There's no definite answer to the question of what makes a car popular. Some might say quality determines popularity, and the most well-built cars are the most popular. Others might counter, saying it’s all about the culture and the market.
That said, thanks to annual sales figures, we can easily gauge a car's popularity in every market as well as globally.
When it comes to sales by vehicle type, SUVs took the crown hands-down. The top manufacturer for that year is Toyota, overtaking General Motors for the first time.
Some cars are famous, sure, but that doesn’t mean they are popular. Saying a car is famous means it is well-known like the JDMs featured in the Fast & Furious franchise. On the other hand, when a car is popular, it is well-liked because of its reliability, performance, luxury, and such.
This list looks at best-selling used cars for 2021, based on reports by the research website iSeeCars.
10 Ford F-150
The F-Series has stood the test of time. In production since the late ‘40s, this pickup truck is now an icon of American ingenuity and resilience. It tops the iSeeCars's list for popular used cars in 2021. It’s not surprising at all because a 13th-generation unit can be had for less than $15,000. Affordable for a competent vehicle.
The 2015 model, for instance, is fuel-efficient and boasts of a powerful V6. For this unit, Ford introduced advanced safety features and a commendable driver assistance system (which includes a 360-degree camera.) This truck just keeps on improving, so expect it to be a bestseller, brand new or not.
9 Chevrolet Silverado
Americans love trucks. They are reliable, practical, and powerful. Thus, another pickup is the second-best-selling used vehicle in 2021. Preloved Silverados are up for sale for less than $10,000—a bargain for drivers who want a vehicle that spells utility.
This Chevy’s third- and fourth-generation units are a total improvement from its predecessors: it has an appealing infotainment system, advanced safety features, and a top-of-the-line EcoTec3. The Silverado might be a runner-up to the F-150, but it has proven itself as a force to be reckoned with.
8 Ram Pickup 1500
Another pickup is making its way as a popular vehicle in the US market. Some preloved Ram trucks are selling for less than $15,000, a fair price for vehicles that exude strength and performance.
Since 2014, Ram has been upping their game, implementing changes until 2021. This includes air suspension upgrades, a better infotainment system, and improved wheels, among others. The Ram 1500 knows how to flex, making it a popular choice among truckers.
7 Honda Civic
The Civic is among the best-selling used JDM in the US in 2021. Whatever the year model or trim, this Japanese creation is a reliable and safe companion. Take note, it’s not just a best-seller in the country, but also worldwide.
This model is already affordable to buy brand new so expect it to be cheap preloved (around $15,000). What started as a fuel-efficient car, later on, became known as a sporty vehicle. It’s a popular playground for tuners and a reliable pal for daily drivers. Whoever the owner, they are sure to have an affordable and convenient journey with the Civic.
6 Nissan Rogue
Even as a brand new unit, the Rogue is among the best-sellers; more so as pre-owned. Though still new in the scene, it already attracted admirers, thanks to its user-friendly technology and safety features.
As a young brand, it’s expected to garner praises for the safety of its first-generation units. Even so, Nissan continuously improved their work, earning awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Selling for around $13,000, the Rogue won’t go, errr, rogue.
5 Toyota Camry
From its compact variant to the wide-body models, the Camry is one of Toyota’s dependable machines. A used unit can be bought for less than $20,000. It's worth every penny, plus maintenance costs come cheap, too. And for the record, the Camry is part of NASCAR.
It remains popular among drivers because demand for passenger cars is still high even as sports cars are slowly becoming attractive. The Camry will satisfy not just daily commuters but also drivers who want some action-packed experience.
4 Chevrolet Equinox
Drivers looking for value and versatility would agree that Equinox is a trusted brand. This crossover SUV is “difficult to resist,” according to Forbes. Agreeable, just look at its posh exteriors matched by comforting interiors, then topped by a solid performance.
Pre-owned units cost less than $15,000. This spacious vehicle can accommodate even picky drivers, thanks to its high-tech features, impressive handling properties, and practicality.
3 Ford Escape
The Escape is another crossover SUV that’s already cementing itself as one of the most reliable out there. Its third-generation units, also known as Kuga, boast lots of improvements from its predecessors, from its EcoBoost engine to a better ICE interface.
Though an SUV, it feels like a light vehicle when on the road. Expect to shell out around 15 grand when buying this Ford. Beyond its affordability, expect an enjoyable driving experience.
2 Toyota RAV4
Trailblazer. That’s the RAV4, the first compact crossover SUV that remains popular up to this day. Toyota says it is the “best-selling vehicle that’s not a pickup” and Edmunds believes it kicked off the SUV craze.
Praises are overflowing for this “Recreational Active Vehicle” that’s all about style, function, and features. It remains demure though it’s a history-maker. Grab it for less than $25,000.
1 Honda Accord
Congratulations are in order for the Accord for remaining relevant and reliable since its launching in the late ‘70s. This award-winning vehicle won’t stop being impressive; even millennials are loving it despite its simple design.
This turbocharged drive is easy to handle and offers safety features like a blind-spot monitoring. Though crossovers are slowly becoming popular as family cars, midsize sedans like the Accord knows how to catch up. Now selling for around $20,000, this car won't disappoint.