Top 5 Best Selling Cars in North America

What are the best-selling cars in North America today? The answer may surprise you! Consumer demand for new technologies and the car buyers appetite for more exciting looks have led to a new generation of more fuel-efficient, sophisticated, and safety-oriented cars, with many luxurious features.

Until 2008 the best-selling vehicles in North America weren’t mid-size sedans, as most people might expect. The best-sellers were pick-up trucks! Until 2008, the best-selling models were the Ford F-Series pick-up trucks, followed by the Chevrolet Silverado. In recent years, rising oil prices stripped pick-up trucks of the "Best-selling vehicle type" title in mid-2008.

Ten years later, the top-selling cars in North America looks like quite a different list. Here are the current Top 5:

#1 Honda Civic

#2 Toyota Camry

#3 Honda CR-V

#4 Toyota RAV4

#5 Nissan Rogue

Let’s take a brief look at these super best-sellers and why they rise to the top of all best-selling cars in North America.

#1 Honda Civic: As many Honda owners can attest, the Honda Civic enjoys a long list of advantages over the competition. Among them are higher EPA fuel economy ratings. The 2015 Civic sedan with CVT has a 4-mpg city rating advantage and a 2-mpg combined rating advantage versus the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze with 6 speed automatic transmission. The Civic also has better predicted reliability. According to USNews.com, the 2014 Civic's predicted reliability is "Among The Best," giving owners the assurance of a more trouble free ownership experience. By contrast, the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze's predicted reliability is "About Average." One of the most important qualities for owners is the Honda Civic’s significantly higher resale value and generally lower cost of ownership. It’s estimated, for example, that the 2015 Civic EX-L Sedan will retain 55% of its initial value after 36 months and 40% after 60 months vs. only 45% and 33% for the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT with automatic transmission. According to Edmunds.com True Cost to Own® (TCO®) calculations, the Chevrolet Cruze 2LT will also cost its owners $2,028 more over five years and 75,000 miles compared to the Honda Civic. The Honda Civic EX L Sedan also compares well with the competition. For example, compared to the 2015 Ford Focus Titanium Sedan, the Civic's top advantages include significantly more legroom in the back seat. Civic offers rear-seat passengers 3.0 inches more legroom than Focus for greater comfort. Edmunds.com compliments Civic's "spacious interior," while noting that Focus's "backseat is a little short on legroom." Of primary importance is the Civic sedan’s higher EPA fuel economy ratings. The 2015 Civic sedan with CVT has a 3-mpg city rating advantage, a 2-mpg highway rating advantage, and a 2-mpg combined rating advantage versus the 2015 Ford Focus Titanium Sedan with the "Powershift" dual clutch automated manual transmission. This Honda model also enjoyed predicted reliability that is "Among The Best," which provides prospective owners with a comfort level regarding a more trouble free ownership experience. By comparison, the 2014 Focus's predicted reliability is "About Average." When compared with the 2015 Toyota Corolla LE Premium CVT, the Honda Civic EX L Sedan also offers more luxury in the price range, with leather trimmed seats – not available on Corollas – making car covers a good investment. Among the further advantages enjoyed by this Honda Civic model, the 2015 Civic's 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine produces 11 more horsepower than Corolla's 1.8 liter 4-cylinder for a superior driving performance. In addition, the Civic has a fully independent multi-link rear suspension and rear disc brakes then the less sophisticated semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension and rear drum brakes on the Corolla. Edmunds.com notes, "The Honda Civic has long been one of the better driving cars in its class, and this tradition continues with precise, well weighted steering and composed handling." By contrast, Edmunds.com criticizes the Corolla for "modest acceleration" and "indifferent handling." Like the other Honda Civic models, the EX L has a higher EPA fuel economy rating versus the 2015 Toyota Corolla with CVT.

#2 Toyota Camry: Number two on the Top 5 list is the Toyota Camry. This little car provides sensible finances with a fun, exhilarating performance and much-improved styling. The new Camry models are sleek, with a wide, bold stance. Inside, the driver’s environment is warm and welcoming. The 2019 model has three powertrains and a next-generation platform that reduces weight and lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity. Toyota promotes their Total Safety Sense enhancements, featuring three active safety technologies, combining a camera and laser for reliable performance. The Safety Sense package can help prevent collisions in a range of vehicle speeds, and under certain specific conditions. The Pre-Collisions System (or PCS) includes anti-lock brake systems, magnetic wheel-speed sensors used to detect sudden braking. The PCS system responds by releasing brake pressure then reapplying optimum pressure to the brakes. This process is rapidly repeated, many times per second, which help the driver maintain steering control. The Total Safety Sense package includes an in-vehicle camera and laser to detect the car in front of you – but there are several caveats and warnings associated with reliance on the system. It may not work in all conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, sandstorm or snow, or while driving on a curve. The popular Camry has a reputation as a sporty car, but with a new range of models and trims, there is a Camry to satisfy your personality and driving habits. The Toyota Camry can deliver economical transportation, but also luxury features, and advanced technology. With responsive and sporty performance, the Camry continues its long run of popularity with the car-buying public. The all-new 2018 Toyota Camry has a redesigned exterior that’s a sleek and stylish mix of sweeping curves and chiseled surfaces. The XSE’s sport side rocker panels and the integrated rear spoiler emphasize the coiled stance while redirecting airflow to enhance performance and efficiency. Sporty front and rear bumpers set your heart racing, while standard Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P)²⁴ helps provide peace of mind. Here is how the 2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6 compares against the 2018 Ford Fusion Titanium FWD. For performance enthusiasts, the Camry XSE V6 has 6 cylinders while Fusion Titanium FWD has only 4, while the Camry’s horsepower is 301 while the Fusion horsepower is only 231 The Camry sports an 8-speed transmission while the Fusion only has a 6-speed configuration. Convenience features like a power sunroof/moonroof come standard on Camry XSE V6 but only comes as an additional-cost option on Fusion Titanium FWD. For safety, the Camry scored a 5-star rating from NHTSA. The Fusion only scored a 3-star rating. Owners of the Toyota Camry consistently report excellent satisfaction.

#3 Honda CR-V: Both the EX and the EX-L get rave reviews. The EX-L has desirable luxury features such as leather upholstery, a programmable power liftgate and a premium audio system. Many owners invest in car covers for these beautiful vehicles. But if you just need a practical utility vehicle, the cheaper EX offers generous features of its own, including a sunroof, and it comes standard with the same turbocharged engine and a 7-inch touchscreen-based infotainment system. Edmunds.com gives the Honda CR-V an overall 8.1 out of 10 rating. The Honda CR-V was redesigned last year and, frankly, we were surprised by how deep the changes went. Rather than phone in some superficial tweaks to a top-selling model, Honda gave it a ground-up overhaul that decisively parted ways with its predecessor. The 2018 Honda CR-V sets a new pace for its rivals to follow. Among the tricks up this fifth-generation CR-V's sleeve is a turbocharged engine that comes on all trims except for the base LX. With ample low-end torque and a fuel-sipping design — fuel economy climbs as high as 34 mpg highway, according to EPA estimates — the turbo engine is a natural fit in the CR-V. The 2018 Honda CR-V also benefits from an overhauled suspension that reduces body roll in corners without compromising its historically compliant ride. The wheelbase is longer, the front and rear tracks are wider, and there's even an extra 1.5 inches of ground clearance for those who found that the previous CR-V scraped its stomach too often in light-duty off-roading. All-wheel drive remains an option for those mild excursions into the dirt, as well as for increased stability in wet weather. Inside, the CR-V follows the latest Civic's lead with a modernized dashboard, a digitally enhanced instrument cluster, and an updated touchscreen that thankfully includes a physical volume knob. There's also more rear legroom than in earlier models and an exceptional 75.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space that makes the supposedly compact CR-V a legitimate alternative to midsize SUVs. Add it all up and the CR-V is a strong contender for best-in-class honors, despite tough competition from crossover rivals such as the more rugged Subaru Forester and the more athletic Nissan Rogue. The 2018 Honda CR-V is offered in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. The LX isn't exactly bare-bones, but it does have a less powerful engine along with a 5-inch display screen and no sunroof. Step up to the EX and you get a standard sunroof plus a 7-inch touchscreen, a power driver seat and a more powerful, turbocharged engine. The EX-L tacks on items such as leather, premium audio and a power liftgate, while the Touring goes all in with LED headlights, a subwoofer and more. Opt for the base LX and you'll get a decent roster of equipment, including a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (184 horsepower, 180 pound-feet of torque) paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, an electronic parking brake, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights, automatic climate control, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a 5-inch color LCD dashboard display, and a four-speaker audio system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Honda's various advanced safety technologies are not offered on the LX, although all-wheel drive is optional as on all trims. The EX ups the ante with a more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine (190 hp, 179 lb.-ft.), remote start, 18-inch wheels, fog lights, heated mirrors, body-colored door handles and spoiler, rear privacy glass, a retractable cargo cover, keyless entry and start, an upgraded driver information center, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver's seat, and heated front seats. Infotainment features include a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Audio phone integration, satellite radio, an upgraded rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, numerous advanced safety features (automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and intervention, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking) and second-row USB charging ports. The EX-L's upgrades include a programmable-height power liftgate, driver-seat memory settings, leather upholstery, a power passenger seat (though it lacks a height adjustment), a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an eight-speaker audio system with HD radio. A navigation system is optional on the EX-L but not on the lesser trims. The top-of-the-line Touring boasts LED headlights, dual chrome exhaust tips, roof rails, automatic wipers, hands-free functionality for the power liftgate, ambient interior lighting, a navigation system and a subwoofer for the audio system. With capable if not thrilling acceleration, composed handling and confident highway manners, the turbocharged CR-V is a multidisciplined competitor. If you're looking for a small SUV that doesn't makes compromises for its size, this Honda fits the bill.

#4 Toyota Rav4: When it comes to just plain fun driving, it’s hard to beat the Toyota Rav4, which makes it number four in our Top 5 best-seller list. The Toyota Rav4 is a compact crossover SUV (sport utility vehicle) produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. This was the first compact crossover SUV; it made it’s debut in Japan and Europe in 1994, and in North America in 1995. The vehicle was designed for consumers wanting a vehicle that had most of the benefits of SUVs, such as increased cargo room, higher visibility, and the option of full-time four-wheel drive, along with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a compact car. Although not all RAV4s are four-wheel-drive, RAV4 stands for "Recreational Activity Vehicle: 4-wheel drive", because the aforementioned equipment is an option in select countries. With eighteen-inch black alloy wheels, over fender flares and rocker panel guards all standard, the Rav4 wins high marks in adventure styling for the modern car buyer. The Rav4 has black-accented heated power windows, black roof rails for taking your gear along, and halogen projector beam headlights with black bezels. The Rav4 also has Toyota’s Safety Sense Package, which combines the in-vehicle camera and front-mounted millimeter-wave radar, enhancing performance and adding more functionality. In addition to the Toyota Pre-Collision System, they have added a Pedestrian Detection function, a Steering Assist function on certain models and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. New models of the Rav4 feature the Adventure trim, increased ride height (from 6.1 inches to 6.5 inches). The Toyota Rav4 has one of the largest and most versatile cargo areas in its class. Advanced safety and driver aids come standard, and the ride is smooth in a variety of conditions. All these features combined mean the Toyota Rav4 deserves its place in our Top 5 list.

#5 Nissan Rogue: Climbing into the Top 5 list, the 2018 Nissan Rogue was named a Top Safety Pick for the third year in a row by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan. It made it’s debut in October 2007 for the 2008 model year. The current model, the second generation launched in 2013, is the United States of America and Canada version of the Nissan X-Trail. It is currently Nissan's best-selling vehicle in the United States. The Nissan Rogue Hybrid for 2018 provides all the new technology drivers want combined with even more fuel efficiency and performance. ProPILOT Assist is a new feature for 2018, which helps keep a driver a preset distance from the car in front of them and helps keep the car centered in the traffic lane. The NissanConnect Services accesses features from your smartphone and displays them on Rogue’s 7-inch color display, along with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. And hands-free Bluetooth means a hands-free phone system which also enables hands-free texting and audio streaming. Additional safety features available into the programmable Nissan I-key. The Nissan standard automatic emergency braking detects the risk of a frontal collision. It can alert the driver and apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate the effects of an impact. Other features are blind spot warnings, rear cross traffic alerts, lane departure warnings, intelligent lane intervention, intelligent around view monitor, high beam assist headlights, hill start assist, trace control, and standard intelligent braking. Some models offer a heated steering wheel and an exclusive Divide-N-Hide cargo system, along with rear spoilers and chrome license plate finishers. The Rogue is powered by a 170 hp (127 kW; 172 PS), 2.5 L four-cylinder QR25DE engine mated to a standard continuously variable transmission, and comes standard with front-wheel-drive. The Rogue costs less than Nissan's Murano crossover SUV, but at 105.8 cu ft (3.00 m³) vs. 108.1 cu ft (3.06 m³) offers only slightly less passenger volume than its V6-powered sibling, and a nearly equal cargo area of 39.3 cu ft (1,110 L) vs. 39.6 cu ft (1,120 L).