What are the most popular cars in the United States?

Having a car is part of the American dream. Americans love hopping in their car and hitting the road to explore the country and have a great time. Purchasing a vehicle is a milestone for teens, and many people enjoy shopping for a new car.

While there are many fees associated with purchasing a car — registration, taxes, and car insurance, to name a few — Americans buy a lot of vehicles.

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle but don’t know what you want, you should consider looking at the most popular cars in America to get an idea of where to start.

From the Toyota Camry to the Ford F-series, the most popular cars of 2021 earn their spots on our list by selling the most units. Most of the top ten are also practical, reliable, and fuel efficient.

It would be best to look at the insurance price for the most popular cars to understand how much a new vehicle will cost you. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool to see what auto insurance quotes might look like for you.

Number 10: Toyota Highlander

At the bottom of the most popular cars list is the Toyota Highlander. It may be at the bottom of this list, but Highlanders have been steadily growing in popularity.

• MSRP (2022): $36,420
• Number of vehicles sold in 2021: 207,000
• Safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Highlander is a three-row SUV with a V-6 engine and an optional hybrid setup. This family-sized vehicle has the option of being either front- or all-wheel drive, and Toyota offers plenty of customization options.

Reviews state that the Highlander has a smooth drive but lacks a little in acceleration. However, customers rave about the luxurious trim options, making the SUV feel more like a high-end vehicle.

Number 9: Honda Civic

Sales for the Honda Civic started slow in the beginning of 2021 but have since picked up. Gone are the original days of the Civic as a basic car — it’s become a popular choice across the country.

• MSRP (2021): $26,265
• Number of vehicles sold in 2021: 216,000
• Safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Civic comes with either a hatchback or sedan-style body and a 2.0 liter or turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. This car comes with many driver-assistance features, which can help earn you a safety discount when you get insurance.

This compact car loses points with customers because an infotainment center isn’t included in the base model, but the performance of its engine more than makes up for it.

Number 8: Toyota Corolla

As a competitor for the Honda Civic, the Corolla is currently leading sales — for now. With Toyota’s reputation for safe, reliable cars, it’s no wonder a few more Americans are interested in the Corolla.

• MSRP (2021): $21,050
• Number of vehicles sold in 2021: 217,000
• Safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars

While there are plenty of great features, one of the best is its affordability. Of all its competitors, the Corolla is the least expensive.

On top of its affordability, the Corolla has ample safety features and driver options. Like the Civic, you can choose either a sedan or hatchback model. You can also choose a hybrid version of the Corolla. It might not be the most exciting car on this list, but it is very reliable.

Number 7: Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue underwent a redesign before being released in 2021, and Nissan’s efforts were worth it.

• MSRP (2022): $27,875
• Number of vehicles sold in 2021: 234,000
• Safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover enjoying a rise in popularity. While the Rogue lacks some of the more exciting features of its competitors, it makes up for it with practicality and affordability. It also includes infotainment and driver-assistance features that customers love.

Number 6: Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry has a reputation for being a boring car, but it was the best-selling car in America from 2002 to 2020. While numbers from 2021 are still developing, it looks like the Camry will add another year to its reign. Clearly, people love this car.

• MSRP (2022): $26,320
• Number of vehicles sold in 2021: 256,000
• Safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars

People like to say the Camry is boring, but sales numbers speak for themselves. The Camry is a trusted name in family sedans and has been since the early 2000s.

However, the newly redesigned 2022 Camry doesn’t look much like it used to. This isn’t a bad thing — reviews reveal that the Camry has never performed as well. You can purchase either a standard or hybrid Camry, and the car comes with a host of standard safety features.

Number 5: Honda CR-V

Crossovers and SUVs are increasingly popular buys in America, so it’s no wonder that the CR-V continues to do well. While not the most exciting vehicle of its type, the CR-V promises comfort and practicality.

• MSRP (2022): $26,975
• Number of vehicles sold in 2021: 290,000
• Safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The CR-V offers a roomy interior with a third row and one of the best fuel efficiencies of its type. If you’re looking for a fun-to-drive SUV, this might not be the vehicle for you. However, the CR-V offers a suite of safety features and high-tech options that make up for it.

Number 4: Toyota RAV4

Once the RAV4 took the lead as the best-selling non-truck in America, it didn’t let up. The RAV4 steadily continues to grow in popularity. It’s easy to see why with excellent safety features and an appealing look.

• MSRP (2022): $28,000
• Numbers of vehicles sold in 2021: 313,000
• Safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Once again, the Toyota option isn’t necessarily the most exciting, yet it still outsells its rivals. The RAV4 is a practical SUV with a hybrid option. There are several driver-assistance and safety features that Toyota is famous for.

Number 3: Chevrolet Silverado

While the Silverado has been a popular choice for trucks, it slipped a little in 2021. Now in third place, the Silverado is still an excellent option for anyone looking for a pickup truck.

• MSRP (2022): $30,095
• Numbers of vehicles sold in 2021: 407,000
• Safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars

As with all trucks, a high portion of the Silverado’s sales derives from brand loyalty. Chevy redesigned the Silverado’s cabin and added a self-driving feature that works while towing a trailer. As usual, the Silverado has a strong towing capacity at 13,300 pounds.

Number 2: Dodge Ram Pickup

Three quarters of the way through 2021, Ram edged out the traditional second-place Chevy. With a smoother ride than other pickups, Ram continues to gain speed in sales.

• MSRP (2022): $36,195
• Number of vehicles sold in 2021: 434,000
• Safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Ram receives numerous points for having the nicest interior of all half-ton trucks. Thanks to a high-performing suspension system, it also offers a smoother ride.

It performs well for a pickup truck, though not as well as its competitors. The strongest Ram model tows a maximum of 12,750 pounds, less than both the Silverado and Ford F-series. However, drivers are flocking to Ram because it offers so much luxury.

Number 1: Ford F-Series

The Ford F-Series might best represent America when it comes to vehicles. This pickup has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. since 1981, and it isn’t hard to see why.

• MSRP (2022): $31,335
• Number of vehicles sold in 2021: 534,000
• Safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Considered a workhorse amongst pickups, the Ford F-Series proves time and again why it belongs at the top of this list. The F-Series has something for everyone, from contractors to wealthy ranchers to city-dwellers looking for a great ride.

While the ride isn’t quite as smooth as its Ram rival, Ford has a better reputation and offers more features.

Find Insurance for the Top 10 Most Popular Cars

While car shopping can be exhilarating, you’ll still need to secure coverage on your new vehicle. Any one of the top ten cars could be a quality choice for you, and they deserve quality insurance.

If you are about to buy one of these popular cars, shopping around for quotes is integral to saving money on your insurance. If you want to see what car insurance might cost you, enter your ZIP code into our free tool today.

Case Studies: Evaluating Auto Insurance Rates for Popular Cars

Case Study 1: John’s Minor Fender Bender

John, an experienced driver, was involved in a minor fender bender while parking. Both vehicles sustained minimal damage, and no injuries were reported. John decided not to file an insurance claim and paid for the repairs out of pocket to avoid potential rate increases.

Case Study 2: Sarah’s Windshield Replacement

Sarah’s car had a cracked windshield due to a flying rock on the highway. She contacted her insurance company and filed a comprehensive claim. The insurance company covered the cost of windshield replacement, and Sarah’s rates remained unaffected as comprehensive claims typically have minimal impact on premiums.

Case Study 3: Mark’s DUI Incident

Mark was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). After the conviction, his auto insurance rates significantly increased due to the high-risk behavior. Mark sought assistance from a specialized insurer that caters to drivers with DUI records to find a more affordable coverage option.