Automakers are expecting a slow October after a phenomenal summer with employee discounts, though Toyota was a bright spot.

Ford reported Tuesday U.S. sales fell 23 percent in October compared to last year, dragged down by lagging SUV sales.

Sales of the Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator were all down more than 50 percent for the month. The Lincoln Aviator saw a 61 percent drop.

Ford said its new Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr midsize sedans exceeded expectations.

Ford's car sales were up 7 percent for the year, but overall sales were down nearly 3 percent.

Toyota said its overall U.S. sales were up more than 5 percent, boosted by a nearly 13 percent jump in car sales. Toyota's pickup and SUV sales were down 4 percent for the month.

Toyota's sales are up about 11 percent so far this year.

Nissan's sales were down 19 percent, including a 23 percent dip in car sales. The Japanese carmaker said overall sales are up 12.5 percent for the year.

Detroit's Big Three ended their employee discounts the first week of October.

Volkswagen reported that sales dropped 21.4 percent from the same period last year.