Some 284.6 million vehicles were registered in the United States in 2023. The figures include passenger cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. The number of light trucks sold in the U.S. stood at 12.4 million units in 2023. U.S. vehicle registrations The United States is one of the world’s largest automobile markets based on the number of new light vehicle registrations, with more than 15.5 million new light vehicle registrations in 2023. However, domestic production of automobiles stood at around 1.7 million units in 2023, which was under half the output recorded in 2016. At the same time, the United States imports a significant number of vehicles and vehicle parts from various countries, such as Japan, Mexico, and Canada. Leading car manufacturers in the United States The leading car manufacturers overall in the United States include the domestic heavyweights General Motors and Ford. With respect to car brands, the Ford brand clocked in at number one in 2024, selling around 2.1 million vehicles in the United States alone. The brand's holding company is the Ford Motor Company; it was founded by Henry Ford in 1903 in Dearborn, Michigan. The company pioneered in large-scale car manufacturing and introduced production methods such as the assembly line.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, there were around ***** million vehicles operating on roads throughout the United States. Almost **** million used vehicles changed owners in the U.S. between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the fourth quarter of 2024, while new registrations of vehicles came to about **** million units during that period. Automotive market disparities The number of licensed drivers had been steadily increasing up to just under ******* in 2023, but the automotive market has been impacted by economic developments over the past few years. The U.S. vehicle fleet is aging, reflected by the slow increase in the average vehicle age from **** years in 2018 to over ** years in 2024. This is in part due to market disparities. The average selling price of new vehicles has been increasing to nearly ****** U.S. dollars in 2024, up from under ****** in 2016. Used car prices have been declining after the chip shortages linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching around ****** U.S. dollars in 2024. The majority of U.S. car owners earned more than ****** U.S. dollars per years, with the ****** to ****** income group owning over ** percent of the vehicles in use. The boom of the used vehicle market Close to ************* of new car buyers were born between 1946 and 1981, with Gen X being the leading consumers by age group for both the new and used vehicle market. Used light vehicle sales have been steadily increasing since 2010, representing well over double the size of the new light vehicle market in 2024. With a product range priced below new vehicle prices, used vehicles are gaining momentum in the United States. The average American household spends some ***** U.S. dollars on vehicle purchases annually, with consumers in income groups earning above 100,000 U.S. dollars per year spending above ***** dollars annually on car buying. Used vehicle financing options are naturally more affordable than new vehicle financing options, with an average monthly payment over *** dollars for loan payments for new vehicles.

Total Vehicle Sales in the United States increased to 16.40 Million in September from 16.10 Million in August of 2025. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United States Total Vehicle Sales - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Key information about US Registered Motor Vehicles

• US Registered Motor Vehicles was reported at 289,037.000 Unit th in Dec 2020.
• This records an increase from the previous number of 264,194.366 Unit th for Dec 2015.
• US Registered Motor Vehicles data is updated yearly, averaging 249,392.500 Unit th from Dec 2005 to 2020, with 12 observations.
• The data reached an all-time high of 289,037.000 Unit th in 2020 and a record low of 237,697.000 Unit th in 2005.
• US Registered Motor Vehicles data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Association: Automobile Sector – Table RA.OICA.VIU: Vehicle In Use: by Country (Discontinued).

In 2022, California was the federal state with the highest number of motor vehicle registrations in the United States. More than **** million motor vehicles were registered in the nation’s most populous state. Overall, the United States recorded over ***** million vehicle registrations. Vehicle classes Automobiles and trucks are the leading categories in terms of motor vehicle sales in the United States, accounting for roughly ** percent of all registrations. Motorcycles and buses comprise the remaining categories, with buses accounting for a miniscule **** percent of registrations. In terms of sales, light trucks were the most popular category in 2023 with retail sales of nearly **** million units. Leading state California recorded around **** million registrations of automobiles and trucks, having a resident population of just under ** million people. California is the largest market for car registration. The state is known for progressive state legislation that promotes the manufacturing and sale of electric vehicles.

Key information about United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Passenger Cars

• United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Passenger Cars was reported at 3,116,647.000 Unit in Dec 2023.
• This records an increase from the previous number of 2,858,575.000 Unit for Dec 2022.
• US Motor Vehicle Sales: Passenger Cars data is updated yearly, averaging 6,089,403.000 Unit from Dec 2005 to 2023, with 19 observations.
• The data reached an all-time high of 7,761,592.000 Unit in 2006 and a record low of 2,858,575.000 Unit in 2022.
• US Motor Vehicle Sales: Passenger Cars data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers.
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Association: Automobile Sector – Table RA.OICA.MVS: Motor Vehicle Sales: by Country and Type: Passenger Car (PC).

United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Quantity: Light Vehicle: Autos data was reported at 482.821 Unit th in Jun 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 511.215 Unit th for May 2018. United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Quantity: Light Vehicle: Autos data is updated monthly, averaging 697.250 Unit th from Jan 1976 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 510 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,213.100 Unit th in Sep 1986 and a record low of 312.800 Unit th in Jan 2009. United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Quantity: Light Vehicle: Autos data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bureau of Economic Analysis. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.H017: Motor Vehicles Sale: Bureau of Economic Analysis.

View monthly updates and historical trends for US Total Vehicle Sales. from United States. Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis. Track economic data with Y…

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US Used Car Market Size 2025-2029

The US used car market size is forecast to increase by USD 40.2 billion, at a CAGR of 4.3% between 2024 and 2029.

The used car market in the US is witnessing significant growth, driven by the excellent value proposition that used cars offer to consumers. The increasing popularity of websites dedicated to selling used cars has expanded market reach and convenience, allowing consumers to browse and purchase vehicles online. Stringent emission regulations are restricting the sales of non-compliant used cars, necessitating investments in upgrading and maintaining commercial vehicle fleets to meet regulatory requirements. These regulations necessitate investments in emission testing and certification processes, increasing operational costs for dealers. To capitalize on opportunities, dealers can focus on offering certified pre-owned vehicles and implementing robust emission testing procedures.
Additionally, leveraging digital marketing strategies and offering flexible financing options can help attract and retain customers. Overall, the used car market presents both challenges and opportunities for players, requiring strategic planning and innovation to succeed.

What will be the size of the US Used Car Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The used car market in the US continues to evolve, with various sectors adapting to emerging trends and technologies. Vehicle data analysis plays a pivotal role in understanding vehicle depreciation curves and return on investment for dealers. Payment processing systems streamline sales transactions, while sales performance metrics and customer lifetime value inform strategic decision-making. Fraud detection systems ensure compliance with legal standards, and insurance cost factors influence acquisition channel efficiency. Inventory turnover rate, a key performance indicator, varies across dealerships. Compliance audits and dealer training programs maintain legal compliance and improve customer satisfaction. Market penetration rate and resale value prediction help dealers optimize pricing models.
Consumer protection laws and financing product offerings shape customer trust and loyalty. Operating costs analysis, customer service feedback, and sales conversion rates contribute to profit margin calculation. Risk assessment models, employee performance metrics, marketing spend efficiency, and pricing model validation are essential for long-term success. A recent study reveals a 5% increase in sales for dealerships implementing advanced data analytics. Industry growth is expected to reach 3% annually, driven by these evolving market dynamics.

How is this market segmented?

The US used car market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  3P channel sales
  OEM channel sales


Product

  Mid size
  Full size
  Compact size


Vendor Type

  Organized
  Unorganized


Fuel Type

  Diesel
  Petrol


Geography

  North America

    US

By Distribution Channel Insights

The 3P channel sales segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The used car market in the US is an active and dynamic sector, driven by various factors. With the constant launch of new vehicle models, the supply of used cars increases, resulting in lower prices compared to new cars. This trend encourages car owners to sell their vehicles and upgrade to newer models, shortening the average ownership cycle. Online advertising platforms play a significant role in connecting buyers and sellers. Pre-purchase inspections and vehicle history reports ensure transparency and build trust. Repairs cost estimation and parts sourcing networks help in managing the expenses of used car ownership. Market segmentation strategies cater to different customer needs, while customer relationship management tools foster loyalty.

Emissions testing standards ensure the environmental sustainability of used vehicles. Auto appraisal value tools help in determining fair prices, and loan term comparison aids in financing decisions. Marketing campaign effectiveness is measured through customer acquisition cost and interest rate calculation. Mobile apps offer functionalities like mechanical inspection checklists, paint depth measurement, and damage assessment tools. Dealer inventory management, detailing services, and vehicle photography techniques enhance the sales process. Industry growth is expected to continue, with the used car market projected to expand by 3% annually. For instance, a dealership successfully increased its sales by 15% thr

Graph and download economic data for Automobile Registrations, Passenger Cars, Total for United States from 1895 to 1944 about car registrations, vehicles, and USA.

First Registrations of Brand New Passenger Cars data was reported at 746,788.000 Number in Dec 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 738,592.000 Number for Sep 2024. First Registrations of Brand New Passenger Cars data is updated quarterly, averaging 747,191.500 Number from Mar 2020 (Median) to Dec 2024, with 20 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,044,835.000 Number in Jun 2021 and a record low of 652,191.000 Number in Dec 2021. First Registrations of Brand New Passenger Cars data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.OECD.ITF: Motor Vehicles Statistics: OECD Member: Quarterly. [COVERAGE] A passenger car is a road motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, intended for the carriage of passengers and designed to seat no more than nine persons (including the driver). The term 'passenger car' therefore covers microcars (need no permit to be driven), taxis and hired passenger cars, provided that they have fewer than ten seats. This category may also include pick-ups. [COVERAGE] Data do not include light trucks. [STAT_CONC_DEF] Until 2008, data are not available. Quarterly and monthly data are not available. Since 2022, data are not yet available.

Some *** percent of U.S. households had **** or more vehicles in 2017. The percentage of households without a vehicle came to just under **** percent in 2017, meaning that a little over ** percent of households had at least *** light vehicle at their disposal in that same year.

Graph and download economic data for Domestic Auto Production (DAUPSA) from Jan 1993 to Aug 2025 about vehicles, domestic, new, production, and USA.

United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Quantity: Light Vehicle: Autos: Domestic data was reported at 369.995 Unit th in Jun 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 391.631 Unit th for May 2018. United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Quantity: Light Vehicle: Autos: Domestic data is updated monthly, averaging 547.200 Unit th from Jan 1967 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 618 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 962.500 Unit th in May 1973 and a record low of 200.000 Unit th in Jan 2009. United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Quantity: Light Vehicle: Autos: Domestic data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bureau of Economic Analysis. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.H017: Motor Vehicles Sale: Bureau of Economic Analysis.

United States Motor Vehicle Sales & Leases: Used Vehicle: Sales data was reported at 36,883.987 Unit th in 2010. This records an increase from the previous number of 35,491.762 Unit th for 2009. United States Motor Vehicle Sales & Leases: Used Vehicle: Sales data is updated yearly, averaging 40,841.228 Unit th from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2010, with 21 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 44,138.263 Unit th in 2005 and a record low of 35,491.762 Unit th in 2009. United States Motor Vehicle Sales & Leases: Used Vehicle: Sales data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.RA005: Motor Vehicle Sales & Leases: Quantity.

Key information about United States Motor Vehicles Sales

• United States Motor Vehicles Sales recorded 1,253,157 units in Feb 2025, compared with 1,138,523 units in the previous month.
• US Motor Vehicles Sales is updated monthly, available from Jan 1976 to Feb 2025, with an averaged number of 1,270,900 units.
• The data reached an all-time high of 1,845,713 units in Jul 2005 and a record low of 670,466 units in Jan 2009.
• In the latest reports, Retail Sales of US grew 1 % YoY in May 2023.

When asked about "Car ownership", * percent of U.S. respondents answer ********************. This online survey was conducted in 2025, among 13,687 consumers. Looking to gain valuable insights about car owners across the globe? Check out our reports about consumers of car brands worldwide. These reports provide readers with a detailed understanding of car owners: their identities, preferences, opinions, and how to effectively engage with them.

United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Quantity: Light Vehicle: Light Trucks: Foreign data was reported at 247.448 Unit th in Jun 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 247.987 Unit th for May 2018. United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Quantity: Light Vehicle: Light Trucks: Foreign data is updated monthly, averaging 64.500 Unit th from Jan 1976 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 510 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 263.066 Unit th in Mar 2018 and a record low of 13.200 Unit th in Jan 1976. United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Quantity: Light Vehicle: Light Trucks: Foreign data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bureau of Economic Analysis. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.H017: Motor Vehicles Sale: Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Number of Businesses statistics on the Used Car Dealers industry in the US

Graph and download economic data for Automobile Production, Passenger Car for United States (M0107BUSM543NNBR) from Jan 1946 to Dec 1963 about vehicles, production, and USA.