America’s Favorite Used Cars: The Top 10 Best-Selling Pre-Owned Vehicles

In 2025, Americans purchased more than 38 million used vehicles, proving the pre-owned market remains stronger than ever. Rising new-car prices, high insurance costs, and improving reliability have pushed many buyers toward lightly used vehicles instead of factory-fresh models. Full-size pickups still dominate the market, but compact sedans, family crossovers, and practical SUVs continue attracting millions of shoppers nationwide.

10. Honda Civic

Opening the list is the same vehicle that also ranked 10th among new-car sales in America. The Civic accounted for roughly 1.5% of all used vehicle sales among models less than five years old — about 116,000 units.

Its success comes from a mix of proven reliability, excellent fuel economy, sharp handling, and sporty styling. Unlike many competitors in the segment, the Civic uses a multi-link rear suspension, giving it a more refined driving feel that younger buyers especially appreciate. The Civic also holds its value remarkably well, which helps keep demand high on the used market.

9. Toyota RAV4

One of America’s best-selling new vehicles slipped slightly in the used market, landing in ninth place with a 1.6% share. Many owners may simply prefer keeping their RAV4s longer rather than trading them in quickly.

Toyota’s fifth-generation RAV4 turned out to be a major success. Buyers appreciated the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine, traditional automatic transmission, available all-wheel drive, and a design far more aggressive than the previous generation. Spacious, practical, fuel-efficient, and dependable, the RAV4 remains one of the safest bets for families shopping used SUVs.

8. Ford Explorer

The Explorer barely edged out the RAV4 in used sales. Unlike Toyota’s crossover, however, Ford’s large family SUV follows a distinctly American formula.

The sixth-generation Explorer rides on a rear-wheel-drive-based platform with a longitudinally mounted engine and available AWD. Measuring nearly 197 inches long and almost 79 inches wide, it offers three rows of seating and room for up to six passengers.

Under the hood, Ford relies heavily on turbocharged engines and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The base 2.3-liter EcoBoost already produces 300 horsepower, while higher trims feature twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engines making up to 400 hp. Hybrid versions are also available.

7. Nissan Rogue

The Rogue performs far better in the used market than among new vehicles. Buyers appear more interested in purchasing one pre-owned than brand-new.

Unlike some rivals, the Rogue keeps things straightforward with front-wheel drive or AWD and a continuously variable transmission. Buyers can choose between a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder producing 201 horsepower or a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 181 hp — the same engine shared with the Mitsubishi Outlander .

6. Toyota Tacoma

Toyota’s rugged Tacoma ranks surprisingly high among used vehicles despite not cracking the new-car top 10.

Compared with full-size American pickups, the Tacoma is more compact, topping out at about 225 inches in length. Its reputation for durability remains legendary, especially with the base 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 159 horsepower.

For buyers wanting more performance, Toyota also offered a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 278 hp. Unlike many domestic rivals, the Tacoma kept things simple with six-speed automatic or manual transmissions and traditional leaf-spring rear suspension setups.

5. Toyota Camry

The Camry sits directly in the middle of the rankings with 1.7% of total used sales.

Even though critics often complain about interior plastics and thin body panels, the Camry continues dominating the used-sedan market. Its strengths are familiar to American buyers: outstanding resale value, low maintenance costs, long-distance comfort, roomy interiors, and dependable reliability.

Driving excitement may not be its strongest trait, but mainstream buyers clearly prioritize practicality over sharp handling or European-style performance. Still, Toyota did offer a powerful 301-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 for those wanting extra speed.

4. Chevrolet Equinox

While the Tesla Model Y ranked among America’s hottest new vehicles, used buyers leaned toward something more traditional: the Chevrolet Equinox.

The crossover captured roughly 1.8% of the used market thanks largely to affordability. Base models feature a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine producing 175 horsepower, while upper trims use a 2.0-liter turbo making 252 hp.

Compared with the larger Explorer, the Equinox is significantly smaller and easier to maneuver in everyday driving. Some shoppers may prefer rivals like the RAV4, Honda CR-V , or Mazda CX-5 for styling or reliability, but price clearly played a major role in the Equinox’s strong used sales.

3. Ram 1500

Ram’s half-ton pickup secured third place with 2.1% of all used vehicles sold under five years old.

The current-generation Ram 1500 combines traditional body-on-frame construction with a refined ride and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Engine options ranged from a fuel-efficient 3.0-liter diesel to a monstrous supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing 702 horsepower in the high-performance TRX model.

Full-size pickups remain deeply tied to American car culture, and the Ram continues attracting buyers looking for comfort, towing capability, and powerful drivetrains.

2. Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Just like in the new-car market, the Silverado 1500 takes second place among used vehicles with a 2.4% share.

GM reportedly spent significant time gathering owner feedback before developing this generation of Silverado, aiming to fix many complaints from previous trucks. Unlike Ford and Ram, Chevrolet also stuck with steel body panels rather than switching heavily to aluminum construction.

The lineup ranges from a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder producing 310 hp to naturally aspirated V8 engines, including a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower. Buyers could also choose between two different 3.0-liter diesel engines for maximum fuel economy.

1. Ford F-150

America’s best-selling used vehicle is also America’s best-selling new vehicle.

The F-150 claimed roughly 3% of all used vehicle sales among models less than five years old. Ford’s legendary pickup has one of the longest histories in the automotive world, and the current generation launched for the 2021 model year.

Engine choices range from turbocharged EcoBoost V6 units to naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8s producing 400 horsepower, plus a 3.0-liter diesel option. The truck’s blend of capability, technology, comfort, and brand loyalty keeps it firmly on top of the American market year after year.