10 best-selling car models of all time
Present in the market since 1966, Toyota Corolla's cumulative sales reached more than 43 million vehicles worldwide, surpassing Ford F-series with 40 million vehicles.
Every year, hundreds of different car models are introduced to the market by dozens of manufacturers. The best-selling models have often been around for decades, but time is not the key to success.
To conquer the market, it is necessary to converge enough awareness and competitiveness from one generation to the next. Products also need to maintain their appeal to customers.
The list below is compiled by Cheatsheet with data from various sources as well as best-selling car lists in many markets around the world.
1. Toyota Corolla - more than 43 million cars
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One of the most familiar names, Corolla, or Corolla Altis in Asia, is not personality, not driving feeling, but useful. First launched in 1966, the Japanese car model brings comfort, convenience and reliability at a reasonable price.
Now in its 11th generation, you can find Corollas from several generations still on the road. There are other cars today that have similar qualities, but perhaps none have achieved success as simply and easily as the Corolla.
2. Ford F-series - over 40 million vehicles
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Ford's F-series has been the best-selling truck in the US since 1977 and the best-selling car in the US since 1983. Strong, durable and capable of towing and hauling trailers, the pickup has been on sale since 1948 and has gone through 13 generations with many different versions.
3. Volkswagen Golf - over 30 million cars
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The first generation Golf was a front-engine, front-wheel-drive car that was meant to replace the legendary rear-engine, air-cooled Beetle. In fact, when it debuted in 1974, the Golf helped the German automaker figure out where to go in a post-Beetle world.
With different versions, from the economical type with diesel engine to the personality and powerful versions like GTI and Golf R, Golf also brings driving experience, comfort, eye-catching appearance, flexibility as well as reliability.
4. Volkswagen Beetle - over 23 million cars
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Cumulative sales include both the classic Beetle and new versions. Introduced in 1938, the "Bug" dominated the world market in the 1950s and 1960s, becoming a cultural icon of the era.
The new versions have failed to connect with the culture, but they have helped keep the Beetle relevant. In fact, the original model remained in production until 2003. It’s unclear how long the New Beetle will last.
5. VAZ 2101 - more than 19 million cars
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The VAZ 2101, produced by Russian carmaker AvtoVAZ, has been known by a number of different names, including the Lada 1200 and the Lada Riva. First introduced in 1970, the compact car was a rebadged Fiat 124, remaining largely unchanged until the early 1980s and in production until 2012.
The VAZ 2101 was not very impressive in reality, but it was one of the few cars that Russians could afford after the end of the Cold War. There are still millions of them on the road today.
6. Honda Civic - over 18 million vehicles
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Launched in 1972, the Civic has been a success thanks to its reliability and versatility, similar to its long-time rivals such as the Toyota Corolla and Ford Escort. But the Civic's easy-to-modify design is another important factor that has won generations of fans around the world. For many, the Civic is even an icon.
7. Ford Escort - over 18 million cars
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In Europe, especially in the UK, the Escort was a legend. The small family car came in different versions for different markets, and was widely known for its practicality and fuel economy. The Escort was later replaced by the Focus.
8. Honda Accord - over 17 million vehicles
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Since its debut in 1976, the Accord has built a reputation for quality and reliability. Today, it is popular for its performance and dynamic driving experience at an affordable price in many markets.
9. Ford Model T - over 15 million cars
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From 1908 to 1927, Ford sold more than 15 million Model Ts. For many Americans, the Model T was the first real car that anyone could afford. The qualities of this product were itssimplicity, reliability and durability.
10. Volkswagen Passat - more than 15 million cars
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Launched in 1973, the Passat has a series of different names in different markets, such as Dasher, Quantum, Santana... But no matter what it is called, the Passat is still on the list of best-selling cars in the world.
According to VNE
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