To quote writer, comedian, and keen observer of culture Marc Maron, "Making lists is a dead culture's version of intellectualism." While he has a point, as enthusiasts, we have a vested interest in rooting for the success of the auto industry. To put a finer point on it, without the coffer-lining sales volumes of the Chevrolet Cruze and Toyota Camry, there likely would be no Camaro Z/28 or LFA. And that's a society none of us want to be a member of. So join us at this quick peek at the 21 bestselling models of the year. (Data from Automotive News through November 2014.)
21) Nissan Rogue (184,320 units)
The second bestselling model in Nissan's lineup, the Rogue has somewhat transcended its debut as a small Sentra-based crossover. Although the fresh chassis—the Rogue was just redesigned for 2014—provides a smooth ride and the new sheetmetal lends a modicum of style, this CVT-equipped seven-seater's mission remains the same: Haul asses first, haul groceries second . . . and haul ass maybe tenth.
20) GMC Sierra (188,397 units)
The upscale brother to Chevy's ubiquitous Silverado pickup, GMC's Sierra is largely the same truck in zootier clothing. The maker tells us its customers know this, but they continue to line up with cash in hand to deliver huge sales numbers.
19) Ford Explorer (191,530 units)
The SUV that arguably kicked off the trend back in 1990 just keeps going, racking up respectable sales year after year. Like chicken soup or an old pair of jeans, the Explorer is both familiar and comfortable, making it the go-to vehicle choice for thousands of families.
18) Toyota Prius (192,958 units)
Offering impressive fuel economy with a skosh of new-age smugness, the Prius (the sales figures for which also includes the tiny C hatchback and V wagon) long ago transcended its reputation as a dorky hybrid to gain wider acceptance. Well, for those who disdain driving, as you're barking up the wrong tree—and you're in the wrong forest—if it's excitement you're after.
17) Hyundai Sonata (199,012 units)
Retuned and restyled for 2015, the Sonata is an amicable, if not decisive, transportation device. While largely devoid of the driving delight delivered by, say, the Honda Accord, both leftover 2014 and new 2015 models had the goods to lure plenty of buyers into the showroom this year.
16) Hyundai Elantra (203,163 units)
Commuters unite! Offered with your choice of four-cylinder engines (a 145-hp 1.8-liter or a 173-hp 2.0-liter), the Elantra puts on a good face but never forgets its value-proposition roots. Apparently, consumers dig it.
15) Ford Focus (204,751 units)
Refreshed for 2015, the Focuskeeps on keepin' on with the formula that made it a sales star right from the start, namely mixing style with a decent chassis, competent powertrain options, and up-to-date technology. It seems obvious, but many automakers still manage to screw up the recipe. (And Ford did, too, with the unlamented previous-generation Focus.) The current model is one compact that requires no apologies.
14) Chevrolet Equinox (220,944 units)
Although Chevy's Equinox is quite dated, it hasn't affected the small ute's ability to rack up top-20 sales numbers. Available with either a 2.4-liter inline-four or a 3.6-liter V-6, the portly crossover is proof that sometimes core competency trumps cutting edge when to comes to appeasing the masses.
13) Toyota RAV4 (244,701 units)
While the RAV4 isn't our favorite small crossover to drive, it's decent enough. After all, it's hard to sell this many of anything on name recognition alone. It's roomy, well built, and inoffensive to look at, which explains why you see so damn many of the things on the road.
12) Chevrolet Cruze (255,260 units)
Another example of well-rounded practicality triumphing over sheer excitement, although this small car is decent enough to wheel and handsome to boot. A new global Cruze is about to pop from the pipeline, but the current model clearly has no shortage of takers.
11) Ford Escape (280,609 units)
Long a sales leader in the baby-SUV segment, Ford's Escape has no intention of giving up any ground. Stylish and equipped with a sporty, willing chassis, the Escape has woven itself into the fabric of America, following the lead of its Explorer big brother.
10) Ford Fusion (283,694 units)
Ford showed a bit of its wild side when it redesigned its Fusion sedan for 2013, melding the corporate DNA (and an Aston Martin face) with downright seductive body lines and an eager driving character. The result? People loved it.
9) Honda Civic (300,644 units)
Available in coupe and sedan body styles (and in hotted-up Si form as seen here), the Honda Civic has long been a textbook example of the small-car species. After a cheapskate redesign severely disappointed customers (and this magazine), Honda quickly reworked the latest-generation car to feel more upscale. Available with your choice of four-cylinder gasoline, hybrid, or CNG powertrains, versatility is arguably its greatest asset.
8) Honda CR-V (302,650 units)
Honda's CR-V remained a popular choice, even if you sort of, kinda forget it exists sometimes. Known for mild temperament and all-around utility, it hits the small crossover target right in the bulls-eye. A comprehensive refresh for 2015 brings a new engine, transmission, and interior and exterior styling.
7) Nissan Altima (303,313 units)
Only the second Nissan to make the cut, the Altima offers decent driving dynamics but the fun often is squelched by its CVT transmission, which comes with both the base 2.5-liter four and the mighty 270-hp, naturally aspirated V-6.(Nissan says only around 20 percent of buyers opt for the V-6.) Still, Nissan must be on to something, as It sold more than 300,000 Altimas this year, CVT be damned.
6) Toyota Corolla (309,373 units)
Surprised? Didn't think so. The sales of Toyota's compact are a constant, predictable force. The numbers may ebb and flow slightly from year to year, but as with late-night burritos and cheap beer, there will always be people with money in hand waiting their turn to take one home.
5) Honda Accord (356,785 units)
A perennial 10Best winner, The Accord is a sedan that just gets everything right. Blending an agile chassis, fluid controls, plenty of space for people and stuff, and attractive styling with a reasonable price, it's proof that sometimes nice guys win.
4) Ram pickups (395,567 units)
Long an outlier in the pickup game, Ram has hit its stride in recent years. Led by the 305-hp, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and followed closely by the efficient 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6, suddenly Ram is leading leading in areas where it used to follow. Updated versions of its now-classic brutish styling, RamBox in-bed storage, and and available eight-speed automatic certainly help matters.
3) Toyota Camry (396,988 units)
Ha! Did you really think we could get any farther without that Japanese-American icon of four-door suburban bliss? Far from the most inspiring driver's vehicle available—although the new 2015 model has spiced up things slightly—it is no doubt the uncontested hero of Toyota's accounting department. If the success of the Camry means more sports cars like the Lexus LFA, the Scion FR-S, and maybe even a reborn Supra, we say let it ride.
2) Chevrolet Silverado (471,918 units)
A half-million folks picked up Chevrolet's Silverado pickup, which received a redesign for 2014. An eight-speed automatic transmission is on the way for 2015, but Chevy has no plans to go aluminum like its blue-ovaled rival. Although Chevy, like Ford and Ram, includes its quarter-, half-, and one-ton trucks in its sales tabulations, there's no denying this is still a hell of a lot of trucks.
Andrew Wendler
Associate Editor, Buyer's Guide
Andrew Wendler brings decades of wrenching, writing, and editorial experience with numerous outlets to Car and Driver. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including Car and Driver, Esquire, Forbes, Hot Rod, Motor Trend, MPH, MSN, and Popular Mechanics, among others. A Rust Belt native and tireless supporter of the region, he grew up immersed in automotive, marine, and aviation culture. A lifetime of hands-on experience and a healthy dose of skepticism provide him the tools to deliver honest and informative news, reviews, and editorial perspective. Of note, he once won a $5 bet by walking the entire length of the elevated People Mover up track that encircles downtown Detroit.
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