As of early 2026, there are approximately 292 million cars in the U.S. This figure encompasses all registered vehicles, including cars, SUVs, vans, and both medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. From 2022 to 2023, the number of cars in the U.S. increased by 0.4%, continuing a trend of gradual growth.
Over the decade from 2012 to 2022, the number of vehicles registered in the U.S. surged by 41 million, marking a 16.6% increase overall.
| Year | Number of Cars |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 292M |
| 2022 | 290.8M |
| 2021 | 289.5M |
| 2020 | 286.9M |
| 2019 | 284.5M |
| 2018 | 279.1M |
| 2017 | 270.4M |
| 2016 | 264M |
| 2015 | 257.9M |
| 2014 | 252.6M |
| 2013 | 248.9M |
| 2012 | 248.7M |
How Many Households in the U.S. Own a Car?
Approximately 110 million households in the U.S. own a car. Of these, 33% own one car, 32% own two cars, and 15% own three cars. Notably, only about 8% of U.S. households do not own a vehicle, indicating that multi-car ownership is quite common.
How Many New Cars Are Sold Each Year in the U.S.?
In 2023, approximately 14 million new cars were sold in the U.S. The automotive industry has seen a rebound following the disruptions caused by the pandemic, with sales gradually recovering, although challenges remain.
Despite a 10% drop in sales between 2022 and 2023, the automotive sector is on a path towards recovery, with increasing demand and supply chain improvements.
Other U.S. Car Statistics FAQ
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How much does the average American drive a day?
The average American drives 39 miles a day. According to recent data, this figure remains consistent with previous years as the U.S. Federal Highway Administration continues to report similar averages.
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How many licensed drivers are in the U.S.?
There are approximately 240 million licensed drivers in the U.S. Over the last decade, the number of licensed drivers has seen steady growth, reflecting increased mobility and access.
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How many cars per capita are there in the U.S.?
There are approximately 0.90 cars per capita in the U.S. This measurement is based on the total population, indicating a healthy car ownership rate compared to licensed drivers, which stands at about 1.25 cars per licensed driver.
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How many cars are built in the U.S. each year?
About 9 million cars are built in the U.S. each year. The production of vehicles has rebounded post-pandemic as manufacturers adapt to new market demands and supply chain challenges.
| Year | Vehicles Produced |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 9,200,000 |
| 2020 | 8,822,399 |
| 2019 | 10,880,019 |
| 2018 | 11,314,705 |
| 2017 | 11,189,985 |
| 2016 | 12,198,137 |
References
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The United States Census Bureau. “Families and Households.” Accessed on February 27, 2026.
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Federal Highway Administration. “Highway Statistics Series.” Accessed on February 27, 2026.
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Zippia. “Automotive Industry Statistics.” Accessed on February 27, 2026.
Author
Matthew Zane is the lead editor of Zippia's How To Get A Job Guides. He is a teacher, writer, and world-traveler that wants to help people at every stage of the career life cycle. He completed his masters in American Literature from Trinity College Dublin and BA in English from the University of Connecticut.
