California consistently leads the country in the number of registered vehicles. Per the CA Auto Outlook, there were 1.78 million new vehicle registrations in 2023, up nearly 12% from 2022. Projections show an estimated 1.83 million registrations throughout 2024.
Los Angeles does not have public transportation on the same level as other major metropolitans – like New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, etc. The result is that most Los Angeles residents rely on their own automobiles for transportation. More cars equal more defects. More defects equal more lemon law claims.
Now, when we mention “popular cars in Los Angeles”, you might get images of Lamborghinis, Masaratis, or other flashy sports cars associated with the glamour and glitz of Tinsel Town. When it comes to car registrations, this is not the case.
In this post, we want to discuss the most popular cars in LA – and what to do if you think yours is defective. Let’s get moving.
1. Toyota RAV4
A true pioneer in the compact SUV market, the Toyota RAV4 is known for balancing fuel efficiency, cargo space, and reliability, catering to both city dwellers and outdoors people. The hybrid model stands out for combining eco-friendliness with power, offering an appealing choice for environmentally conscious drivers.
The RAV4 leads our list of most popular cars in Los Angeles with 58,496 registrations in 2023.
2. Toyota Camry
At the very top of this list is the Toyota Camry. This model is renowned for its reliability and comfort, offering a smooth ride with efficient fuel consumption. Additionally, the Camry is known to meet diverse preferences (from sporty to casual) and budgets.
The Camry had 51,330 registrations in 2023, making it to the top spot on this list of the most popular cars in Los Angeles.
3. Honda Civic
Honda Civics are sold across the world – and for good reason. The sporty design, excellent fuel efficiency, and a reputation for durability make the Civic a popular choice for everyone. This model offers a variety of body styles, including sedan, coupe, and hatchback, to suit different preferences.
Last year, there were 42,564 new Civic registrations in The Golden State.
4. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a well-known compact SUV that’s made a name for itself with a spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and smooth ride, making it a perfect choice for small families. The CR-V’s hybrid version further appeals to those looking for an efficient SUV without compromising on space or comfort.
The CR-V had 42,044 registrations in 2023.
5. Honda Accord
Known for its roomy interior and excellent performance, the Honda Accord is a midsize sedan that combines practicality and fuel economy. The newer Accord models feature a range of advanced driver-assistance technologies, setting an extremely high bar for safety in the auto industry.
Last year in California, there were 40,878 registrations for the Accord – making it one of the most popular cars in LA.
6. Ford F-Series
The Ford F-Series is a leader in the full-size pickup truck market – and a staple in the American auto industry. The model boasts high-level towing and hauling capabilities along with innovative features that enhance both work and play.
In California, there were 40,507 registrations for the F-Series.
7. Toyota Corolla
Similar to the Camry, the famed Corolla is widely known for its longevity and affordability – and is a practical and economical option for daily commuting through the infamous Los Angeles freeways. Its recent redesigns have added modern flair and enhanced technology features, attracting a younger demographic.
In 2023, the Corolla had 38,198 new registrations.
8. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Known for its high-power performance and robust build, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 stands as a full-size pickup truck designed to tackle tough jobs and pull heavy loads. The newer models offer a wide range of configurations and engine options, ensuring there’s a Silverado to meet every need.
There were 36,821 Silverado registrations in 2023.
9. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a rugged and beloved pickup truck across the world, known for off-road capability and a durable build. The Tacoma is also known for retaining its value better than almost any other vehicle on the market. During the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues, we saw Tacoma owners selling their vehicles for MORE than they bought them for – which is an anomaly in the used car market.
2023 saw 35,513 Tacoma registrations in CA.
10. Kia Forte
The Kia Forte is a compact sedan known for its modern style, high-tech features, and great fuel efficiency – available at a reasonable price point. Its comfortable interior and smooth ride quality offer a premium feel making it an ideal choice and one of the most popular cars in LA.
The Forte had 21,555 registrations in 2023.
What if Your New or Used Vehicle is Defective?
Even the most popular cars in LA aren’t immune to defects and lemon laws. Auto brands manufacture hundreds of thousands of vehicles every single year – and no company is perfect.
Fortunately, the law is on your side. Federal lemon law – known as the Magnuson-Moss Consumer Warranty Act – was put in place to hold manufacturers accountable for producing, approving, and selling cars with defects.
Each state has a unique set of guidelines that determine if a defective vehicle qualifies for lemon law benefits. California’s lemon law – the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act – extends to both new and used vehicles.
If you’re driving one of the most popular cars in Los Angeles (or any other vehicle) that’s under warranty, defects must be reported to the manufacturer. The auto brand will direct you to a certified repair facility to correct the defect. If these repair attempts are unsuccessful, you may have a lemon on your hands.
The next step may be to reach out to a lemon law lawyer in LA.
Does Your Vehicle Meet the Criteria of California Lemon Law?
A single defect may not automatically qualify vehicles for lemon law cases under California lemon law. To be eligible for a California lemon law claim, your case must meet these qualifications – with documentation to support it:
- Your vehicle is exhibiting a defect that substantially impairs its safety, usability, or value; and
- The vehicle’s defect was reported to the manufacturer while the original or dealer warranty was valid; and
- The defect was not caused by your negligence, neglect, or abuse; and
- The vehicle was subjected to a reasonable number of repair attempts by the manufacturer’s certified repair facility; or
- The vehicle was out of service for repairs for 30 or more cumulative days.
If you can prove your vehicle meets these qualifications, get in touch with a lemon law lawyer in LA to learn how California lemon law works and start the process of seeking compensation.
What’s the Next Move?
California lemon law may seem straightforward on the surface, but there are many moving parts to every case. Additionally, auto brands have extremely high-powered defense teams to deny lemon law claims; trying to negotiate a fair settlement without a skilled lemon law attorney will likely not end well.
Now, lemon law attorneys in LA know you’re dealing with a defective vehicle for the first time – it’s a rare occurrence. Most are happy to speak with you to discuss your situation and the next moves to make.
At Cline APC, we are a California lemon law firm with years of helping Los Angeles consumers get fairly compensated after buying a defective vehicle. Get in touch today to speak with a lemon law lawyer in LA. Call us directly at 888-982-6915, send an email to info@clineapc.com, or schedule a free consultation.
