD Sales: 327,768
Vs. 2015: -1.3%
YTD Sales: 327,768
Vs. 2015: -1.3%
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 three 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.
3. Ram Truck
YTD Sales: 270,637
Vs. 2015: 6.2%
Ram trucks continue to have a lock on this third-place spot, helped by a slight sales increase in July versus 2015. A fuel-efficient EcoDiesel that claims 29 mpg on the highway and the popular off-road Rebel trim are helping to boost sales of this full-size pickup. Ram hopes the sales momentum will continue with the introduction of a more powerful HD pickup later in 2016.
4. Toyota Camry
YTD Sales: 233,882
Vs. 2015: -8.0%
The Camry used to battle with Honda Accord for top passenger car in America, but these days it’s Civic nipping at Camry’s (w)heels. Completely redesigned for the 2015 model year, Camry’s new styling and updated features have paid dividends. Although sales are down compared to last year, Camry still allows Toyota to hold onto this coveted No. 1 passenger car spot.
5. Honda Civic
YTD Sales: 222,792
Vs. 2015: 17.6%
Demand for the all-new Civic continues to grow — this was the best July sales month on record for the compact model. 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. This increase in sales makes Civic the current leader in compact cars.
6. Toyota Corolla
YTD Sales: 213,910
Vs. 2015: -2.9%
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. Sales were up slightly in July compared to 2015, even if overall sales are down. Actually, sales of all Toyota cars are down 8 percent compared to the first seven months of 2015. 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.
7. Honda Accord
YTD Sales: 201,300
Vs. 2015: 5.8%
Although Accords may not be rolling off dealer lots at the same phenomenal rates as years past, the popular family car is continuing to see some positive growth. Available as a sedan or coupe, Accord remains one of the best-selling passenger cars in America. 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.
8. Toyota RAV4
YTD Sales: 197,771
Vs. 2015: 16.1%
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. July saw a sales jump of almost 20 percent compared to 2015, making this the best July ever for RAV4. 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.
9. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 197,644
Vs. 2015: -4.0%
July was not good for Altima sales. The midsize sedan had a decline of 26 percent compared to 2015, but the Altima still brings a lot to the party. Nissan’s best-seller 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 receives a bump for the new model year.
10. Honda CR-V
YTD Sales: 195,092
Vs. 2015: 0.1%
After holding the top SUV sales spot last year, the CR-V has been experiencing a loss of momentum in 2016. Although the CR-V had a 13 percent increase in July versus 2015 — making it the best month ever for the small crossover — overall sales are flat for the year to date. 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.
11. Nissan Rogue
YTD Sales: 182,181
Vs. 2015: 13.5%
Nissan’s small crossover was redesigned more than a year ago, making its steady sales increase even more impressive. Rogue finished 2015 with an increase of more than 40 percent over 2014, and sales continue to climb in 2016. The stylish crossover features a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, and with its 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.
12. Ford Escape
YTD Sales: 181,638
Vs. 2015: 3.4%
In terms of sales, this small 5-passenger crossover from Ford has experienced some ups and downs in the last year. July numbers reveal a decrease of about 10 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 remains Ford’s best-selling SUV.
13. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 170,840
Vs. 2015: -4.2%
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 slightly in the intervening months. 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 when the revised 2017 Fusion begins arriving in showrooms this summer.
14. Ford Explorer
YTD Sales: 148,299
Vs. 2015: 1.7%
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.
15. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 143,202
Vs. 2015: -14.4%
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. Even though annual sales are down for the small crossover, July did see a slight sales increase compared to July of 2015. Equinox receives a number of updates for the 2016 model year, including fresh styling and some new high-tech features.
16. Nissan Sentra
YTD Sales: 141,550
Vs. 2015: 13.8%
Sentra sales remained flat compared to July of 2015, but overall sales are looking good for the compact sedan. Sales for the brand also look good — this was the best July on record for Nissan. 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. Apparently the changes have been well received.
17. Chevrolet Malibu
YTD Sales: 132,145
Vs. 2015: 17.4%
The Chevrolet Malibu has been completely redesigned for the 2016 model year, and it’s clear from sales numbers that the new look 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.
18. GMC Sierra
YTD Sales: 128,894
Vs. 2015: 6.8%
The GMC Sierra — twin to the Chevrolet Silverado — had a strong showing in July with a 13.2 percent sales increase, making this Sierra’s best July since 2006. The Sierra’s success has helped GMC to its best year-to-date sales since 2005. This success is easily attributed to any number of updates the Sierra has for the 2016 model year, including revised styling as well as new features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
19. Hyundai Sonata
YTD Sales: 125,044
Vs. 2015: 4.4%
The Hyundai Sonata was all new for the 2015 model year, and the redesigned sedan has seen healthy sales since its introduction. Although Sonata sales were down 14 percent compared to July of 2015, the first seven months of 2016 have been good overall for this stylish ride. The 4-door Sonata is available with a few different powertrains, including a very efficient plug-in hybrid system. Sonata receives a number of improvements for the 2016 model year, including better fuel economy and the availability of an Automatic Emergency Braking system.
20. Jeep Wrangler
YTD Sales: 119,042
Vs. 2015: -1.8%
There really isn’t anything else on the road quite like the Jeep Wrangler. Currently Jeep’s best-selling model, the body-on-frame SUV is available with two or four doors and is one of the most capable off-road vehicles around. Wrangler continues to be available with a front and rear 5-link suspension system, live axles, electronic lockers, and a 6-speed manual transmission. For the ultimate outdoor adventure, Wrangler’s roof and doors can be removed — even the windshield can be folded down for that full-on bugs-in-your-teeth experience.
Best-Sellers . . . So Far
The first seven months of 2016 are in the books, and even though automobile sales have slowed somewhat, the overall figures are still looking positive. Vehicle sales remain up 1.3 percent year over year at 10,167,217 units, with July sales almost flat, increasing just 0.7 percent. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recently reported that company sales figures have not been accurate for several years; however, even with the restated numbers the company’s popular Jeep brand is still seeing strong year-over-year sales. Other brands reporting record sales for July include Subaru, Nissan and Hyundai. General Motors continues to lead all other manufacturers in the U.S. with a 16.8 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 seven months of 2016, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.