The Top 10 Most Popular American Car Brands
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The Top 10 Most Popular American Car Brands
The US has been manufacturing cars for over a century. In fact, the first established American automobile brand, Oldsmobile, can be traced back to 1897. Since then, America has spawned hundreds of different car manufacturers. Many of them continue to make cars today and are globally successful. What are the most popular US car brands in the country right now? This post takes a look at the 10 best-selling American car brands of 2025*.
*All sales figures are within the US from January 2025 to June 2025
10. Dodge
US sales: 47,481
Dodge is renowned for its large and powerful high-performance cars. It’s a brand targeted at thrillseekers, as its famous previous slogan ‘grab life by the horns’ encapsulates. Famous models include the Challenger and the Charger - two aggressively-styled vehicles that would define the muscle car era. Many of Dodge’s cars are highly customizable, allowing buyers to create a car that is unique to their needs. Although known for its muscle cars, Dodge does sell other types of cars including pickups and SUVs.
9. Lincoln
US sales: 55,063
Named after Abraham Lincoln, this car brand has long been associated with sophistication. Their USP is ‘quiet luxury’ - on top of providing sumptuous interior features like massaging seats, these cars are also heavily sound-insulated to make the drive more peaceful (a complete contrast to the loudness of Dodge). Although luxurious, Lincolns are more affordable than many other luxury models. Popular models include the Corsair and the Navigator.
8. Chrysler
US sales: 58,244
Now part of Stellantis North America, Chrysler was famously one of the ‘Detroit Big Three’. It has produced many iconic cars throughout the ages, including what is sometimes considered the first muscle car, the 1955 C-300. Today, Chrysler continues to be associated with upscale vehicles with top-flight engineering.
7. Cadillac
US sales: 86,104
Cadillac is one of the oldest car brands in the US - it was established in 1902, making it older than even Ford. In the early days, Cadillac was renowned as an ‘inventor of firsts’ including the electric starter and electric-powered headlights. Today, it remains an innovative brand that continues to equip models with the most up-to-date technology. You can explore a range of Cadillac models for sale online.
6. Buick
US sales: 116,055
Owned by General Motors, Buick is positioned as a more affordable but still luxurious alternative to Cadillac. Although not quite as exciting as some of the brands mentioned so far, Buicks are still very well-made and renowned as some of the most reliable American-made cars. They offer a range of different types of cars for all needs. Top-selling models right now include the Encore, Enclave and Envision.
5.Tesla
US sales: (est.) 256,000
Tesla is the most famous electric car brand in the world (although not the top-selling brand - Chinese manufacturer BYD has recently taken this title). Owned by Elon Musk, Tesla has long been known for its innovation and is currently leading the design and production of self-driving cars. Getting a Tesla does mean being prepared to go all-electric, as they don’t make any petrol cars or hybrids. However, they are arguably one of the best EV brands when it comes to luxury features and range.
4. Jeep
US sales: 289,409
Jeep is perhaps best known for its rugged off-road capable vehicles. The original Willys MB was used throughout World War II and has become the most iconic military car. These days, Jeep is more focused on family cars than military vehicles, and has an extensive range of SUVs including the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. If you’re planning on doing some off-road adventuring, then a Jeep is still one of the best options. However, they can also make great vehicles for highway road trips or indeed the school run.
3. GMC
US sales: 315,906
GMC is mostly known for their trucks and SUVs. They make powerful and rugged vehicles that are made for hard work like towing and carrying loads. However, they also come with comfortable and stylish interiors, as well as all the modern gadgets you’d get in any other car. Some of their most popular models include the Sierra, Terrain and Yukon. Their biggest competitor is Chevrolet - who definitely outsells them. However, GMC still has a dedicated fanbase and is the third best-selling car brand in America.
2. Chevrolet
US sales: 920,296
One of the most successful manufacturers in NASCAR, Chevrolet is known for its rich racing heritage. However, they don’t just produce fast cars. The brand helped pioneer the SUV and has a highly popular line of pickups. Their versatility has helped make them one of the most popular brands in America - almost reaching a million sales in the first half of this year alone. There’s a Chevy out there for everyone. However, there’s one brand that continues to prove even more versatile and popular…
1. Ford
US sales: 1,058,364
It’s probably no surprise that Ford is the best-selling car manufacturer in the US. They are incredibly successful worldwide and are one of the first brands that many people think about when you ask them to name a car brand. Ford is famous for launching the first mass-produced affordable automobile, the Model T. Since then, they have continued to predominantly produce affordable cars aimed at the average person. But that isn’t to say that Ford doesn’t also have a wild side. They’re also the brand behind the Mustang - the most famous muscle car in the world. And they’ve even produced supercars like the GT. More so than Chevrolet, there is a Ford out there for everyone. Some people may see the brand as too popular and may prefer something a little different. However, they do sell a number of highly exclusive models that have captured the hearts of collectors.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to buy an American car, these are some of the most popular brands that you can choose from. While there are other manufacturers to consider, these brands have a range of models to choose from and are well-established.
