Top 10 Best Selling Cars of All Time
Cars have been popular ever since they were first introduced in the early 1900s. But since that time, we’ve seen a staggering array of models, car types, and automobile aesthetics leap into the market and take it by storm. Time and again, certain car models have become instant classics and popular favorites, dominating the roadways and our imaginations like nothing else.
Today, let’s break down the top 10 best-selling cars of all time and explore why they were (and oftentimes still are) so beloved.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is one of the most popular cars of all time and has been ever since it first rolled onto the road in 1966. It was the best-selling car on the entire planet by 1974. Despite heavy competition from other manufacturers and vehicles of the same type, the Corolla has maintained its dominance as the go-to four-person vehicle for metropolitan commutes and small family travel.
The Toyota Corolla sold approximately 50 million units from 1966 to the present day, with more undoubtedly on the way.
Ford F-Series Trucks
Ford’s F-Series of trucks gets special mention for its undisputed popularity. In fact, these trucks might be the most popular four-wheeled trucks with beds ever designed and produced. The initial Ford F-150 was first manufactured in 1948, though it has been continually updated ever since this initial launch.
In fact, the F-150 has remained at the top of sellers’ lists for decades, and it doesn’t look to be slowing down. Every few years, another F-150 is announced and sells like hotcakes to Ford’s dedicated fans, especially men.
The Ford F Series in total has sold well over 34 million units since its initial introduction in 1948.
Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf is the best-selling Volkswagen vehicle to date, and it’s sometimes called the Rabbit. Regardless of what you call it, this vehicle was first manufactured in 1974 and has sold well over 30 million units since that launch.
However, Volkswagen as an automobile manufacturer has recently decided to close down. Because of this, there will be no more Volkswagen Golfs or other Volkswagen cars manufactured in the future. This could drive the price of the Golf and other VW bottles up in the short term future as supply dwindles and as these cars take on an iconic second life due to their rarity.
Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle has also sold remarkably well over its lifespan, which started in 1938. Though it began as a vehicle designed for Adolf Hitler himself, it really became popular in the 1960s thanks to its affordable price, somewhat funky aesthetic compared to other vehicles, and comfort.
Unfortunately, the Volkswagen Beetle was discontinued in December 2019, as the Beetle’s iconic front-wheel-drive system was replaced in favor of an alternative for future Volkswagen vehicles.
The Volkswagen Beetle sold approximately 21,500,000 units between its manufacturing years of 1938 and 2003.
Lada Riva
The Lada Riva, also called the Lada Nova or Lada “Classic,” is a popular Soviet Union vehicle that was first launched in 1980. It’s technically based on a Fiat 124 platform, which itself was first created in 1966.
Regardless, this classic vehicle is heavily associated with the Cold War-era and 1980s aesthetic, and it has been discontinued since 2012. That said, you can still find millions of these vehicles around the world, especially in northern Africa, countries of the former Soviet Union, and, of course, Russia.
The Lada Riva sold approximately 17,750,000 units between its production years of 1970 to 2012.
Honda Civic
Honda takes its rightful place on this list with the Civic, which first launched in 1972. The iconic commercial vehicle features a sleek aesthetic, a low profile, and comfortable seating that cemented it as one of the most popular small family and suburban vehicles in the United States and, later, Europe.
Even today, the Honda Civic continues to be manufactured in new variants. For example, there’s a brand-new model available for the 2022 automobile market, and it maintains the same attention to quality and detail as its predecessors.
The Honda Civic has, so far, sold over 16.5 million units since its initial introduction in 1972.
Ford Escort
The Ford Escort is particularly memorable for certain areas of the country, especially the Eastern US. It first launched in 1981 and later hop across the pond to become one of the most popular commuter vehicles in all of Europe.
Unfortunately, the Escort is now only sold in China. That said, you can find many used vehicles of this model in the US bouncing around car dealerships and rental agencies.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a 1976 vehicle that’s a little smaller than the also popular Civic. This smaller vehicle sold quite well, though, in part because of its smooth performance and relative affordability. It also acquired a quick reputation as one of the safest and most reliable family vehicles on the market. It has been a staple of Honda’s auto lineup since 1989.
Ford Model T
Who could forget the original massively popular automobile, the Ford Model T? This famous automobile was arguably the first mass-produced car in the entire country, and it was affordable for the average middle-class family, to boot! It was first constructed in 1908 in Detroit under Henry Ford’s supervision.
Of course, no one makes Ford Model Ts anymore, but you can still find these vehicles sold at rare collection auctions or preserved for historical purposes. In just 20 years, the Model T sold 16.5 million units, marking a major shift in the way car manufacturers marketed to drivers.
Volkswagen Passat
Lastly, the Volkswagen Passat is another classic VW vehicle that was last updated in 2020, although a new model is on the way for 2022. Since Volkswagen is closing overall, the 2022 model will be the last, but the Passat has enjoyed a phenomenally financially successful run since it debuted in 1973.
It’s a family car through and through, but it features a luxury aesthetic that doesn’t drive the price tag up too much. It has garnered a popular following over time, solidifying it as one of VW’s most popular car models even in competition with icons like the Beetle. More than 30 million Passat units were sold over its lifespan.
Summary
As you can see, this list of the top 10 best-selling cars of all time is well-deserved. Many of the automobiles on this list have phenomenal aesthetics, historical significance, or helped cement a certain type of vehicle as a staple car type on the roads.
Even better, many of these cars can still be found in great condition, especially if you try to rent one of them at an automobile rental agency.
Advantage Rent-a-Car has one of the most diverse rental vehicle fleets in the entire country. In fact, many of our vehicles available to rent are comprised of some of these top-selling cars. If you want to drive a car with history and a great reputation, contact us today and see what vehicles are available near you!
Sources:
History’s 10 Best Selling Cars Of All Time | Auto Blog
Top Ten Best Selling Cars of All Time | Infoplease
20 Best Selling Cars of All Time | Motor Junkie
