10 Most Cars: Here Are the Bestselling Cars in America

1. Toyota Camry (361,111 sold)

For the majority of people for whom a car is merely an appliance, the Camry meets their needs to perfection. Those seeking a zestier ride should look elsewhere. 

A 178-hp four-cylinder is standard, while a 268-hp V-6 offers some serious zip. Both have a six-speed automatic; a manual is not available. There’s a hybrid with an EPA-rated 43 mpg on the highway. The XSE aims at enthusiasts with a stiffer suspension and some extra styling bits, but its steering is numb, its braking and handling unexceptional.

2. Toyota Corolla (306,693 sold)

If car shopping were computer software, the Corolla could be the default setting: It has the space, power, and features to meet most people’s needs, but it is bland and uninspired. That’s the downside. On the positive side of the equation, it has the Toyota reputation for reliability. As a result, it brings a premium, despite not engaging the driver as do some of its competitors. Still, it remains a bestseller. If you’re more interested in the destination than the journey, the Corolla is for you.

3. Honda Accord (294,935 sold)

This is where our 10Best Cars circle overlaps with John Q. Public’s on the Venn diagram. The playful and engaging Accord offers more than you’d expect, no matter how much you spend. A 185-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder and six-speed manual are standard in both the coupe and sedan; Sport models get a slight bump to 189 horsepower. A CVT is optional as is a 278-hp 3.5-liter V-6 paired to a six-speed automatic; you can get a six-speed manual on the coupe. EX and above models feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but some may find the button-less infotainment system annoying and fussy.

4. Nissan Altima (283,372 sold)

Curvy, dramatic styling mimics bigger brother Maxima and gives the Altima an upscale vibe. Engine choices are either a 182-hp 2.5-liter four or a 270-hp 3.5-liter V-6, both with a CVT. The SR infuses a little fun by adding stiffer suspension tuning, paddle shifters, and unique wheels. Forward emergency braking with adaptive cruise control creates a robust active-safety bundle. Overall, the Altima is a capable sedan with a decent options list and a roomy, comfortable cabin.

5. Honda Civic (277,538 sold)

Sweet-handling and fun to drive, the Civic deserves serious consideration from enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. The base engine is a 158-hp 2.0-liter four; a 174-hp turbo 1.5-liter is optional. Good news: The 2.0-liter has a six-speed manual! (A continuously variable automatic transmission is optional.) Bad news: The turbo offers only the CVT. Both engines make enjoyable companions, but the turbo is definitely the hot rod of the two. Options like remote start and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto ensure the Civic isn’t a stripper.

6. Ford Fusion (255,143 sold)

The Fusion blends seductive styling, lively handling, and comprehensive—if sometimes frustrating—tech features. The base engine is a 175-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but optional 181-hp 1.5-liter or 240-hp 2.0-liter turbo fours aim to provide a little extra zip. All are mated to a six-speed automatic with front- or all-wheel drive. Two hybrid models are available, both with a 2.0-liter four paired with an electric motor for a combined 188 hp; the plug-in model offers a 19-mile electric-only range.

7. Hyundai Elantra (209,830 sold)

Sleek styling, a smart interior, and a value-packed options list make the Elantra tempting, so long as you won’t miss agility or fun. The sedan is powered by a 145-hp four-cylinder with a standard six-speed manual; a six-speed automatic is optional. A 173-hp four-cylinder is standard on the Sport and the five-door GT; the manual is standard and the automatic is optional. The Elantra is best for drivers who value whizz-bang features and a sensible price. Enthusiasts should look elsewhere.

8. Chevrolet Cruze (193,680 sold)

The Cruze cuts a distinctive profile with its boldly sculpted lines, featuring a roomy interior and a zippy engine to make it a legitimate contender among compacts. A 153-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder matched with front-wheel drive is the sole powertrain choice; a six-speed manual is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. There’s plenty of tech, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and 4G LTE Wi-Fi to make the Cruze a well-connected set of wheels.

9. Ford Focus (180,287 sold)

With its European-developed chassis, the Focus—a former 10 Best Cars winner—is a practical, playful companion offering a rare blend of agility and accuracy. A 160-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder is standard but a 123-hp 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder with auto stop-start is optional for extra efficiency. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic is available but we prefer the five-speed manual. A handsome exterior and functional interior with a load of standard and available features win the Focus extra style points.

10. Hyundai Sonata (173,751 sold)

The Sonata features Genesis-inspired styling with a bit less flourish; it’s contemporary, with powertrains to match. A 185-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic is standard; there is a 178-hp 1.6-liter Eco model with a seven-speed automatic as well as a hybrid model, for those seeking fuel efficiency. A 245-hp 2.0-liter turbo four with a six-speed automatic carves out the sporty end of the market. The suspension is supple and steering is pleasant. It’s a good car, with no excuses needed.