Pickup trucks have long held a special place in the hearts of American drivers. With their unmatched versatility and capability, it’s no surprise they continue to be the best-selling used car across the nation. The Ford F-150, in particular, has been America’s best-selling vehicle for an impressive 40 consecutive years. But the popularity of pickup trucks extends beyond new vehicle sales, with pickups also accounting for the top three best-selling used vehicles. So, how do pickup trucks fare in individual states?
To answer this question, iSeeCars analyzed over 7.7 million used car sales from vehicles spanning the last five model years (2019 - 2023) in 2024. Each model’s share of used car sales were calculated at the state level, excluding heavy-duty vehicles from the analysis. Here’s what the data revealed.
| Most Popular Used Car by State, 2024 - iSeeCars Study | ||
| State | Model | % of 1- to 5-Year-Old Used Car Sales in State |
| Alabama | Ford F-150 | 3.8% |
| Alaska | Ford F-150 | 4.0% |
| Arizona | Ford F-150 | 2.5% |
| Arkansas | Ford F-150 | 3.1% |
| California | Honda Civic | 2.9% |
| Colorado | Ford F-150 | 3.7% |
| Connecticut | Nissan Rogue | 2.5% |
| Delaware | Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2.3% |
| Florida | Toyota Corolla | 2.6% |
| Georgia | Ford F-150 | 3.2% |
| Hawaii | Kia Optima | 3.1% |
| Idaho | Ford F-150 | 5.8% |
| Illinois | Chevrolet Equinox | 2.7% |
| Indiana | Chevrolet Equinox | 3.7% |
| Iowa | Ford F-150 | 4.8% |
| Kansas | Ford F-150 | 5.0% |
| Kentucky | Ford F-150 | 3.6% |
| Louisiana | Ford F-150 | 4.6% |
| Maine | Ford F-150 | 4.3% |
| Maryland | Toyota Camry | 2.0% |
| Massachusetts | Toyota RAV4 | 2.7% |
| Michigan | Chevrolet Equinox | 5.6% |
| Minnesota | Ford F-150 | 4.0% |
| Mississippi | Ford F-150 | 5.0% |
| Missouri | Ford F-150 | 3.5% |
| Montana | Ford F-150 | 7.1% |
| Nebraska | Ford F-150 | 5.0% |
| Nevada | Toyota Tacoma | 2.1% |
| New Hampshire | Ford F-150 | 3.5% |
| New Jersey | Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2.5% |
| New Mexico | Ford F-150 | 3.8% |
| New York | Nissan Rogue | 2.5% |
| North Carolina | Ford F-150 | 2.7% |
| North Dakota | Ford F-150 | 6.8% |
| Ohio | Chevrolet Equinox | 3.3% |
| Oklahoma | Ford F-150 | 4.3% |
| Oregon | Toyota Tacoma | 2.8% |
| Pennsylvania | Ford F-150 | 2.9% |
| Rhode Island | Toyota RAV4 | 2.5% |
| South Carolina | Ford F-150 | 3.2% |
| South Dakota | Ford F-150 | 6.4% |
| Tennessee | Ford F-150 | 3.7% |
| Texas | Ford F-150 | 3.8% |
| Utah | Ford F-150 | 4.5% |
| Vermont | Ram 1500 | 3.4% |
| Virginia | Ford F-150 | 2.4% |
| Washington | Ford F-150 | 2.5% |
| West Virginia | Ford F-150 | 4.4% |
| Wisconsin | Ford F-150 | 4.6% |
| Wyoming | Ford F-150 | 7.2% |
The Ford F-150 emerged as the most popular used vehicle in 33 states, further cementing its stronghold on the American automotive market. Wyoming leads the pack with the F-150 making up a staggering 7.2% of the state’s 1- to 5-year-old used car sales, closely followed by Montana at 7.1% and North Dakota at 6.8%.
Regional Preferences and Top Contenders
While the Ford F-150 reigns supreme in most states, regional preferences highlight some interesting variations:
- Toyota Tacoma: Popular in Nevada and Oregon, where it makes up 2.1% and 2.8% of used car sales respectively. Its smaller size and off-road prowess appeal to drivers in these areas.
- Chevrolet Equinox: Dominates in the Midwest, taking the top spot in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, with Michigan seeing an impressive 5.6% share of used car sales.
- Nissan Rogue: A favorite in urban and suburban markets, leading in Connecticut and New York with 2.5% of sales in each state.
- Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic: These compact cars find favor in states like Florida and California, reflecting the popularity of fuel-efficient and reliable vehicles in densely populated regions.
In states with smaller populations, other models stand out:
- Jeep Grand Cherokee: A favorite in Delaware and New Jersey, appreciated for its combination of rugged capability and refined comfort.
- Ram 1500: Takes the lead in Vermont, capturing 3.4% of used car sales.
- Kia Optima: Surprisingly popular in Hawaii, where it accounts for 3.1% of the market.
Pickup trucks continue to dominate the American automotive landscape due to their versatility, durability, and ability to meet diverse needs, from worksite demands to family transportation. Models like the Ford F-150, Toyota Tacoma, and Ram 1500 cater to a broad spectrum of drivers with varying requirements, ensuring their widespread appeal.
Moreover, brands like Ford and Toyota have consistently innovated, incorporating advanced technology and enhanced comfort features, further solidifying their vehicles’ desirability. The Ford F-150’s strong emphasis on technology and digital innovation, including investments in emerging technologies like AI and vehicle connectivity, sets it apart from competitors and resonates with modern consumers.
More from iSeeCars:
- Best Time to Buy a Used Truck
- What’s a Clean Car Title and How to Check for It
- Most Reliable Trucks
