Top Selling Cars of 2014

2014 toyota corolla

Heading into the last two months of the year, the top selling cars of 2014 have solidified their positions at the front of the pack and are looking pretty well locked in finish out the year in front. Of course, anyone who regularly monitors these top selling car lists will find few surprises. The model at the top of the heap has held its number one spot since 1982. And, as a matter of fact, this list for 2014 is looking remarkably similar to the list for 2013, which mimics rather closely the 2012 list, which, in turn, mimics the 2011 list. With but one or two very rare exceptions, it would appear change comes rather infrequently at the top.

Number 10 - Honda CR-V

The best-selling crossover suv in America, Honda’s CR-V has a lot going for it. Offered in four levels of trim, and with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, Honda’s CR-V is an offering few people refuse. Notable for its spacious interior, good fuel economy, and ergonomically astute interior treatment, CR-V also boasts better than average crash test scores. Power comes from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 185 horsepower and 163 ft-lbs of torque. A five-speed automatic is the sole transmission offering. Standard features include full power accessories, keyless entry, a rearview camera, air conditioning, and Bluetooth. Upper trim levels offer automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated mirrors, touchscreen navigation with voice controls, and a sunroof. Pricing starts at $23,320.

Number 9 - Ford Fusion

In the moderately priced mid-size sedan category, Ford has a highly compelling offering in the Fusion. A broad selection of fuel-efficient engines, agile handling, a serene cabin with a comfortable ride, cutting edge tech like voice activation and self parking, a handsome exterior, and available all-wheel drive—all combine to make Ford’s Fusion darn near perfect. Fusion also offers a quartet of engines; a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 175 horsepower and 175 ft-lbs of torque, a 178-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo four with 184 ft-lbs, a 178-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo four with 177 ft-lbs, and a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four with 270 ft-lbs. All use a six-speed automatic, save the 1.6, which gets a six-speed manual. There’s a hybrid Fusion too. Pricing starts at $21,970.

Number 8 - Honda Civic

Among compacts, Honda’s Civic; or rather, Honda’s Civics, are very tough competitors. There’s a natural gas Civic, a hybrid Civic, the super fuel-efficient Civic HF, a Civic Hybrid, the high performance Civic Si, a broad range of two-door Civic Coupes, and the standard Honda Civic. A mild refresh for the 2014 model year upgraded interiors, added power to the engines, and mildly restyled the coupes. The base engine is a 1.8-liter four with 143 horsepower and 129 ft-lbs of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is offered with the base model and the Civic EX Coupe. All of the other Civics use a continuously variable transmission, save the 208-horsepower 2.4-liter Si, which gets a six-speed manual. Pricing starts at $18,490.

Number 7 - Nissan Altima

Nissan’s Altima offers engaging driving dynamics informed by a pair of enthusiastic engines, which also offer reasonable fuel economy. Continuing the Jekyll/Hyde theme, Altima also delivers great handling with a smooth ride. The interior is thought through with outstanding comfort and smart ergonomics. Altima does well in crash testing too. Power comes from a choice of engines—a 2.5-liter four with 182 horsepower and 180 ft-lbs of torque, or a 3.5-liter V6 with 270 horsepower and 251 ft-lbs of torque. Both front drive powertrains use continuously variable transmissions. Standard features include keyless entry and ignition, Bluetooth audio and telephony, and full power accessories. Available features include remote ignition, dual-zone climate control, and a sunroof. Pricing starts at $22,170.

Number 6 - Toyota Corolla

Few people would be surprised to find Toyota’s ubiquitous Corolla here. With something for just about everyone, it is said Corolla’s demographic ranges from 17 to 70, which is pretty accurate. Nicely sized, reasonably spacious, and value priced, Corolla is a highly persuasive automotive choice. Redone for the 2014 model year, Corolla boasts a longer, lower, and wider body than before. Power comes from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 132 horsepower and 128 ft-lbs of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is offered for the base model and the sport model. All others use either a four-speed automatic or a continuously variable transmission. Standard features include LED headlights, power windows and mirrors, Bluetooth, and steering wheel audio controls. Pricing starts at $16,900.

Number 5 - Honda Accord

Honda’s Accord features a spacious interior outfitted in high quality materials, smooth-running fuel-efficient engines, an engaging driving experience, and a broad variety of configurations. Power comes from either a 2.4-liter four with 185 horsepower and 181 ft-lbs of torque, or a 3.5-liter V6 with 278 horsepower and 252 ft-lbs. The V6 gets a six-speed automatic in sedans and a six-speed manual in coupes (the automatic is an option for coupes). Four-cylinder Accords all get the six-speed manual except for the high-end EX-L, which runs a CVT. (The CVT is an option for the others). Honda’s Accord is also offered with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and dual-zone climate control are standard features. Pricing starts at $21,955.

Number 4 - Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 is by all measures a class-leader. Praised for its pleasant interior environment and quiet and smooth ride (whether loaded or unladen), Ram 1500 is the only truck in its class to offer a rear coil-spring suspension system and diesel power. Ram also offers an optional air suspension system. Engine choices include a 3.6-liter V6 with 305 horsepower and 269 ft-lbs of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 395 horsepower and 410 ft-lbs of torque. The diesel is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 240 horsepower and 420 ft-lbs of torque. Rear-drive or four-wheel drive is offered with each engine. All three are teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 10,450 pounds. Pricing starts at $25,060.

Number 3 - Toyota Camry

Boasting Toyota’s legendary reliability, a spacious interior and good fuel economy, the marque’s Camry is tough to beat. No, you won’t be inspired by the driving experience, but it will start every time you get into it. Camry’s also quiet, smooth riding, and nicely equipped. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 178 horsepower and 170 ft-lbs of torque is the base engine. A 3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower and 248 ft-lbs is the “big” engine. Both are paired with six-speed automatic transmissions and front-wheel drive. Standard features include power accessories, cruise control, Bluetooth, a touchscreen display, and air conditioning. Optional features include leather upholstery, remote keyless entry, keyless start, automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, and navigation. Pricing starts at $22,425.

Number 2 - Chevrolet Silverado

Completely redesigned for 2014, Chevy’s best selling Silverado pickup truck is lighter now and features a new lineup of engines. The truck also offers a nicer interior treatment and a quieter and smoother ride. Power comes from a 4.3-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 305 ft-lbs of torque; a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 ft-lbs of torque; or a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 ft-lbs of torque. All three engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and available four-wheel drive. Silverado’s maximum towing capacity is 12,000 pounds (when properly equipped). Standard features include full power accessories, air conditioning, and cruise control. Options include Bluetooth, an EZ lift/lower tailgate, and remote starting. Pricing starts at $25,575.

Number 1 - Ford F-150

When asked, fans of Ford’s F-150 will tell you they like the Ford’s broad variety of configurations, the plentiful comfort and convenience features you can get as you move up through the trim levels, and the wide selection of engine offerings. In sum, the Ford F-150 pulls off the neat trick of offering something for everybody, while remaining relevant to everyone. Power comes from a choice of four different engines ranging in power from 302 horsepower and 278 ft-lbs of torque, to 411 horsepower and 434 ft-lbs of torque. There’s even a desert running sports truck in the lineup. Available features include keyless entry and start, a power rear window, Bluetooth, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Pricing starts at $25,025.

Photo by Ford