Pickup Truck Dominance: Analyzing America's Favorite Cars by State

Americans just can't get enough of their pickup trucks. These versatile workhorses have captured our hearts (and driveways) for decades now. The Ford F-150, in particular, has been crushing it as America's best-selling vehicle for a mind-blowing 40 years straight. And it's not just new truck sales – pickups also dominate the used car market, claiming the top three spots nationwide. But does this pickup passion look the same across all 50 states?

To find out, the team at iSeeCars dug into the data, analyzing over 7.7 million used car sales from the past five model years (2019-2023) during 2024. They calculated each model's share of used car sales at the state level, leaving out heavy-duty vehicles. Here's what they discovered.

The F-150: America's Sweetheart

No surprise here – the Ford F-150 topped the charts in a whopping 33 states. Wyoming loves the F-150 the most, where it makes up an impressive 7.2% of all recent used car sales. Montana (7.1%) and North Dakota (6.8%) aren't far behind in their F-150 devotion.

Regional Flavor: Not All States Are Truck Country

While the F-150 dominates across most of America, some interesting regional preferences emerged:

• The Tacoma Takes the West: Toyota's smaller pickup claims the top spot in Nevada and Oregon, grabbing 2.1% and 2.8% of used car sales. Its manageable size and off-road chops make it perfect for these western landscapes.
• Midwest Loves the Equinox: Chevrolet's popular crossover rules in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Michigan shows particular fondness for the Equinox, where it accounts for 5.6% of used car sales.
• East Coast Urban Choices: The Nissan Rogue leads in Connecticut and New York with 2.5% of sales, while compact cars like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic are favorites in Florida and California – perfect for navigating crowded cities and offering the fuel efficiency urban dwellers crave.

Small States, Distinctive Tastes

Some of the smaller states march to their own automotive beat:

• The Jeep Grand Cherokee conquers Delaware and New Jersey, where drivers appreciate its balance of ruggedness and comfort.
• Vermont stands out with the Ram 1500 taking the lead at 3.4% of used car sales.
• In Hawaii, the Kia Optima surprisingly claims 3.1% of the market.

Why Pickups Still Rule the Road

Pickup trucks continue their reign for good reason – they're incredibly versatile, durable, and adaptable to countless needs, from hauling construction materials to taking the family camping. Models like the F-150, Tacoma, and Ram 1500 speak to a wide range of drivers with different requirements.

What's kept these trucks at the top is constant innovation. Ford and Toyota have worked hard to make their trucks not just capable but comfortable, loaded with advanced tech that today's drivers expect. The F-150 particularly stands out with its focus on technology and digital features, including investments in cutting-edge stuff like AI and vehicle connectivity – moves that clearly resonate with modern consumers.