November 2017 Auto Sales: Ford, Honda Report Gains

Automakers ended last month with very different sales numbers compared to October. While Ford and Honda saw improved sales compared to November 2016, General Motors, Fiat Chrysler, and Toyota dropped off slightly. Read below for a complete list of last month’s winners and losers.

Ford (210,771 vehicles, +6.7 percent)

Winner: Ford Focus (13,226 vehicles, +44.9 percent)

Overall, sales of Ford Motor Company’s passenger cars increased only 2 percent in November. But the Focus experienced significant growth, with sales up 44.9 percent from the same month a year ago. The Fusion and C-Max declined, although the Mustang saw a boost with the introduction of the refreshed 2018 model.

Loser: Lincoln Continental (923 vehicles, -35 percent)

The Lincoln Continental made this list last month, and it’s back again with even bigger losses. Meanwhile, the Navigator saw an 81.7-percent jump in sales. Overall sales for the Lincoln brand were down 5.5 percent, and like for the Ford brand, SUVs led the way.

GM (245,387 vehicles, -2.9 percent)

Winner: Chevrolet Spark (3,714 vehicles, +146.4 percent)

It’s been a while since we’ve heard much about it, but the Chevrolet Spark gave an outstanding performance last month. Currently, this tiny city car is selling better than the compact Sonic. Sales for that car dropped 11.7 percent to 2,721 units last month.

Loser: Cadillac ATS (831 vehicles, -44.2 percent)

The ATS is one of the best handling small sports sedans on the market, but it hasn’t been completely revamped since the 2013 model year. Sales for this car are down 37.5 percent for the year as well. No matter, we still love it.

FCA (154,919 vehicles, -4 percent)

Winner: Chrysler Pacifica (13,195 vehicles, +51 percent)

In a surprising turn of events, Chrysler was the only FCA brand to record sales gains last month, other than the small Alfa Romeo brand. Sales of Chrysler vehicles increased 14 percent, primarily due to the success of the Pacifica. Other winners in the FCA lineup include the Jeep Cherokee (+44 percent), Dodge Caravan (+28 percent), and the Fiat 500L (32 percent).

Loser: Dodge Journey (4,868 vehicles, -32 percent)

In terms of design, the Journey stands apart from more conventional offerings such as the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, especially with the aggressive Blacktop package. But it still can’t keep up with competitors in terms of performance and refinement. The model hasn’t been significantly updated since we tested it back in 2010.

Toyota (191,617 vehicles, -3 percent)

Winner: Toyota Yaris iA (2,549 vehicles, +51.4 percent)

Slotting below the Corolla sedan, the Yaris iA is basically a rebadged Mazda2 sedan from global markets, although it’s styled differently. Along with this small car, other winners last month include the Camry (+24.1 percent), the 4Runner (+17.1 percent), and the hydrogen-powered Mirai (+137.1 percent).

Loser: Toyota Corolla sedan (17,864 vehicles, -33.2 percent)

It’s hard to believe that the ubiquitous Corolla can suffer a drop in the U.S. market. But sales were down more than 33 percent last month, and dropped more than 12 percent for the year. Despite the sales decline, it’s still one of the best-selling vehicles in Toyota’s lineup. Its sales are just below the Camry and ahead of the RAV4 so far this year.

Honda (133,156 vehicles, +8.3 percent)

Winner: Honda Pilot (14,189 vehicles, +57.2 percent)

Honda’s large crossover performed well last month, although sales for the vehicle are flat for the year. Meanwhile, the CR-V saw a sales increase of 25 percent, up to 32,206 units. Among other trucks and SUVs, the Ridgeline and HR-V declined.

Loser: Honda Fit (2,799 vehicles, -35 percent)

Sales for the Honda Fit dropped 35 percent last month, and they’re also down 11.8 percent for the year. The Accord also declined 15.4 percent last month, despite a new version having gone on sale in October. We expect the Accord to perform well on the sales charts as the new vehicle ramps up.

Nissan has delayed its sales reporting due to an IT systems outage. We will update this story when those numbers become available.

Source: The Automakers

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