What Are the Most Popular Cars and Brands in the US?

What Are the Most Popular Car Brands in the US?

Americans have long gravitated toward brands that offer a strong mix of dependability, performance and innovation. The most popular brands include a mix of domestic and foreign automakers.

Here are the best-selling car brands in the United States in 2024, according to CarPro:

Source: CarPro

Toyota and Ford continue to compete closely for the top spot, with Toyota just barely edging out Ford in total units sold. Chevrolet remains a strong contender thanks to its lineup of trucks and SUVs, while Honda and Nissan round out the top five with solid sales in the sedan and compact SUV segments.

What Are the Most Popular Cars in the US?

If you're curious which models are capturing American drivers' attention, look no further than trucks and SUVs.

Here are the best-selling models in 2024, according to Kelley Blue Book:

Source: Kelley Blue Book

The Ford F-Series remains America's best-selling vehicle, followed by the Chevrolet Silverado. Both offer strong towing capabilities and remain staples for work and play. The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V continue their dominance in the crossover SUV category, while the Tesla Model Y is a standout in the electric vehicle market.

Learn more: What Car Should I Buy?

What Is the Most Popular Car in the World?

The world's best-selling car in 2024 was the Toyota RAV4, according to JATO Dynamics. Its blend of practicality, fuel efficiency and comfort has made it a global favorite.

The RAV4 barely edged out the Tesla Model Y, which was a victim of slower production due to updates to the vehicle. Toyota was also the top-selling car manufacturer in the world, selling 10.8 million vehicles globally in 2024. It's the Japanese automaker's fifth consecutive year at the top spot.

How to Buy or Lease a Car

If you're ready for your next vehicle, it's important to understand your financing options. You can either buy a car with an auto loan or lease a vehicle. According to Experian data, roughly 75% of new cars are financed rather than leased.

However, the right option for you will depend on your needs, driving habits, preferences and budget. Here's how you can do both.

How to Buy a Car

When you buy a car, you're working toward full ownership. Here's how the process typically works:

1. Set a budget. Factor in your down payment, loan terms, insurance, maintenance and taxes to get a full picture of the cost to own a car.
2. Check your credit. Your credit score affects your loan terms and interest rate. Aim for good or excellent credit for the best rates. You can get free access to your FICO^® Score^Θ with Experian.
3. Get preapproved. Shop around with banks, credit unions or online lenders, get preapproved and compare auto loan offers before going to the dealership. This can make it easier to ensure you get the best possible deal, and it can also save you some time at the dealership.
4. Choose your vehicle. While a best-selling list can give you some ideas of the brands other consumers trust, decide on the make and model that fits your lifestyle. Then, you can negotiate the price with the dealer.
5. Finalize the loan. Once terms are agreed upon, you'll sign the paperwork and begin making monthly payments.

Once you pay off your loan, you'll own the vehicle free and clear.

How to Lease a Car

Unlike buying, leasing is like renting a car long term. It often means lower monthly costs but comes with limitations. If you're interested in leasing, here are some steps you can take:

1. Set a budget. Take all the costs into consideration, including your down payment, lease terms, insurance, maintenance, mileage limits and end-of-lease fees.
2. Check your credit score. You typically need good credit to qualify for a car lease. Checking your credit score can help you gauge your eligibility.
3. Shop lease deals. Look for promotional offers with low down payments and favorable terms from dealerships or manufacturers. Then, zero in on a model.
4. Understand the terms. Read the lease agreement carefully, including fees for wear and tear or early termination.
5. Finalize the lease agreement. Once you've reviewed the terms and are comfortable with the costs, sign the lease paperwork. Make sure you understand your monthly payment, mileage limit and end-of-lease options. Then, you're ready to drive off in your new car.

At the end of the lease, you can return the vehicle or buy it for a preset price.

Learn more: Is It Better to Lease or Buy a Car?

Finding the Right Car for You

Popular doesn't always mean perfect, but understanding what cars and brands Americans prefer can help guide your own decision. Whether you're buying new or used, the right vehicle fits your lifestyle, driving habits and financial goals.

Whether you plan to buy or lease your vehicle, Experian's free credit monitoring service can help you stay on top of your credit, identify opportunities to improve your score and secure better financing terms once you're ready to buy.