The news: DesRosiers Automotive Consultants estimates that about 168,000 new vehicles were sold in Canada in September 2026, up 3.4% from September 2025. That makes four months in a row of year-over-year gains. The same report carries two cautions. Year-to-date sales are still 0.7% below 2025, and DesRosiers says the fourth quarter could be weaker, because it will be measured against a strong end to last year. The Canadian Press via CTV News
What it means: Four gains in a row sounds like a recovery, but the year-to-date number says the market has only been catching up to where it was. A 3.4% month does not put pressure on anyone to discount. A fourth quarter that is expected to fall short of last year’s is different, because every manufacturer and every dealer is measured against the same months of 2025. Honda Canada sets its finance and lease offers in a monthly sales program, so November and December each get a fresh decision made with that comparison in view. Nothing has been announced for either month. On the floor this fall I see two kinds of shopper: the ones who need a vehicle now, and the ones who are watching the calendar. A softer quarter is the news the second group has been waiting on. Waiting has a cost too, because the choice of colours and trims on outgoing model-year vehicles gets thinner every week.
My prediction: Canada’s full-year 2026 new-vehicle sales, as estimated by DesRosiers when the December numbers come out in early January 2027, will finish below the 2025 total, because the market is already 0.7% behind after nine months and the last three are being compared with the strongest part of last year. I’ll be wrong if 2026 finishes level with or above 2025.
If you’re buying right now: If your timeline is flexible and you aren’t set on one colour, compare the November program with October’s on the exact model and trim before you sign. That comparison tells you more than any headline about the market. If you need a particular trim or colour on an outgoing model-year vehicle, don’t wait on a maybe. This month’s Honda deals shows what the current program offers, and the best time to buy a Honda in Vaughan explains how the monthly cycle works.
Quick answers
How many new vehicles were sold in Canada in September 2026?
DesRosiers Automotive Consultants estimates about 168,000 new vehicles were sold in Canada in September 2026, up 3.4% from September 2025. It was the fourth month in a row with a year-over-year gain, as reported by The Canadian Press on October 2, 2026.
Are Canadian car sales up or down in 2026?
Slightly down so far. Even after four straight monthly gains from June through September, DesRosiers has year-to-date sales 0.7% below the same period of 2025. The firm also said the fourth quarter could be weaker, because it is being compared with a strong end to 2025.
Is the end of 2026 a good time to buy a Honda?
Nobody can promise that. Honda Canada sets its finance and lease offers in a monthly sales program, and nothing has been announced for November or December 2026. What a buyer can do is compare each new monthly program with the one before it on the exact model and trim, and weigh that against the shrinking choice of colours and trims on outgoing model-year vehicles.
Want to know what this month’s program does for you?
Tell me the model and trim, and I’ll show you the current Honda program and what changed from last month.
Henry Chen
Sales and Leasing Executive, Maple Honda
89 Auto Vaughan Dr, Maple, ON L6A 4A1
647-523-6878 · henry@maplehonda.com
Sources: The Canadian Press, October 2, 2026, reporting estimates from DesRosiers Automotive Consultants. Predictions are my personal read, not Honda Canada policy.
Ask Henry a question
Not ready to book anything? Just ask. Henry Chen answers every message himself — usually within a couple of hours during business hours. No call list, no pressure, and no obligation to buy anything.