Hits And Misses
Ever wonder which cars Americans put their money on recently? The automotive scenario tells two completely different stories when you look at the data. Some models mentioned here sold out of dealer lots faster than concert tickets, while others lingered on like forgotten gym memberships.
1. Toyota RAV4
After 42 years of Ford F-150 dominance, something incredible happened in 2024. The Toyota RAV4 sold 475,193 units, finally dethroning America's truck king and claiming the crown as the nation's #1 vehicle. This compact SUV's hybrid variants drove much of its success.
2. Honda CR-V
Imagine you own a vehicle that runs for 200,000 miles without breaking a sweat. That's the CR-V's reputation, with over 400,000 Americans buying into the promise. Honda's compact SUV surged 11% from the previous year. Looks like boring reliability is precisely what people want.
3. Tesla Model Y
Back in 2020, if you'd told someone an electric SUV would crack America's top 4 best-sellers, they'd have laughed. Fast-forward to last year, and the Model Y moved 405900 units despite a 3% sales dip. What's wild is that Tesla achieved this without traditional advertising or dealerships.
4. Toyota Camry
The secret sauce? Going hybrid-only for 2025 gave buyers the perfect combo of practicality and 50+ mpg fuel economy that's impossible to ignore. Its base MSRP ranges from $28,400 to $34,600, depending on the trim, with the LE version being the most efficient.
5. Toyota Corolla
This beast offers new-car ownership without the crushing monthly payments. Its standard engine features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, alongside a continuously variable automatic transmission. Besides, it has a cargo capacity of 13.1 cubic feet.
6. Chevrolet Silverado
Construction sites, farms, and suburban driveways across America are filled with Silverados for good reason. Chevy's workhorse posted fantastic gains in 2024, with the entire Sierra lineup growing 10% compared to 2023's numbers. It delivers serious towing power without the premium price tag of luxury trucks.
7. Honda Civic
Remember when compact cars were considered boring econoboxes? The Civic changed that narrative completely. Last year saw the Civic surge 21% in sales, making it America's best-selling compact car and earning a coveted top-10 spot overall. There's also a 2025 addition of a hybrid variant.
8. Ford F-150
The F-150 had been America's best-selling vehicle since 1982. But 2024 marked the end of an era with a 5% drop that cost Ford its legendary crown. Despite losing the top spot, this automobile remains the undisputed pickup champion.
9. Nissan Rogue
Within Nissan’s lineup, the Rogue outperformed all other models, including the fast-growing Sentra. It had a significant sales increase, but still trailed the Rogue in total volume. Rogue’s premium features include Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control and a Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof.
10. Subaru Crosstrek
8.7 inches of ground clearance and a starting price under $30,000. Yes, the Crosstrek hits the sweet spot for outdoorsy folks. Sales jumped in recent years, making it a driver's favorite and demonstrating that a compact SUV can handle life's adventures efficiently.
1. Hyundai Nexo
Picture walking into every gas station in America and finding exactly zero places to fill up your car. That's life with the Nexo, Hyundai's hydrogen SUV that managed poor sales nationwide. It's available only in California, where hydrogen infrastructure barely exists.
2. Toyota Mirai
Toyota bet big on hydrogen being the next fuel revolution, but American buyers didn't get the memo. The Mirai sedan sold only 346 units, making it one of the rarest cars in the USA. What's tragic is that the Mirai actually offers 400+ mile range.
3. Genesis G90
The G90 competes in a shrinking segment, as buyers increasingly favor SUVs and crossovers over large sedans. As per Edmunds, the 2024 edition starts at around $89,200–$99,500, which is competitive, but still a significant investment for a relatively new luxury nameplate.
4. Fiat 500e
At $34,000, this car costs more than a Honda CR-V but delivers only 120 miles of real-world range. Besides, some common complaints include electrical system malfunctions, infotainment failures, random warning lights, and unexplained battery drain, all of which can lead to frequent dealership visits.
5. Jaguar F-Type
Beauty alone doesn't sell vehicles anymore, and the gorgeous F-Type is living proof. Only 49 F-Types found homes in 2024 as Jaguar prepares to abandon sports cars entirely for electric luxury SUVs. The F-Type's supercharged V8 symphony and stunning curves couldn't overcome reliability concerns.
6. Mini Cooper Hardtop
During the last year, Mini faced a brutal 224-day inventory backlog. The Cooper's charm offensive falls flat against practical alternatives like the RAV4 that cost similar money but actually fit American lifestyles. Owners report problems with the fuel system, such as sensors and fuel pumps.
7. Nissan Z
Sports car fans begged Nissan for a new Z, then promptly ignored it when it arrived. Despite rising sales numbers, dealers still faced huge inventory gluts as the Z struggled to find its audience. Reviewers have even noted unpredictable delays between shift requests and actual gear changes.
8. Audi A3
Europe loves the A3, but America couldn't care less about Audi's compact sedan. Dealers were sitting on a whopping 468-day supply, with under 8,500 combined A3 and S3 sales. Meanwhile, the Audi Q3 crossover was happily outsold by more than two-to-one.
9. Acura ZDX
Nobody asked for an electric luxury SUV that looks like a spaceship, but Acura built one anyway. The ZDX found around 338 buyers. Consumer Reports has predicted that the ZDX will be less reliable than other new cars, based on data from similar GM-based electric vehicles.
10. Land Rover Discovery
When your own sibling steals your thunder, you're in trouble. The Discovery faced a 232-day inventory backup as people flocked to the more capable Defender instead. It performed poorly in the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, finishing 9th out of 12 seven-seat SUVs.
