10 Best-Selling Vehicles of 2016
New car sales in 2016 were vigorous, to say the least. With gas prices plummeting, and painless financing opportunities paired with good overall consumer confidence, automakers had no problem moving millions of vehicles out of their showroom and into the hearts and garages of people across North America. If you have been following along for the last three decades, it should be no surprise to you which automobile takes the number one spot yet again this year, but there are some models along the way that will surprise you!
10. Nissan Rogue
It's no surprise that the tenth-best-selling model in America is this crossover. More consumers chose the Rogue than any other model from Nissan in 2016 having sold 289,427 models, closely followed by the midsize Altima sedan. Attractive both on the inside and out, the Rogue is complete with comfy seats, nice materials, and many connectivity features as well as a 170-hp four-cylinder with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
9. Honda Accord
Coming in at number nine is the dependable Honda Accord, selling 311,352 models in 2016. The Accord is fun to drive as well as practical, with a 185-hp, 2.4-liter four and a six-speed manual transmission that come standard in the coupe and sedan (sport models deliver 189-hp). EX models and above are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but some people found the buttonless infotainment system annoying to operate.
8. Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 is a pioneer of the compact crossover segment in America, only gaining popularity ever since as it stands as Toyota's third best-selling vehicle and eighth best-selling model overall (314,925 in 2016). Its angled headlamps and sharp bodywork give it a dominant presence, but inside it is a comfortable, practical and easygoing ride. Complete with a 176-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed automatic transmission and either front or all-wheel drive, dependent on preference.
7. Honda CR-V
In November of 2016, Honda sold 25,758 CR-Vs (annual total of 319,557), beating the highly sought-after, Honda Civic. However, it can be assumed that this is a direct correlation of the CR-V getting a complete makeover for 2017, as units are just recently hitting dealerships. With versatility, competence, and a reliability you can't easily find these days, as well as being handsome with a roomy interior, the CR-V appeals to all kinds of people. The base engine is a 184-hp, 2.4-liter four cylinder, but a 190-hp, 1.5-liter turbo is an option, as well as optional all-wheel drive and automated emergency braking.
6. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is said to be an exemplary model in the automotive industry, with a total of 335,445 sold in 2016. The perfect mix of fun and practicality, with precise steering and a well-tuned suspension, the Civic provides an easy ride with sweet handling. Lots of interior room, but it is said that thigh support may be lacking in the front for taller individuals. Sedan and coupe models get a 158-hp, 2.0-liter four cylinder engine or a 174-hp, 1.5-liter turbo four paired with a six-speed manual or a CVT.
5. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is said to be of exceptional value and loaded with features, although one thing the Corolla lacks is excitement. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder makes 132-hp and drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. Complete with a 6.1-inch touchscreen Bluetooth infotainment system that can be upgraded to a 7.0-inch unit with navigation. Since all Corolla models come with touches of modern tech - including adaptive cruise control, lane-assist, automatic high-beams and automated emergency braking - it's no wonder there were 346,999 sold in 2016.
4. Toyota Camry
Although sales on the Camry have been trending downward, there was still a whopping 355,204 sold in 2016. The Camry is the car for those who view their car as an appliance, with the standard model packing a 178-hp, four-cylinder engine (while a 268-hp V-6 is a much peppier option) and a stiffer suspension with some extra styling bits. Some reports state that the Camry's steering feels rather numb, and its braking and handling capabilities are less-than-exceptional.
3. Ram Pickup
There are few vehicles on the market today that have as broad an appeal as a full-size pickup, and the Ram - with dozens of configurations - is no exception to this. With nearly all sales being fullsize pickups, starting at the 1500 and heading into Heavy Duty territory from there. It is available in rear or four-wheel drive; regular, quad, or crew cab; and 5'7, 6'4, and 8" bed lengths with the power pouring out of it's 3.6-liter V-6 engine, or 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6, or a maxed-out 5.7-liter V-8 with which you can tow up to 10,700 pounds. Consumers experience a gentle ride and an intuitive infotainment system that make the Ram pickup a dream to drive, there's little doubt that 441,862 of them were sold in 2016.
2. Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevy Silverado is nothing short of an amenity-packed, luxury, multi-tasking machine! Complete with a quiet cabin and a smooth ride, these vehicles really do appeal to the masses, selling an insane 520,604 in 2016. A 4.3-liter V-6 with 305 lb-ft and a six-speed automatic transmission loaded into the standard model, with optional V-8s and a 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter for additional towing capacity. One size really doesn't fit all in the Silverado's case, considering there are regular, double, and crew cabs all availabile with 5'8, 6'6 and 8" beds.
1. Ford F-Series
It is no surprise that the legendary Ford F-Series takes the number one spot in 2016, with total sales sitting at 733,287 in 2016. The F-Series lineup, including the well-known F-150 and its beefier Super Duty siblings, are still the best-selling vehicles in America, with a comfortable sales margin of more than 200,000 units over the Silverado. The base model includes a 3.5-liter V-6, with options ranging to a 5.0-liter V-8, all paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Additional configurations include regular, super-cab, and crew cab, as well as 6.8-8' beds but all configurations promise the consumer a quiet cabin and a compliant ride.