Top best-selling cars of all time

Lagerstroemia February 23, 2023 10:26

With over 43 million units, the Toyota Corolla is among the world's best-selling cars to date.

1. Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla E10, first generation Corolla. Photo: Alltopeverything

Japanese automaker giant Toyota's Corolla line is the best-selling car in history with more than 43 million units sold.

The Toyota Corolla was first introduced in November 1966. The first two generations, E10 and E20, were quite successful. Since then, the Corolla line has grown in popularity around the world. Currently, the Corolla is still in production and is in its 12th generation.

2. Ford F-Series

Ford F-3 from the first generation of the F-Series.Photo: Alltopeverything

With more than 40 million units sold, Ford's pickup truck line is the world's second-best-selling vehicle in history.

While the F-Series has been largely successful in the United States, it has also sold well in Latin America and parts of Africa. Today, the F-Series is in its 13th generation.

3. Volkswagen Golf

The first generation Volkswagen Golf I. Photo: Alltopeverything

Volkswagen's Golf line represents the most popular small family car in history. Known as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States, it originated from the Beetle, but became more popular around the world.

Although the Golf's popularity has waned somewhat in recent years, it is still produced and sold globally. The car is now in its seventh generation and has sold more than 31 million units.

4. Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen Type 1. Photo: Alltopeverything

The initial production run of the Volkswagen Beetle, also known as the Volkswagen Type 1, is controversial, as the car's launch was largely focused on Nazi propaganda in 1930s Germany.

The Beetle was also produced and used extensively by Nazi Germany in its attempt to conquer Europe. However, after World War II, the car reshaped its image and became one of the most beloved and best-selling cars in the world. Walt Disney even dedicated an entire movie to the car. Unfortunately, due to declining sales, Volkswagen decided to discontinue production in 2003. Between 1938 and 2003, the Volkswagen Beetle sold 24 million units.

5. Lada Riva

Classic Lada Riva VAZ 2105. Photo: Alltopeverything

Not everyone knows the Lada Riva, however, throughout the former Soviet Union, Ladas were by far the most popular cars.

Even after the collapse of communism and the Soviet Union, the car remained popular in Russia and other post-Soviet countries. By the time production ceased in 2012, around 19 million Lada Riva cars had been sold.

6. Honda Civic

First generation Honda Civic. Photo: Alltopeverything

Since its inception in 1972, the Honda Civic has sold over 18.5 million units and is still in production. The Civic's success has been attributed to factors such as 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 key factor in its appeal to customers around the world. For many, the Civic is even an icon.

Lagerstroemia