COVID-19 has had a significant impact on market preferences, including new and used vehicle purchases. The coronavirus pandemic has also affected the way we travel. Given the restrictions and guidelines against using public transportation, many Americans have chosen to drive themselves.
To find out how the pandemic has affected consumer behavior in the auto industry, we ran a tally of numbers to determine the most popular and searched cars in each state for 2021.
This year, pickup trucks were extremely popular in the United States. Pickup trucks make up 3 of the top 10 most popular vehicles on the list. In 18 of the 50 states, the Ford F-Series is the most common vehicle among car owners.
Honda and Chevrolet each had 3 models in the top 10 most common vehicles in the United States for 2021.
Many states have similar car preferences
Hondas are the most fashionable vehicles on the coasts, with the Civic and Accord being the most popular in states along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, respectively. Ford F-Series Pickups, on the other hand, are popular across middle America, from north to south.
Let’s dive deeper into the list:
The Honda CR-V is the most popular vehicle in the second most popular vehicle category in all 50 states. This sporty, spacious midsize SUV is a good option for both city and highway driving. The CR-V was also designated an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2020, confirming its status as a reliable and affordable model with a loyal reputation.
This vehicle ranks #1 in Hawaii
The Toyota Tacoma is the most popular vehicle in Hawaii. The Tacoma is notable for being the only vehicle in the top 10 with a less-than-perfect safety ranking. However, its low entry price, enhanced capabilities, and brand reputability are all strong selling points.
This vehicle ranks #1 in Minnesota
Although the Chevy Impala was no longer manufactured in 2020, it did not go unnoticed on the market. The Chevrolet Impala was called the Best Large Car for the Money Award by US News in 2020, thanks to its plush and spacious interior. Minnesota has the highest concentration of Impala fans, where this marvelous car's 4-wheel drive comes in handy during the snowy Northern winters. While this Land of 10,000 Lakes favorite was phased out after 2020, its chic history will live on.
This vehicle ranks #1 in Indiana
The Malibu, the second most popular Chevy in the rankings and the seventh most popular car in America, has devoted fans among its customers over its many years on the market. The Malibu has been in production and on our roads for 57 years, as of 2021. Malibu is a modish but affordable model with good fuel economy and well-rated safety features. It has devoted fans in the Great Lakes area, especially in Indiana, where it is the state's most famous vehicle.
This vehicle ranks #1 in Maine, South Dakota
Over the past year, the popularity of the Chevrolet Silverado, like other pickup trucks, has grown. Silverados are roomy and robust, with 89.1 cubic feet of cargo space and up to 13,300 pounds of trailering capability. They're also economical and reasonably fuel-efficient for their class.
This vehicle ranks #1 in Florida, Vermont
The Toyota Corolla is a stylish car with excellent fuel economy and is the fifth most widely used vehicle in the United States. Thanks to its durability, reliability, and loyal customer base, this midsize sedan has maintained its acclaimed status in top 10 rankings over the years. Corolla fans can be found anywhere, from Vermont's cold mountains to Florida's warm beaches, proving that this vehicle is adaptable, winning its place in the top 5.
This vehicle ranks #1 in Alabama, Delaware, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee
Though the Nissan Altima has lost its place as the best-selling car in the United States in 2020, it still has a lot of fans. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety named this midsize sedan a Top Safety Pick for 2020, and it continues to be popular in the South. It's no surprise that Altimas are the best choice for many drivers, thanks to their bold exterior, intelligent all-wheel drive, and advanced safety features.
This vehicle ranks #1 in Arizona, California, Illinois, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, Wisconsin
On the West Coast and in the Great Lakes area of the United States, this sporty sedan is a popular and favorite option. The Honda Civic is up one position from last year’s rankings, and it's not hard to see why. The Civic's charm is well earned, with five models ranging from the classic coupe to the Type R Limited Edition with excellent fuel economy, and affordable starting prices.
This vehicle ranks #1 in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia
The Honda Accord maintains its second-place ranking from last year, a testament to the model’s continued success. The Honda Accord is mostly popular on the East Coast, though it has a loyal following in Nevada. The Honda Accord is a perennial favorite in the United States, thanks to its high levels of safety, excellent mileage, and affordable starting price.
This vehicle ranks #1 in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia
Ford F-Series Pickup trucks have gained momentum in the past year. This highly rated, inexpensive, and durable pickup series made in the United States is the vehicle of choice in 18 states. The Ford F-Series is the most popular pickup truck in the country. The Honda Accord and Nissan Altima tied for top spot in Delaware.
The new F-150 is the 14th generation, and the first to have a hybrid modification. Despite the relatively modest design changes, almost all of the exterior panels of the pickup are new. The Ford F-150 will be available in six different trim levels and, as always, the manufacturer offers wide customization options, including two-tone body paint, a wide range of wheels and 11 (!) radiator grille options (with active louvers for improved aerodynamics). As before, the range includes cars with one-row, one-and-a-half, and two-row cabs, the latter being called SuperCrew by Ford.
The new pickup truck has an extended complex of active safety systems, Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0, with auto braking and pedestrian recognition functions, a rear view camera, a parking assistant with a trailer, high beam control, and other electronic assistants. The F-150 can now be ordered with Active Drive Assist, which operates on more than 160,000 kilometers of US and Canadian highways. The system allows the driver to fully release the steering wheel, as long as their gaze remains on the road; a salon camera is installed that monitors the driver's gaze.
Here are some additional infographics from real-life driving and parking situations
