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Electric vehicles have quite the tall order keeping up the popularity of popular internal combustion engine (ICE) nameplates. However, Tesla managed to get two of its sought-after EVs on the list of the best-selling vehicles in America for the entire year of 2023. What’s more, the most affordable vehicle in the brand’s lineup, the Tesla Model 3, was the second-best-selling passenger car in the country, beating out some serious competition.  

The redesigned “Highland” Tesla Model 3 starts at around $40,630 for the 2024 model year. Consequently, the entry-level Tesla isn’t exactly the most affordable EV on the market. For instance, the 2025 Nissan LEAF starts at about $29,280, over $10,000 less than the base-model baby Tesla. 

However, the Model 3’s higher base price didn’t stop it from outselling several of the most popular passenger cars in the United States. Sales estimates suggest that Americans bought 232,700 Model 3s in 2023. That puts the Model 3 just ahead of the perenially popular Toyota Corolla. And when I say “just,” I mean it; estimates put the Model 3 ahead of the Corolla by just 330 units. 

Passenger car make/modelRankUnits sold
Toyota Camry1290,649 
Tesla Model 32232,700 (estimated)
Toyota Corolla3232,370
Honda Civic4200,381
Honda Accord5197,947
Source: Car and Driver

As for Honda’s most popular passenger cars, the Model 3 held a more commanding lead. For instance, the Model 3 outsold the midsize Honda Civic by 32,319 units. However, the Tesla Model 3’s sales successes didn’t put the entry-level Tesla EV ahead of the Toyota Camry, the best-selling passenger car in the United States.

It also wasn’t enough to outsell the Model 3’s closest sibling, the Tesla Model Y. If the sales figures ring true, Automotive News estimated that Americans bought a staggering 385,900 Model Ys, making it the best-selling EV in America by a commanding margin.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).