Best-Sellers . . . So Far
With eight months of 2017 complete, U.S. vehicle sales are continuing to decline following record numbers last year. Current sales stand at 11,358,405 units — about 2.7 percent below the previous year. Aside from a few exceptions, most of these declines are within the passenger car segment, while at the same time many manufacturers are having record sales for trucks and SUVs. Although the auto industry is experiencing a general decline, several brands had strong sales in August, including GMC, Chevrolet, Volkswagen and Subaru. General Motors continues to lead all other manufacturers in the U.S. with a 16.96 percent market share, followed by Ford Motor Company, Toyota Motor Corporation and Chrysler / FCA Group. Here are the best-sellers in America after the first eight months of 2017, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
20. Jeep Wrangler
YTD Sales: 134,428
Vs. 2016: 0.0%
The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most recognized vehicles in the world — the basic shape hasn’t changed much since its introduction as the CJ in the 1940s. Although sales in August were up almost 10 percent compared to a year ago, overall sales have remained flat for the year. And even though its features and amenities have been updated considerably throughout its history, the Wrangler’s legendary off-road capability remains true to form. With one of the highest resale values of any vehicle in America, the Wrangler is available in a variety of trim levels as well as with two or four doors.
19. GMC Sierra
YTD Sales: 136,370
Vs. 2016: -6.8%
The GMC Sierra had a strong showing throughout most of last year; however, sales have dipped in the last few months and 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. For those seeking a luxuriously appointed pickup truck, GMC also offers the fully-equipped Sierra Denali with leather seats, magnetic ride control, a powerful V8 engine and LED headlights.
18. Toyota Highlander
YTD Sales: 137,837
Vs. 2016: 23.0%
Toyota’s 7-passenger crossover has experienced impressive sales since January, placing it on the 20 best-sellers list for the first time this year. Highlander sales were up 26 percent in August versus 2016, making it the crossover’s best August on record. The success can be attributed to Highlander’s major update for the 2017 model year, including performance upgrades, refreshed styling and a new SE trim level. The SE stands out as a sportier version with 19-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, dark paint for the front grille, dark headlight housings and dark roof rails. Also new is the fuel-efficient Highlander Hybrid, which features a direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 gas engine teamed with an electric drive motor-generator to produce a total of 306 horsepower while delivering a combined 29 mpg.
17. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 138,489
Vs. 2016: -27.1%
Ford’s best-selling passenger car has experienced a sales decline over the last few months compared to a year earlier, and that decline has continued with August sales down around 8 percent compared to August of 2016. That said, the entire Ford car lineup is down almost 19 percent compared to this time last year. Fusion has been refreshed for the 2017 model year with subtle exterior design changes, interior improvements, new driver assistance technology and two new trim levels. Fusion remains the best-selling passenger car in the Ford lineup.
16. Nissan Sentra
YTD Sales: 146,583
Vs. 2016: -5.9%
As with other manufacturers, Nissan is experiencing a general decline in passenger car sales and Sentra sales are following suit. However, August was a bright spot for the compact Nissan, with sales up 7 percent compared to August of 2016. Last year Nissan introduced a new Sentra with updated styling, retuned suspension and a refreshed 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.
15. Jeep Grand Cherokee
YTD Sales: 158,975
Vs. 2016: 17.4%
The Jeep brand had considerable success last year, and that trend continues into 2017 largely due to America’s love affair with the SUV. The flagship Grand Cherokee leads the Jeep procession, posting a 28 percent sales gain compared to August 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 family — with a staggering 707 horsepower as its calling card.
14. Ford Explorer
YTD Sales: 177,827
Vs. 2016: 5.0%
Although Explorer experienced sales fluctuations last year, this family-size SUV remains a fixture on the best-sellers list with sales down slightly for August versus a year ago. 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; current sales reveal a slight increase this year versus 2016 for the Interceptor.
13. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 183,292
Vs. 2016: -15.6%
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 and is part of an overall decline in the popularity of passenger cars — Nissan passenger car sales are down almost 14 percent compared to last year. However, Altima is still one of the best-selling passenger cars in the U.S., and is holding its own thanks to an update last year with new interior and exterior styling, enhanced technology and connectivity, a new Altima SR sports trim and new available safety features.
12. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 185,223
Vs. 2016: 16.9%
One of just two Chevrolet models among August’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 experiencing a nice recovery in 2017, helped considerably by very strong August sales, which increased almost 85 percent compared to a year ago. The upward sales trend is likely the result of the all-new 2018 Equinox now coming to market with a fresh look and plenty of new features.
11. Ford Escape
YTD Sales: 208,303
Vs. 2016: 0.7%
This small 5-passenger crossover from Ford has been the best-selling American-brand SUV for a long time; although August sales were down by almost 16 percent compared to a year ago, the small crossover appears to be holding onto this best-sellers 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: 221,013
Vs. 2016: -4.5%
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. Early 2017 sales had been in decline over the first few months, and August continues that trend with a slight drop compared to August of 2016. Available as a coupe or sedan in a variety of trim levels, Honda’s Accord can even be equipped with a manual transmission — somewhat unique in the family sedan marketplace. Honda may begin to see a sales boost later this year with an all-new 2018 Accord arriving soon.
9. Toyota Corolla
YTD Sales: 232,504
Vs. 2016: -9.4%
Corolla is one of the most time-honored names in the Toyota lineup; although the name connotes longevity, the iconic small car was all new last year. Sales of the compact sedan have declined slightly in the last few months, allowing the Corolla’s direct competitor — the Honda Civic — to overtake it. 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.
8. Toyota Camry
YTD Sales: 247,775
Vs. 2016: -7.1%
Camry has held the title of best-selling passenger car in America for 15 years, but with sales in slight decline compared to a year ago and the popularity of the new Honda Civic, the Camry has relinquished its crown — at least temporarily. However, we won’t be surprised if Toyota takes back this top spot thanks to the all-new 8th-generation Camry that recently began arriving in showrooms. Lower and wider than the previous generation, the new Camry has an updated front grille, integrated headlights and sculpted lines to give the sedan a more engaging presence, as well as a completely new interior and choice of fuel-efficient, powerful engines. Sales are certainly reflecting high interest in the new model —August numbers are up almost 13 percent compared to a year ago.
7. Honda Civic
YTD Sales: 248,928
Vs. 2016: -2.6%
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 new high-performance variants: the Civic Type R and Civic Si .Thanks to a sales increases of 11 percent in August versus 2016, Civic is currently the best-selling passenger car in America.
6. Honda CR-V
YTD Sales: 249,977
Vs. 2016: 7.9%
All new for the 2017 model year, the redesigned Honda CR-V has been quite successful with strong sales thus far this year. Sales have declined a bit over the last two months versus a year ago; however, this seems to be a result of supply not meeting demand. 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.
5. Nissan Rogue
YTD Sales: 257,958
Vs. 2016: 19.9%
Small crossovers are clearly among the most popular vehicles with American shoppers, and Nissan has capitalized on this with the versatile Rogue. A strong showing over the last several months has helped Rogue become Nissan’s best-selling model for the first time; however, August numbers declined about 10 percent compared to a year ago, which was enough for the Toyota RAV4 to take the lead compact crossover spot. 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.
4. Toyota RAV4
YTD Sales: 269,835
Vs. 2016: 16.8%
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 half ever — impressive considering it had record sales in 2016 – and August was the best sales month on record for the small crossover. The updated RAV4 features edgier styling and is available in several trim levels. Also available with front- or all-wheel drive, the RAV4 can be powered by a 2.5-liter gas engine or a more powerful and more efficient hybrid powertrain.
3. Ram Truck
YTD Sales: 327,759
Vs. 2016: 4.6%
Ram continues to take advantage of America’s love affair with the pickup truck, posting a strong showing so far in 2017, following the best annual sales the pickup has experienced in the last decade. Sales were down slightly in August compared to 2016, but good enough to keep this full-size truck locked into the third-place position. With many body styles and powertrains available, Ram continues to iterate special editions that keep customers coming back to the brand. The latest to join the Ram lineup is the Limited Tungsten Edition, billed as the most luxurious Ram pickup ever.
2. Chevrolet Silverado
YTD Sales: 363,354
Vs. 2016: -4.4%
The perennial runner-up to the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet’s Silverado had a strong showing at the beginning of the year, but sales declines 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: 576,334
Vs. 2016: 9.2%
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. The F-Series shows no signs of slowing, kicking off 2017 with its best sales start since 2004, underscored by August sales that were 15 percent higher than August 2016. Another contributing factor to this year’s F-Series sales juggernaut was the arrival of an all-new Super Duty, boasting plenty of innovative features and impressive capability. Also adding to the truck’s success is the introduction of an updated 2018 F-150, which is on sale now.
Data: Automaker sales releases, goodcarbadcar.net
