Top Sellers of 2015 . . . So Far
With five months of sales in the books, the auto industry is continuing to see positive momentum. Overall sales are up 4.5 percent over the first five months of 2014. There were a few standouts in May — Jeep was the fastest-growing volume brand for the second month in a row, with sales up almost 20 percent year over year, while sibling brand Chrysler saw a whopping 31.9 percent increase for the month of May vs. May 2014 thanks to strong sales of the revamped 200 sedan. Subaru announced its 42nd consecutive month of year-over-year growth with its best May ever. General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler/FCA group are all showing positive growth year over year. Here’s a look at the best-sellers in America after five months of sales, according to numbers compiled from individual auto manufacturers’ sales reports and goodcarbadcar.net.
20. Chrysler 200
YTD Sales: 88,009
Vs. 2014: 133.0%
Chrysler completely redesigned the 200 for 2015, and based on its stylish exterior and premium-looking interior, it’s no surprise this entry model is seeing such a healthy sales increase so far this year — in fact, May was the best sales month ever for the 200. 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.
19. Nissan Sentra
YTD Sales: 88,701
Vs. 2014: 15.5%
Currently in it seventh generation, the Sentra small sedan has not changed much since 2012, but has nevertheless seen excellent sales growth so far in 2015. Chalk up some sales to Sentra’s excellent value, featuring such items as a standard USB connection port, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, illuminated steering wheel audio controls and cruise control in a car
18. Ford Focus
YTD Sales: 95,028
Vs. 2014: 0.4%
Sales of the Focus increased slightly in May 2015 vs. May 2014, and the small car is holding steady as the 18th best-seller in America. With engines ranging from the efficient 1.0-liter EcoBoost to the powerful 252-horsepower EcoBoost found in the ST, the Focus is a great small-car option. Focus is generating some excitement among enthusiasts, given Ford’s announcement that the 320-plus horsepower Focus RS will be coming to America soon.
17. Ford Explorer
YTD Sales: 99,855
Vs. 2014: 14.6%
Although Ford has seen only modest overall sales growth so far in 2015, the company fielded five of the top 20 best-sellers, and Explorer is clearly doing its part to grow sales for the company. With an increase of almost 15 percent year over year, the 7-passenger crossover should start to see even better sales now that the revised 2016 model is starting to roll into showrooms.
16. Hyundai Elantra
YTD Sales: 102,085
Vs. 2014: 7.1%
In 1998 Hyundai did not even sell 100,000 vehicles in America — but the Korean company completely turned around and is now selling more than 700,000 vehicles each year. Elantra is the company’s sales leader, and while May was not the best sales month for Hyundai overall, the Elantra saw a healthy 7.2% increase over May 2014. The stylish compact sedan or hatchback is a great value, offering up an impressive list of standard equipment, good fuel economy and Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000 mile warranty with five years of complimentary roadside assistance.
15. Chevrolet Cruze
YTD Sales: 105,291
Vs. 2014: -11.8%
The only passenger car on this list from General Motors, the Cruze is one of the most successful small cars the Detroit-based automaker has ever delivered, with more than three million sold globally since its launch in 2010. The Cruze receives a slight face-lift for 2015, as well as high-tech features including OnStar with 4G LTE and a standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Chevy’s small sedan did have a 26.7 percent drop in sales compared to the same May of last year, but still manages to be the 15th best-seller in America.
14. Nissan Rogue
YTD Sales: 112,154
Vs. 2014: 33.1%
Nissan’s small crossover was redesigned in 2014, so the company has to be happy about a steady sales increase of more than 30 percent in the second year of the new generation’s sales, as well as an impressive 38.3 percent increase in May sales year over year. Rogue features a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, and with its advanced Xtronic transmission with Eco mode, it gets EPA fuel economy ratings as high as 33 mpg.
13. Toyota RAV4
YTD Sales: 118,732
Vs. 2014: 24.5%
The RAV4 is moving into its third year of the current generation, which makes the almost 25 percent increase year over year even more impressive. With carlike comfort and handling combined with the utility of an SUV, the stylish RAV4 solidifies its place in the top 20. Look for an all-new RAV4 — including the first RAV4 Hybrid — to arrive in showrooms this fall.
12. Ford Escape
YTD Sales: 122,290
Vs. 2014: -4.3%
This small 5-passenger crossover from Ford continues to hold its own in sales; especially notable since it’s been a few years since its last update. Available with the fuel-efficient EcoBoost powertrain as well as innovative features such as a hands-free tailgate, the Escape remains Ford’s best-selling SUV.
11. Chevrolet Equinox
YTD Sales: 123,935
Vs. 2014: 25.1%
May 2015 marked record crossover sales for General Motors, and the Equinox played a big part with impressive sales growth year over year. One of three Chevrolet models among the top 20 best-sellers, 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. Chevrolet is hoping this trend continues when an updated 2016 model goes on sale later this year.
10. Ford Fusion
YTD Sales: 127,749
Vs. 2014: -17.2%
The Fusion holds the honor of being the best-selling domestic passenger car on this list. May sales are down just over 7%, which was enough of a decline to allow the both the Honda Accord and Honda Civic to pass by the Fusion which still remains in a respectable 10th spot on this best-sellers list. 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.
9. Honda Accord
YTD Sales: 128,269
Vs. 2014: -16.1%
Accord sales are far below the Toyota Camry, which is a little surprising. As of May, Accord sales have fallen to their lowest point in recent years. Accord outsold the Ford Fusion in May which helped it move back above the popular Ford sedan in year-to-date sales. Although Honda sales are up slightly compared to last year, these gains are primarily in trucks and SUVs, which have had a very good year so far.
8. Honda Civic
YTD Sales: 129,574
Vs. 2014: -3.9%
The Civic is one of three Hondas among the 20 best-sellers. Although sales of the compact sedan and coupe have been declining, overall sales are close to those recorded a year ago. The Civic was refreshed in 2014, but that did not provide the boost in sales Honda was anticipating. Perhaps Honda will have more success with the all-new Civic that was shown in concept form at the 2015 New York Auto Show and will go on sale later this year.
7. Honda CR-V
YTD Sales: 134,669
Vs. 2014: 4.7%
Ten years ago the best-selling SUVs on the market were truck-based offerings from the domestic car companies, so a lot has changed in a decade. Now the crossover is winning the hearts and wallets of America, and the Honda of crossovers — the CR-V — is all new for 2015 and wears the crown as the best-selling SUV in America, as well as the top seller in the Honda lineup.
6. Nissan Altima
YTD Sales: 142,613
Vs. 2014: -5.1%
It may be one of only three Nissans in this list of 20 best-selling vehicles in America, but the Altima brings a lot to the party. The stalwart sedan offers a nice mix of comfort, style and — most important to the majority of shoppers — great fuel economy. Nissan sales in general are still up almost 3 percent for the year, making the brand the sixth best for sales in America, just slightly behind Honda.
5. Toyota Corolla
YTD Sales: 159,586
Vs. 2014: 11.2%
The Corolla certainly is an old-timer — at least in name. 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 it was introduced. Now in its eleventh generation, Corolla is the best-selling compact car in America. The redesign has certainly been well accepted — Corolla is holding steady as the fifth-most-popular vehicle in America.
4. Toyota Camry
YTD Sales: 178,408
Vs. 2014: -1.9%
The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord used to battle for the title of top-selling passenger car in the U.S., but in the last 10 years Camry has been able to solidify its lead. Completely redesigned for the 2015 model year, Camry’s new style and updated features have paid dividends — Toyota seems to be having no trouble holding onto this coveted top spot.
3. Ram Truck
YTD Sales: 179,384
Vs. 2014: 5.1%
The Ram 1500 passed the Toyota Camry and moved into third place last year, and with strong sales the truck continues to hold this position. In fact this was the best May sales figures the Ram pickup has seen in 11 years. A new fuel-efficient EcoDiesel that claims 28 mpg and some special-edition trims are boosting sales of the full-size pickup. In September 2014 Ram predicted the EcoDiesel would comprise 20 percent of production.
2. Chevrolet Silverado
YTD Sales: 224,274
Vs. 2014: 13.8%
The perennial runner-up to the Ford F-Series, the Silverado was completely redesigned for 2014 with new styling and a series of new engines. The updated truck carried over its base price from the previous generation, and each month GM’s offering take a slight bite out of the F-150’s lead. That said, it does not appear that Silverado will catch the top seller this year.
1. Ford F-Series
YTD Sales: 302,009
Vs. 2014: -1.1%
The Ford F-Series pickup truck has worn the sales crown as best-selling vehicle in America for more than 30 years. While sales are down slightly year over year — largely due to supply issues — this versatile pickup shows no signs of relinquishing its throne. According to some quick calculations, if Ford sold F-150s 24 hours a day for the 31 days of May, there would have been more than one F-150 sold every minute. And with an all-new F-150 just coming to market, Ford should continue to see success in the U.S.