The U.S. auto market showed signs of continued recovery from its two year funk Tuesday as General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co., and Toyota Motor Corp. all reported sales gains over last year.

GM, the largest U.S. Car maker, sold 177,603 cars and light trucks last month, up 5.3% from October 2008. It was GM’s first monthly sales jump since January 2008.

Ford, (F) the country’s second largest car maker said it sold 132,483 vehicles, up from 3% last year and 21% over September.

Toyota, (TM) which holds the title of world’s largest car maker, said it sold 152,165 vehicles from its Toyota, Lexus and Scion lines, up less than 1% from October 2008.

Chrysler also posted gains, but its sales are still below last year. Chrysler said it sold 65,803 cars and light trucks last month, down 30% from one year ago better than its September sales, which dropped 42% from September 2008.

Ford said its sales were driven by demand for the Taurus, but were also pushed by the Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, Ford Escape and Ford Edge.

GM said its sales were focused primarily in its Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac brands.