DETROIT (AP) — Freezing temperatures and drifts of snow likely took a small bite out of U.S. auto sales in February, but most automakers still reported gains thanks to the strong economy.

General Motors’ sales rose 4.2 percent over last February, while Chrysler’s sales were up 5.6 percent. Nissan’s sales were up 2.7 percent. All three automakers reported smaller gains than analysts had predicted.

Ford’s U.S. sales were down 1.9 percent, as dealers lacked the inventory to meet demand for the new F-150 pickup truck.

All automakers report U.S. sales on Tuesday. Analysts had predicted an 8 percent increase over a year ago to nearly 1.3 million vehicles, based on the strength of the U.S. economy.

Falling unemployment, low interest rates and new versions of big sellers like the Jeep Cherokee — which saw sales jump 19 percent in February — drove buyers to dealerships in many cities.