Pickup trucks are the most popular vehicles for both used and new car shoppers in most of the country, according to a new analysis by car search engine iSeeCars.com.  

The study looked at over 12.9 million vehicle sales in 2020 to determine the most popular used and new cars across the United States nationally, by metro area and state. 

Most Popular Used Cars in America

iSeeCars conducted an analysis of the most popular used cars across the country, which include four cars, three pickup trucks and three SUVs.
Most Popular Used Vehicles in the United States- iSeeCars Study
Rank Vehicle
1 Ford F-150
2 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
3 Ram Pickup 1500
4 Ford Escape
5 Nissan Rogue
6 Honda Civic
7 Toyota Camry
8 Chevrolet Equinox
9 Nissan Altima
10 Nissan Sentra
The most popular used car is the Ford F-150, which is followed by two additional pickup trucks. “The Ford F-150 has been America’s undisputed best-selling new car for over 40 years, and the popularity of pickup trucks help contribute to its high volume of sales,” said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. Joining the Ford F-150 are two additional American pickup trucks: the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in second and the Ram Pickup 1500 in third. “Used pickup truck sales remained strong and even grew in sales during the pandemic, while all other segments declined, as consumers needed them for work,” said Brauer.

Three compact SUVs make the list including the fourth-ranked Ford Escape, the fifth-ranked Nissan Rogue, and the eighth-ranked Chevrolet Equinox. “Compact SUVs are popular among used car buyers due to their versatility and value,” said Brauer. “Because they have been a rapidly growing segment among new car buyers for so long, there are a lot of these small crossovers available in the used car market.”

Rounding out the list are three sedans including the seventh-ranked Toyota Camry, the ninth-ranked Nissan Altima and the tenth-ranked Nissan Sentra. “These sedans are popular among first-time car buyers who are looking for affordable vehicles, and with commuters, thanks to their strong MPG ratings,” said Brauer. 

Most Popular New Cars in America

The most popular new cars in the United States include four pickup trucks, four compact SUVs, and two sedans.
Most Popular New Cars in the United States- iSeeCars Study 
Make Model
1 Ford F-150
2 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
3 Toyota RAV4
4 Honda CR-V
5 Ram Pickup 1500
6 Hyundai Tucson
7 Honda Civic
8 Toyota Camry
9 Chevrolet Equinox
10 Toyota Tacoma
The Ford F-150 is the most popular new vehicle in 2020 followed by three additional pickup trucks: the second-ranked Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the fifth-ranked Ram Pickup 1500, and the tenth-ranked Toyota Tacoma. “The Ford F-150 continues its forty-year reign as the best selling new vehicle in the United States due to its utility and its wide range of customizable options for a variety of consumers,” said Brauer. “Pickup trucks continued to surge in popularity in recent months, resulting in inventory shortages in the wake of the pandemic.” 

Four compact SUVs make the list, including the third-ranked Toyota RAV4, the fourth-ranked Honda CR-V, the sixth-ranked Hyundai Tucson, and the ninth-ranked Chevrolet Equinox. “These compact SUVs are all reliable and affordable vehicles that stand out among their competition in this competitive segment,” said Brauer.

Rounding out the list are the seventh-ranked compact Honda Civic and the eighth-ranked midsize Toyota Camry. “The Honda Civic and the Toyota Camry have been among the best-selling cars in America for decades,” said Brauer. “These passenger cars have excellent long-term reliability, which is why they remain popular even as the popularity of the sedan segment declines.” 

Most Popular Used Cars by City

The Ford F-150 is the most popular used car in almost half of the most populous metro areas. “The Ford F-150 has been America’s undisputed best-selling new car for over 40 years, and it maintains its popularity in the used car marketplace as well,” said iSeeCars CEO Phong Ly.
Most Popular Used Car in Top 50 Most Populous Metro Areas
City Most Popular Used Car
Albuquerque, NM Ford F-150
Atlanta, GA Ford F-150
Austin, TX Ford F-150
Baltimore, MD Ford F-150
Birmingham, AL Ford F-150
Boston, MA Toyota RAV4
Charlotte, NC Ford F-150
Chicago, IL Ford Escape
Cincinnati, OH Honda Civic
Cleveland, OH Ford Escape
Columbus, OH Honda Civic
Dallas, TX Ford F-150
Denver, CO Ford F-150
Detroit, MI Ford Escape
Fresno, CA Toyota Camry
Grand Rapids, MI Ford F-150
Greensboro, NC Ford F-150
Greenville, SC Ford F-150
Harrisburg, PA Ford F-150
Hartford & New Haven, CT Nissan Rogue
Houston, TX Ford F-150
Indianapolis, IN Chevrolet Equinox
Jacksonville, FL Ford F-150
Kansas City, MO Ford F-150
Las Vegas, NV Nissan Sentra
Los Angeles, CA Honda Civic
Memphis, TN Ford F-150
Miami, FL Toyota Corolla
Milwaukee, WI Ford F-150
Minneapolis, MN Ford F-150
Nashville, TN Ford F-150
New York, NY Honda Accord
Norfolk, VA Ford F-150
Oklahoma City, OK Ford F-150
Orlando, FL Ford F-150
Philadelphia, PA Nissan Rogue
Phoenix, AZ Ford F-150
Pittsburgh, PA Ford F-150
Portland, OR Ford F-150
Raleigh-Durham, NC Ford F-150
Sacramento, CA Honda Civic
Salt Lake City, UT Ford F-150
San Antonio, TX Ford F-150
San Diego, CA Honda Civic
San Francisco, CA Honda Civic
Seattle, WA Ford F-150
St. Louis, MO Ford F-150
Tampa Bay, FL Ford F-150
Washington, DC  Honda Civic
West Palm Beach, FL Honda Civic
The Ford F-150 is the best-seller among used cars in 31 of the top 50 metro areas. “While pickup trucks are commonly known as being work vehicles, they have evolved to be popular family haulers as well thanks to their abundant cargo room and safety features,” said Brauer.

The second most popular vehicle among American used car buyers is the Honda Civic, which is the most popular vehicle in 8 metro areas. “While the overall popularity of sedans is declining, popular sedans like the Honda CIvic remain in high demand in areas of the country with more temperate climates that don’t require all-wheel drive,” said Brauer. “The Honda Civic is a versatile vehicle that appeals to sporty buyers with its coupe option, as well as those looking for a family vehicle with its sedan and hatchback body styles.”

The Ford Escape is the most popular used vehicle in three metro areas. “The Ford Escape is among the most affordable vehicles in its class and has favorable reliability, which makes it an attractive option for used car buyers,” said Brauer.

Most Popular New Cars by City

Just like in the used car category, the Ford F-150 is the most popular new car in many of the largest metro areas.
Most Popular New Car in Top 50 Most Populous Metro Areas
City Most Popular New Car
Albuquerque, NM Ford F-150
Atlanta, GA Ford F-150
Austin, TX Ford F-150
Baltimore, MD Ford F-150
Birmingham, AL Ford F-150
Boston, MA Honda CR-V
Charlotte, NC Ford F-150
Chicago, IL Hyundai Tucson
Cincinnati, OH Chevrolet Equinox
Cleveland, OH Ram Pickup 1500
Columbus, OH Ford F-150
Dallas, TX Ford F-150
Denver, CO Ford F-150
Detroit, MI Ram Ram Pickup 1500
Fresno, CA Toyota Camry
Grand Rapids, MI Ford F-150
Greensboro, NC Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Greenville, SC Honda CR-V
Harrisburg, PA Honda CR-V
Hartford & New Haven, CT Hyundai Tucson
Houston, TX Ford F-150
Indianapolis, IN Chevrolet Equinox
Jacksonville, FL Ford F-150
Kansas City, MO Ford F-150
Las Vegas, NV Ford F-150
Los Angeles, CA Honda Civic
Memphis, TN Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Miami, FL Honda Civic
Milwaukee, WI Ford F-150
Minneapolis, MN Ford F-150
Nashville, TN Ford F-150
New York, NY Jeep Grand Cherokee
Norfolk,VA Toyota Tacoma
Oklahoma City, OK Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Orlando, FL Ford F-150
Philadelphia, PA Honda CR-V
Phoenix, AZ Ford F-150
Pittsburgh, PA Ford F-150
Portland, OR Ford F-150
Raleigh-Durham, NC Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Sacramento, CA Ford F-150
Salt Lake City, UT Ford F-150
San Antonio, TX Ford F-150
San Diego, CA Honda Civic
San Francisco, CA Toyota RAV4
Seattle, WA Subaru Forester
St. Louis, MO Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Tampa Bay, FL Ford F-150
Washington, DC  Toyota RAV4
West Palm Beach, FL Hyundai Tucson
The nation’s best-selling vehicle, the Ford F-150 also earns the distinction in 25 of the largest metro areas. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the most popular new car in five metro areas, while the Ram Pickup 1500 earns the title in two, making the pickup truck the most popular new type of vehicle in a majority of the top metro areas. “As common work vehicles, pickup trucks are likely to be purchased new for professional purposes,” said Brauer. “The Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500 are among the best-rated vehicles in their class for towing capacity, and the lower trim levels still offer a lot of standard features at an affordable price. This makes them popular work vehicles or family vehicles for those needing something more rugged than an SUV or minivan.” 

Similar to the most popular used vehicles, the most popular new SUVs are all in the compact category. The Honda CR-V is the most popular new car in four metro areas, followed by the Hyundai Tucson in three, and the Chevrolet Equinox and the Toyota RAV4 each in two. “Compact SUVs are a popular vehicle segment that appeal to those buying SUVs for the first time as well as those who want a family vehicle and don’t require a large SUV,” said Brauer.

Rounding out the most popular new vehicles are sedans led by the Honda Civic in three metro areas. 

Most Popular Used Cars by State

The Ford F-150 is the most popular used car in 39 out of 50 states.
Most Popular Used Cars by State
State Most Popular Used Car
Alaska Ford F-150
Alabama Ford F-150
Arkansas Ford F-150
Arizona Ford F-150
California Honda Civic
Colorado Ford F-150
Connecticut Nissan Rogue
Delaware Ford F-150
Florida Ford F-150
Georgia Ford F-150
Hawaii Nissan Sentra
Iowa Ford F-150
Idaho Ford F-150
Illinois Ford F-150
Indiana Ford F-150
Kansas Ford F-150
Kentucky Ford F-150
Louisiana Ford F-150
Massachusetts Toyota RAV4
Maryland Toyota Camry
Maine Ford F-150
Michigan Ford Escape
Minnesota Ford F-150
Missouri Ford F-150
Mississippi Ford F-150
Montana Ford F-150
North Carolina Ford F-150
North Dakota Ford F-150
Nebraska Ford F-150
New Hampshire Chevrolet Silverado 1500
New Jersey Honda Civic
New Mexico Ford F-150
Nevada Nissan Sentra
New York Jeep Grand Cherokee
Ohio Ford F-150
Oklahoma Ford F-150
Oregon Ford F-150
Pennsylvania Ford F-150
Rhode Island Ford F-150
South Carolina Ford F-150
South Dakota Ford F-150
Tennessee Ford F-150
Texas Ford F-150
Utah Ford F-150
Virginia Ford F-150
Vermont Toyota RAV4
Washington Ford F-150
Wisconsin Ford F-150
West Virginia Ford F-150
Wyoming Ford F-150
“The Ford F-150 dominates the most popular used cars across the country, and the states where it isn’t the most popular tend to be coastal states,” said Brauer.

The Most Popular New Cars by State

Echoing the trends of used vehicles, the Ford F-150 is the most popular new vehicle in 22 states. 
Most Popular New Cars by State
State Most Popular New Car
Alaska Ram Pickup 1500
Alabama Ford F-150
Arkansas GMC Sierra 1500
Arizona Ram Pickup 1500
California Honda Civic
Colorado Ford F-150
Connecticut Hyundai Tucson
Delaware Ford F-150
Florida Hyundai Tucson
Georgia Ford F-150
Hawaii Nissan Frontier
Iowa Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Idaho Ford F-150
Illinois Hyundai Tucson
Indiana Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Kansas Ford F-150
Kentucky Ford F-150
Louisiana Ford F-150
Massachusetts Honda CR-V
Maryland Toyota RAV4
Maine Ford F-150
Michigan Ram Pickup 1500
Minnesota Ford F-150
Missouri Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Mississippi Ford F-150
Montana Ford F-150
North Carolina Chevrolet Silverado 1500
North Dakota Ram Pickup 1500
Nebraska Ford F-150
New Hampshire Hyundai Tucson
New Jersey Honda CR-V
New Mexico Ford F-150
Nevada Ford F-150
New York Hyundai Tucson
Ohio Chevrolet Equinox
Oklahoma Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Oregon Ford F-150
Pennsylvania Honda CR-V
Rhode Island Hyundai Tucson
South Carolina Honda CR-V
South Dakota GMC Sierra 1500
Tennessee Ford F-150
Texas Ford F-150
Utah Ford F-150
Virginia Toyota RAV4
Vermont Toyota RAV4
Washington Subaru Forester
Wisconsin Ford F-150
West Virginia Ford F-150
Wyoming Ford F-150
Joining the Ford F-150 are the Chevrolet Silverado, which is the most popular in five states, the Ram Pickup 1500 in four, the GMC Sierra 1500 in two, and the Nissan Frontier in one. “Pickup truck inventory was constrained as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the vehicles still maintained their prevalence as the most popular vehicle segment in most states. 

Methodology

iSeeCars.com analyzed over 8 million used car sales from the last five model years (2015-2019) and over 4.9 million new car sales in 2020. Each model’s share of used car sales and new car sales within each metro area and state was mathematically modeled to determine the best-selling cars in each geographical region. Heavy-duty automotive vehicles were excluded from further analysis.

About iSeeCars.com

iSeeCars.com is a car search engine that helps shoppers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, like the iSeeCars VIN check reports. iSeeCars.com has saved users over $261 million so far by applying big data analytics powered by over 25 billion (and growing) data points and using proprietary algorithms to objectively analyze, score and rank millions of new cars and used cars.