It’s no surprise that nearly every automaker has been hit by declining sales this year compared with 2008. However, despite the bad economy and bad press for the automotive industry, Reuters’ recent tally of the top-selling vehicles of this year through October shows some relatively shocking results.

Despite the “smaller is better” trend, and the desire for high-mileage vehicles, the top selling vehicle overall appears to be the Ford F-Series pickup truck. Sure it faced a sales decrease of about 23 percent, but this full-size truck still retains plenty of popularity even amid the craze for fuel economy, crossovers, and hybrids. Although both the Chevrolet Silverado pickup and the Dodge Ram pickup lost ground in the rankings, both trucks still remain in the top ten.

Aside from trucks, Ford seemed to well with two models in the top ten. Ford was the only Detroit automaker to avoid bankruptcy restructuring, but still faced serious financial constrains. But despite challenges, Ford’s recently updated lineup has helped maintain demand. The 2010 Ford Fusion in particular has been a success as it provides affordability and fuel-efficiency. Jumping 10 spots from last year, Ford Fusion Memphis dealers can certainly attest to the Fusion’s gains and ongoing popularity among midsize sedan buyers.

Other vehicles on the list may not be so surprising. Vehicles such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima, are sales leaders and continue to maintain their position within the list.

See below for the full top 10 highest selling vehicles of 2009 through October

* * *

Read more car business news right here.

Toyota sales dropped about 11 percent in the month of June. While not a positive outcome, it was a signal that the industry’s recovery may be underway.

Toyota’s market share remains strong and while sales have certainly fallen compared with last year, the numbers are still comparatively healthy next to those of other automakers suggests a Toyota Washington DC dealer. Needless to say, tight credit and unemployment are still factors that are hampering new car sales.

What has helped Toyota more recently is the Cash for Clunkers program. This government program offers up to $4,500 for those who trade in a gas-guzzler for a more fuel efficient vehicle. With Toyota’s reputation for producing economical cars, the program has helped fuel new car sales. Another $2 billion may soon be appropriated for the program to maintain the influx of new car sales that one Toyota Boston dealer says the industry as a whole desperately needed.

In addition to Toyota, Ford, Honda, and Hyundai are already gaining market share from other GM and Chrysler, and look to dethrone Toyota from its dominance in the North American market observes car dealers Santa Maria. But with a recent sales gain due to steep demand for the all-new third generation Prius, Toyota is down but certainly not out of the game.

* * *

Results of the Cash for Clunkers program can be found here soon.

Just a couple years ago, sport utility vehicles dominated the shopping lists of new car buyers. Specifically, buyers wanted large SUVs, and sales of Tahoes, Expeditions, and even Hummers flourished. But times have changed, and the ‘bigger is better’ mantra is now a thing of the past.

But even despite a rapid change in consumer demand, the general love of the sport utility did not completely vanish. Instead, the feelings were simply redirected to a new form of SUV – the crossover. Consumers realized that the crossover vehicle had just about everything they wanted; the space and versatility of a SUV, with the car-like driving dynamics and fuel economy of a car. American drivers also came to realize that the crossover was designed for the urban driving, and not the Rubicon, which to the surprise of many former Tahoe owners, is actually a good thing.

Let’s take a look at some of these magical crossovers that truly offer the functionality, fun, and frugality that was never quite achieved with the larger sport utilities of recent years.

Volkswagen Tiguan

While it may still be a new comer to the segment, the Volkswagen Tiguan was worth the wait. Powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine (the same engine in the sporty GTI), the Tiguan is plenty peppy, while delivering a commendable 24 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg in the city. The turbo four is also mated to a smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission. Inside, drivers from Dartmouth Volkswagen to Volkswagen Saint Louis have found a roomy, well-appointed interior with excellent quality materials throughout. There’s even an oversized panoramic sunroof that adds plenty of light to the interior. For those who want entry level luxuries and European styling, the VW Tiguan is worth a look.

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester has remained a popular compact crossover since its inception, but the most recent model offers much more than previous generations. Perhaps the biggest difference between the current Forester and its predecessor is the styling. With more modern, yet conservative lines, more buyers at Massachusetts Subaru dealers and other locations are likely to notice the Forester. Plus, with an available turbocharged boxer engine, the Forester offers the performance to match its new-found good looks. With sportiness, versatility, and also safety, assured, the new Subaru Forester is quickly rising to the top of many crossover buyers’ shopping listings.

Nissan Rogue

Car-like driving dynamics is one of the major appeals of the crossover, and in those terms, the Nissan Rogue doesn’t disappoint. Hartford Nissan drivers have noted that the steering is quick, and the four cylinder engine never feels underpowered. The Rogue is offered with a continuously variable transmission as well, delivering power and efficiency. With all-wheel drive and excellent ground clearance, Tacoma Nissan dealers stress that the Rogue also offers excellent all-weather driving capabilities. Passengers in the rear quarter may find the Rogue to be a bit cramped, but up front there is plenty of room. The Nissan Rogue also gets 27 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city.

Mazda CX-7

The Mazda CX-7 is the largest crossover of the group, and certainly shouldn’t go unnoticed. Although is offers ample room, the CX-7 is nimble and quite, and is among the sportiest compact crossovers available. The turbocharged engine offers ample power according to Pittsburgh Mazda car buyers, while also delivering 23 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg city. Mazda Sugarland drivers have also been attracted to the Mazda since it provides a very car-like demeanor in city and freeway driving. If you like the curvy, athletic looks of this Mazda, you’ll also like the interior which also offers distinctive style and excellent fit and finish.

Ford Escape

If you have more conservative tastes, and prefer a crossover that still has boxy, truck-like styling, you’re in the luck! The Ford Escape offers the styling that’s reminiscent of the larger Explorer or Expedition, while also providing excellent on road manners that one would expect from this segment. With a powerful four cylinder that delivers outstanding fuel economy (22 mpg city, 28 mpg hwy), the Ford Escape is also unique in that it also offers a powerful V6 option, and even a hybrid model which delivers the best fuel economy in its class and has excited eco-conscious consumers among Newark Ford dealers. With many reports claiming that Ford vehicles are on par with Toyota and Honda in terms of reliability, the latest Ford Escape promises to offer more practicality than you may think.

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V may be a more familiar nameplate than others in this list, but it remains among the most competitive and most desirable compact crossovers available. Why? Well for starters, Birmingham Honda dealers say the Honda CR-V simply does everything well. Although it’s not the fastest, nor the largest, the CR-V offers strong mileage, decent performance, ample versatility, and incredible value and reliability. The CR-V is also a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which Honda Long Beach is proud to promote to potential CR-V shoppers. If you’re looking to get the most for your money, the Honda CR-V could be your best choice.

Toyota RAV4

Last, but certainly not least, the Toyota RAV4 was one of the first compact crossover vehicles available when it first debuted. Since then the RAV4 has become larger and more powerful, with available third row seating and an optional V6 engine. Although it offers loads of power, Long Beach Toyota dealers stress that the Toyota RAV4 still achieves competitive mileage, with 28 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city. Despite plenty of newer models to choose from, such as the aforementioned Tiguan, many buyers at a Westminster Toyota dealer have still been drawn to all that the RAV4 offers.

* * *

Check out the latest new cars on this blog.