Toprak expects truck sales to pick up by November or December, coinciding with the first snow storms, year-end clearance sales, and end of the tax year for many of the small businesses that use pickups. Whether they move up or down in popularity at the end of this year, "they're still likely to be in the top 10," he says.

Coming between the trucks at No. 6, the Nissan Altima offers "a combination of space and reasonable gas mileage," says Taylor.

In eighth place, Chevrolet's Impala "has been a success," says Nerad. One likely reason: the gas mileage for the size. Six-cylinder models get 21 mpg to 23 mpg combined, according to the EPA. Eight-cylinder models get 19 mpg.

And finishing out the list at No. 9 and No. 10, the Ford Focus and the Chevrolet Cobalt "both offer strong gas mileage and reasonable space, but not copious space," says Taylor.

The Focus, which was redesigned last fall, is Ford's sole entry in the compact market, says Libby.

"The Focus has carved out a niche, along with the Cobalt," Taylor says.

Here are the top 10 sellers so far this year:

1. Toyota Camry 6. Nissan Altima 2. Honda Accord 7. Chevrolet Silverado 3. Honda Civic 8. Chevrolet Impala 4. Toyota Corolla 9. Ford Focus 5. Ford F-Series 10. Chevrolet Cobalt

5. Ford F-Series (light duty) List price: $26,277 Sold year to date: 164,828 Estimated annual fuel: : $3,853 to $4,402 One new option for 2008 is a rearview camera system to enhance visibility behind the truck. In 2009 models, the F-Series will come standard with the Ford's capless feature, eliminating twist-on gas caps. Over the next few years, the company is also transitioning to more fuel-efficient six-speed transmissions. Available in six- and eight-cylinder versions, the F-Series averages a combined city/highway mileage of 14 mpg to 16 mpg burning gasoline and 10 mpg to 12 mpg using ethanol. It will get a complete redesign for the 2009 model year.

Sources: Rankings, sales volume, and pricing information from J.D. Power & Associates. Model information from the automaker. Mileage estimates and annual fuel costs from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy through FuelEconomy.gov.