DETROIT — With low interest rates and cheaper gasoline to motivate them, and no polar vortex to keep them home, consumers went car-shopping in a big way in January.

New vehicle sales rose 14 percent to 1.15 million, according to Autodata Corp. It was the best January in nine years. Car buyers found a few deals, but they were also attracted to popular new vehicles such as the Ford F-150 and Jeep Cherokee.

General Motors led the way with an 18 percent gain over last January. Encouraged by low gas prices, buyers snapped up GM’s big SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.

Toyota’s sales rose 16 percent, and the Japanese automaker reported record January sales of its trucks and SUVs. Ford and Nissan each posted 15 percent gains. Fiat Chrysler’s sales rose 14 percent and Honda’s sales were up 12 percent.

All automakers except Tesla Motors reported sales results on Tuesday.

January is typically a slow month for the auto industry. Buyers have less incentive to shop, since automakers offer fewer deals and promotions after the holidays and tax bills are looming. Bad weather can also keep customers away.

This January was a big improvement over last year, when the polar vortex caused record-setting cold in much of the country.