With 2009 finally coming to a close, the auto industry is no doubt looking forward to 2010. Not only are exciting new cars on the way, but new attitudes are firmly in place as well. Car buyers are interested in new technologies and body styles, and even the most unlikely automakers are introducing hot new eco-friendly small cars. Although economic and environmental concerns did fuel interest in small cars in 2009, it wasn’t until Cash for Clunkers that the demand for small cars truly spiked. Regardless, Americans were buying fewer cars his year due to the crippling economic recession. From January to November, car sales amounted to 9.4 million according to JD Power – down 24 percent from 2008. Here’s a list of what was selling in 2009.
Midsize Pickup Trucks
The Toyota Tacoma took the title of the top selling midsize truck with 102,327 sold through November. The latest generation Tacoma is larger, features a powerful yet refined V6 engine, and provides incredible off-road capabilities. Its excellent safety ratings also help make this a well-rounded pickup for daily commuting.
Subcompact Cars
The winner of the subcompacts was the Nissan Versa. With a lower price than many of its competitors, the Nissan Versa became the ultimate choice for the value-conscious buyer. It’s competitive fuel ratings also helped make the Versa even more appealing than economical mainstays such as the Honda Fit or Hyundai Accent.
Minivans
In many ways the popularity of the crossover vehicle has caused the minivan segment to become smaller, but also more competitive. The minivan that was able to fight off the popular Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country this year was the Honda Odyssey. The Odyssey has widely been regarded as more fun-to-drive than its domestic counterparts, and its styling, quality, and surprising luxuries make this minivan standout even further.
Premium Compacts
The premium compact segment is hotter than ever, but year after year the benchmark for luxury and performance remains the leader. A total of 81,997 BMW 3-Series models were sold through November. With four body-styles to choose from, not to mention BMW’s no-cost maintenance program that covers the vehicle for the first four years or 50,000 miles, the 3-Series may come at a premium, but it still is relatively high-value compared to some of its competitors.
Large Cars
Not only was the Chevrolet Impala the highest selling large car in 2009, but it also beat the next highest selling vehicle, the Dodge Charger, by a margin of nearly three to one. Although its styling has become seriously dated, the 2009 Chevrolet Impala has still offered consumers a reliable and comfortable family car.
Midsize Crossovers
All-new for 2009, the Chevrolet Traverse has already become a favorite among CUV buyers. With a total of 82,210 sold through November, the Traverse takes the place of GM’s lackluster minivans. With a third row of seats that can accommodate actual adults, the Traverse is roomy for the whole family and their cargo. Best of all, the interior features a high quality look and feel that sets it apart from GM SUVs of the past. This fresh new offering easily overtook the Ford Edge and the Toyota Highlander.
Large Pickup Trucks
Perhaps to no surprise, the Ford F-Series reigns supreme for yet another as the best selling pickup truck. With 351,998 units sold through November, the latest F-Series is more refined and more powerful than ever before. And, its prowess as a work truck keeps it selling strongly even as the industry becomes focused on smaller dimensions and higher fuel economy.
Compact Crossovers
As one of the pioneers of the compact crossover segment, the Honda CR-V has sold a staggering 172,528 units through November. While there have been plenty of sexier, newer options for buyers in this segment this year, the CR-V’s timeless styling, stellar resell value, and impeccable interior quality, has made the CR-V the perfect choice for “cute ‘ute” shoppers.
Midsize Cars
Despite its conservative styling, the Toyota Camry continues to lure car buyers. With its spacious interior, smooth ride, and its array of amenities, 307,299 Camry models were sold through November, making its the second best selling vehicle of the year overall.
Compact Cars
Narrowly beating the Toyota Corolla for the highest selling compact car was the Honda Civic, racking up 237,403 sales through November. With its space-aged design, the Honda Civic is far less conservative than before, which has certainly paid off. The Civic is also larger, heavier, and more refined. For those that aren’t turned-off by its unique styling, particularly its interior, the Honda Civic remains the high-value leader in this segment.
Comments on this entry are closed.