Best-Sellers . . . So Far
With the first five months of 2017 complete, U.S. vehicle sales are showing continued declines following record numbers last year. Current sales stand at 6,981,919 units — about 2.0 percent below the previous year. While the industry experiences a general decline, several brands had strong sales for May, including Ram, Buick, Volvo and Subaru — in fact this is the 66th consecutive month of year-over-year increases for Subaru. 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 Corporation and Chrysler / FCA Group. Here’s a look at the best-sellers in America after the first five months of 2017, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
20. GMC Sierra
YTD Sales: 83,410
Vs. 2016: -6.6 %
The GMC Sierra had a strong showing throughout most of last year; however, with an 8 percent decline in May versus last year, overall sales are now down for 2017. Virtual twin to the Chevrolet Silverado, the Sierra features GMC IntelliLink with a new 7-inch touchscreen display, an available remote-locking tailgate, wireless phone charging and available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sierra also has impressive capability — even with its fuel-efficient V6 engine, the pickup can tow up to 7,400 pounds when properly equipped.
19. Hyundai Elantra
YTD Sales: 86,955
Vs. 2016: 17.7%
Hyundai’s compact Elantra received a complete redesign for the 2017 model year with updated styling as well as a number of new features. The new look has helped Elantra surpass Sonata as the brand’s best-selling model, and while overall sales are up for the year, May had a decline of 26 percent compared to May of 2016. Elantra’s new design features a signature hexagonal grille that closely ties it 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 joins the lineup this year, as well as the all-new Elantra GT.
18. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 89,086
Vs. 2016: -26.0%
Ford’s best-selling passenger car has experienced a sales decline over the last few months compared to a year earlier, which is somewhat surprising since a refreshed 2017 model began arriving in showrooms in the middle of 2016. That said, the entire Ford car lineup declined 10 percent compared to May of 2016. With available all-wheel drive and a variety of engine choices — including a very efficient plug-in hybrid — the Fusion still makes a great option as a stylish family sedan.
17. Nissan Sentra
YTD Sales: 90,040
Vs. 2016: -12.0%
Similar to other manufacturers, Nissan is experiencing a general decline in passenger car sales and Sentra sales are following suit. A new Sentra was introduced early last year 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. Joining the Sentra lineup this year is a new high-performance NISMO edition.
16. Chevrolet Cruze
YTD Sales: 92,360
Vs. 2016: 35.7 %
Counter to the waning popularity of the passenger car, the Chevrolet Cruze has experienced strong growth in the first months of 2017. Redesigned for the 2016 model year and now featuring a hatchback version, Cruze has a standard turbocharged 153-horsepower 1.4-liter direct-injection engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or an available 6-speed automatic. Cruze achieves 40 mpg on the highway, with start-stop technology improving efficiency in stop-and-go driving.
15. Jeep Grand Cherokee
YTD Sales: 96,203
Vs. 2016: 15.0%
The Jeep brand had great success last year, and that trend seems to be continuing into 2017. Leading Jeep’s charge is the flagship Grand Cherokee, posting a 14 percent sales gain compared to May of 2016. The Grand Cherokee continues its tradition of offering impressive off-road capability in an attractive SUV package. Available with several 4WD systems and trim levels, the Grand Cherokee line added the off-road-focused Trailhawk and the luxurious Summit to the lineup to bolster sales momentum. Later this year the high-performance Trackhawk will join the Jeep lineup, featuring a staggering 707 horsepower.
14. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 104,272
Vs. 2016: 2.5%
One of just three Chevrolet models among May’s top 20 best-sellers, the Equinox continues to hold its own in the very competitive compact SUV segment. Although overall sales were down last year, the small crossover is seeing a nice recovery in 2017, although May sales were down slightly compared to a year ago. The upward sales trend is likely to continue as an all-new 2018 Equinox is now coming to market with an updated design and new features.
13. Ford Explorer
YTD Sales: 111,266
Vs. 2016: 2.3 %
Although Explorer experienced sales fluctuations last year, this family-size SUV remains a fixture on the best-sellers list with sales climbing by 17.6 percent in May vs. 2016. The 2017 Explorer 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 and experienced a 30 percent sales increase year over year in 2016.
12. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 118,242
Vs. 2016: -16.9%
Once Nissan’s best-selling model, the Altima experienced a decline in 2016, allowing the hot-selling Rogue to claim its position as the top-selling Nissan in America. This sales dip has continued into 2017; however, Altima is still one of the best-selling passenger cars in the U.S. The popular family sedan was 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.
11. Ford Escape
YTD Sales: 129,805
Vs. 2016: 2.7%
This small 5-passenger crossover from Ford has been the best-selling American-brand SUV for a long time, and with a strong showing so far in 2017 it appears to be holding onto this distinction. Ford recently introduced a redesigned 2017 Escape that features a new exterior look, new interior, new fuel-efficient engines and more driver-assistance technology. Most obvious is the new raised trapezoidal grille that ties Escape’s look more closely to other Ford SUVs.
10. Honda Accord
YTD Sales: 130,300
Vs. 2016: -10.9%
Although Accords may not be rolling off dealer lots at the same phenomenal rates as years past, the popular family car is still selling reasonably well. Sales have been in decline over the last few months, but May did see a bit of a climb with a 5 percent increase over last year. Available in a variety of trim levels, Accord can even be equipped with a manual transmission — a nice perk for driving enthusiasts. In addition to being the passenger car with the best overall value, Accord is also one of the safest vehicles on the road, earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating for crash tests and crash avoidance.
9. Honda Civic
YTD Sales: 144,854
Vs. 2016: -8.3%
Demand for the all-new Civic has decreased slightly in 2017; however, this is likely due to the strong pace set last year 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. Civic has a lot of buzz thanks to the upcoming high-performance Civic Type R and Civic Si — both scheduled to arrive in the U.S. this year.
8. Toyota Corolla
YTD Sales: 145,476
Vs. 2016: -8.4%
Although the car was redesigned last year, the Corolla name has been around for 50 years. Sales of the compact sedan have declined slightly in the last few months, but the overall numbers are strong enough to push it ahead of the popular Honda Civic. The new Corolla iM (formerly the Scion iM) makes up a very small percentage of total Corolla sales, but Corolla’s continued success can be attributed in part to its impressive fuel economy, roomy interior and extensive list of standard features.
7. Toyota Camry
YTD Sales: 147,434
Vs. 2016: -11.8%
Camry has held the title of best-selling passenger car in America for 15 years, and despite a steep sales decline during the first few months of 2017 when the popular passenger hauler fell farther down the ranks, the Camry has retaken its throne — at least for now. Redesigned for the 2015 model year with an aggressive new grille and front bumper, the current generation continues into the 2017 model year with available LED headlights incorporating integrated front turn signals and LED daytime running lights. An all-new 2018 Camry debuted at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and will be arriving in showrooms later this year.
6. Toyota RAV4
YTD Sales: 150,646
Vs. 2016: 8.7%
Toyota’s RAV4 crossover experienced impressive sales in 2016, and with a redesigned model that trend continues into the new year. The RAV4 started 2017 with its best first quarter ever — impressive considering it is coming off record sales in 2016. The updated RAV4 features edgier styling and is 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.
5. Honda CR-V
YTD Sales: 158,914
Vs. 2016: 22.8 %
Honda’s CR-V continues to have strong sales in 2017. Sales in May were up almost 10 percent compared to a year ago, making a record start to the year for the small crossover. The CR-V continues 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.
4. Nissan Rogue
YTD Sales: 161,340
Vs. 2016: 34.9 %
Nissan has discovered the perfect crossover formula with the Rogue, and it continues to maintain impressive sales growth. A strong showing over the last several months has helped Rogue become Nissan’s best-selling model for the first time, and currently the Rogue holds the distinction of being the best-selling SUV in America. In the latter part of 2016 Nissan introduced a 2017 Rogue with updated styling and features. The new 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. The 2017 Rogue is also available as a hybrid, and is now joined by a smaller model called Rogue Sport.
3. Ram Truck
YTD Sales: 207,370
Vs. 2016: 7.9 %
Ram truck continues to have a lock on this third-place spot with a strong showing to begin 2017, following the best annual sales the pickup has experienced in the last decade. An increase of 16 percent made the full-size truck the second-best-selling vehicle in May, outselling the Chevy Silverado two months in a row. With many bodystyles and powertrains, Ram continues to iterate special editions that keep customers coming back to the brand. The latest are the Ram 1500 Rebel Black special edition that adds black wheels, brush guards and all-black Katzkin interior to the off-road-ready Ram Rebel, as well as a limited-edition Ram 1500 Copper Sport.
2. Chevrolet Silverado
YTD Sales: 212,425
Vs. 2016: -5.2 %
The perennial runner-up to the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet’s Silverado had a strong showing at the very beginning of the year, but double-digit declines earlier in the year compared to a year ago have erased some of those gains. Silverado is available in many configurations, with different cab and trim-level options ranging from a basic work truck to the ultra-luxurious High Country. Silverado also is available with many advanced safety technologies, including a Teen Driver feature that allows parents to view the vehicle’s maximum speed, distance driven and the number of times active safety features were engaged during a drive.
1. Ford F-Series
YTD Sales: 351,965
Vs. 2016: 8.5%
The Ford F-Series pickup truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America for 35 years, and 2016 marked its 40th year as America’s best-selling pickup truck. More than 26 million F-Series pickups have been sold since 1977, and the latest versions are rolling off dealer lots at an impressive rate. The F-Series shows no signs of slowing, kicking off 2017 with its best sales start since 2004. Another contributing factor to the F-Series sales juggernaut was the arrival of an all-new Super Duty, boasting plenty of innovative features and impressive capability.
Data: Automaker sales releases, goodcarbadcar.net
