The automobile industry in the United States is massive, with buyers having dozens of top selling car brands in America and hundreds of models to choose from. Despite this variety, a few major brands stand out from the competition and dominate new car sales year after year. So what is the most popular car brand in America?
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Introduction
The American auto market has historically been dominated by the “Big Three” domestic car makers – General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler (now part of Stellantis). For decades these Detroit stalwarts held the top sales spots for both brands and individual models.
However, over the last twenty years the market has diversified with the rise of major foreign brands like Toyota, Honda, Nissan and others.
By looking at recent sales data we can get a snapshot of the top selling car brands from America today and analyze the shifts happening in the world’s second largest car market.
5 Top Selling Car Brands in America
According to auto industry sales data aggregated by GoodCarBadCar.net, the 5 top selling car brands in America in 2022 and 2023 were:
| Ford – 1 | 767 | 439 vehicle sales |
| Toyota – 1 | 849 | 751 vehicle sales |
| Chevrolet – 1 | 502 | 389 vehicle sales |
| Honda – 881 | 201 vehicle sales | |
| Hyundai – 724 | 265 vehicle sales |
These top 5 brands accounted for over 50% of the total new vehicle sales in the US in 2022 and 2023.
Below is a summary table of the sales figures for the top 5 car brands over the last few years:
| Brand | 2019 Sales | 2020 Sales | 2021 Sales | 2022 and 2023 Sales |
| Toyota | 2,383,349 | 1,935,850 | 2,048,279 | 1,849,751 |
| Ford | 2,422,698 | 1,942,545 | 1,891,025 | 1,767,439 |
| Chevrolet | 2,887,943 | 1,958,925 | 1,350,369 | 1,502,389 |
| Honda | 1,608,172 | 1,052,955 | 1,147,628 | 881,201 |
| Hyundai | 688,771 | 522,183 | 670,995 | 724,265 |
As the table shows, most of the major brands experienced sales declines during 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but rebounded in 2021 and 2022 and 2023.
However, 2022 and 2023 sales for many top selling car brands in America remained below pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019.
Top-Selling Car Brands in America 2024 (So Far)
| Brand | Units Sold (YTD) | Market Share | Notable Models |
| Ford | 1,805,416 | 10.11% | Ford F-Series remains the best-selling vehicle with significant sales despite a slight year-over-year decline. |
| Chevrolet | 1,506,307 | 9.02% | Chevrolet Silverado and Equinox continue to perform well, although Silverado experienced a drop in sales compared to last year. |
| Toyota | 1,640,671 | 9.92% | Toyota RAV4 and Camry are among the top-selling vehicles, although overall sales saw a slight decline. |
| Honda | 1,058,870 | 6.20% | The Honda CR-V and Civic have maintained strong sales figures. |
| Hyundai | 682,296 | 4.47% | Hyundai Tucson remains popular despite a slight decrease in sales. |
| Nissan | Approximately 600,000 | N/A | The Nissan Rogue continues to be a strong performer in the SUV segment. |
| Subaru | 548,164 | 3.40% | Subaru Forester and Outback have seen positive sales growth. |
| Kia | 650,168 | N/A | Kia Sportage and Telluride are leading their respective segments. |
| GMC | 697,486 | N/A | GMC Sierra shows solid performance in the truck category. |
| Tesla | N/A | N/A | Sales figures indicate continued growth in electric vehicle sales, particularly for models like the Model Y. |
Domestic vs Import Brands
The list of top selling car brands in America includes representatives from both domestic and import car makers. In fact, the #1 spot has been held by foreign brands Toyota or Honda for over a decade.
However, good showings by Ford and Chevrolet demonstrate domestic car makers still have strength.
Overall, about 55% of new car sales in 2022 and 2023 were from imported top selling car brands in America while 45% were from domestic US carmakers.
This reflects the growing market share captured by foreign nameplates – especially Japanese, Korean and European automakers.
Brands like Toyota with its reputation for reliability, Hyundai with styling and tech features that rival luxury models, and BMW with its performance pedigree continue to expand their customer base.
At the same time, the Detroit 3 (GM, Ford and Stellantis) are fighting to maintain sales despite dropping demand for passenger cars in favor of trucks and SUVs.
Their best selling models remain stalwart pickup trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado and RAM 1500. These muscle trucks continue to rake in huge profits for their manufacturers.
Top Selling Car Brands in America
In addition to leading among brands, Toyota and Ford also produced the top selling vehicle models in 2022 and 2023.
These were:
- Ford F-Series pickup trucks – 653,957 units
- Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks – 480,774 units
- Toyota RAV4 SUV – 407,739 units
- Honda CR-V SUV – 336,994 units
- Ram Pickup trucks – 333,273 units
As evidenced by this list, the preference among American car buyers continues to skew heavily towards light trucks and SUVs. Low gas prices combined with practicality, more seating and available all-wheel drive make these body styles attractive options for many households.
Within segments, Ford and Chevy’s full-size pickups dominate the market with almost 1 out of every 5 new vehicles sold being an F-Series or Silverado truck.
Toyota’s RAV4 leads the compact SUV space as a efficient, reliable option with available hybrid powertrain. And Honda’s CR-V wins fans with clever interior layout and reputation for strong resale value.
Millennial Car Buyers
One interesting trend is the influence of millennial car shoppers as they enter their prime buying years. By 2030, millennials are forecast to account for 40% of new vehicle purchases.
While they came of age during a recession and entered the workforce burdened by debt, millennials are now the most educated, ethnically diverse American generation – and their vehicle preferences reflect a changing culture.
According to surveys, this demographic is less emotionally tied to cars and more likely to view them pragmatically. They are often more eco-conscious, drawn towards affordable hybrids and EVs like the Toyota Prius and Tesla Model 3.
Research also indicates millennials favor domestic SUVs and trucks – but with an emphasis on technology features over size or performance. For example, the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco rate highly for their adventure-ready style and connectivity.
Top selling car brands in America able speak this language – delivering value, efficiency and innovation in a youthful package – are primed to capture this essential market for decades.
As Per DeckersAuto The Future Outlook
The above analysis shows a view of the current American automotive landscape with brands like Toyota, Ford and Chevrolet locked in close competition for sales leadership positions.
Domestic top selling car brands in America are facing pressure from overseas make inroads but have stalwart truck and SUV models generating profits. And influencers like millennials and electric vehicle adoption are slowly reshaping the market.
Looking ahead, the gradual shift away from passenger cars will likely continue as more Americans embrace SUVs and trucks tailored for current tastes.
Brands may further segment truck lines into off-road trim packages, luxury editions and fleet models. At the same time, battery-electric vehicle offerings will expand to bring greener transportation into the mainstream.
Legacy car makers will strive to fend off disruption from Tesla and other EV startups hungry for market share. Success will require massive investments in electric platforms and self-driving technology. Economic factors, changing social attitudes and unpredictable events will bring further surprises.
But for now, giants Toyota, General Motors and the Ford Motor Company remain firmly in the driver’s seat – delivering the models Americans love to buy and drive.
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