The World’s 15 Most Sold Car Models in History

We compiled a list of the 15 best selling cars ever. Knowing which cars made the list should give you a good idea of what brands and makes to look for when buying a car, or if the one you own has good resale value. Which one is the top selling car in history? Let’s find out!

Special mention: The Ford Model T was launched in 1908 and revolutionized the automotive business. It was the world’s first mass-produced and the most sold vehicle in the world. The Model T paved the way for each and every car on this list.

15. Renault Clio

• Models Sold: 15,000,000+
• Debut Year: 1990
• Country First Released: France

The Renault Clio is the best-selling French automobile of all time. The Clio was launched in 1990 as a replacement for the equally successful Renault 5. The Clio is lightweight but fuel-efficient and comfortable due to its spacious design. It would become a multiple award-winner and is arguably the face of Renault. This model continues to be popular due to its low prices, low fuel consumption, and the use of advanced technology with every new model.

14. Ford Focus

• Models Sold: 16,000,000+
• Debut Year: 1998
• Country First Released: Europe

The Ford Focus is noted for its excellent handling, spacious cabin, and appealing look. It also has participated in rally sports, which increased its market appeal. This sporty yet affordable hatchback is a favorite choice among first-time car buyers. However, Ford has declared that production of the Ford Focus will cease in 2025 as the company shifts its focus to electric vehicles.

13. Chevrolet Impala

• Models Sold: 16,800,000+
• Debut Year: 1958
• Country First Released: USA

The Chevrolet Impala is an exceptional full-size American sedan that performs admirably in its class. The Impala has a long history and is considered one of the best large American sedans. It boasts a big cabin and a pleasant ride, and is typically less expensive than other similar models. Unfortunately, even with such success, the Impala was phased out in 2020.

12. Honda Accord

• Models Sold: 17,000,000+
• Debut Year: 1976
• Country First Released: Japan

The mid-size car market may not be as large as it once was, but the Honda Accord continues to perform well. This model remains a popular choice even in the SUV/Truck-heavy US market. The Accord is well-known for its luxurious look, as well as its big interior and trunk space. It is regarded as a good buy because its features, design, and conveniences are equivalent to those of more expensive models such as an Audi or Lexus.

11. Ford Escort

• Models Sold: 18,000,000+
• Debut Year: 1968
• Country First Released: UK & Germany

The Escort has been Ford's mainstay for the last dozen years or so. In the early 1970s, Ford Escorts gained fame due to their participation in different races and rallies. Following that, it gained popularity as a low-cost vehicle, and usually, it was the first Ford car owned by a family. Because of its inexpensiveness, good durability, and safety features, the Escort is an excellent choice for college students and young families. 

10. Vauxhall Corsa

• Models Sold: 18,000,000+
• Debut Year: 1982
• Country First Released: France, Italy & Spain

The Corsa car is known for being inexpensive, well-equipped, and simple to drive, making it the best selling car model in the compact category, easing out offerings from known manufacturers like Fiat. It's a perfect first vehicle for new drivers because of its low operating expenses. For many years, the Corsa had a sloping front end that gave it an aggressive and sporty appearance. Current models feature a more refined look, giving it a luxurious feel.

9. Lada Riva / Lada Classic

• Models Sold: 19,000,000+
• Debut year: 1980
• Country First Released: Russia (USSR)

When it was first introduced in the Soviet Union, the Lada Riva or Lada Classic was one of the most popular cars in history, while also being one of the most unreliable. Although it conked out more frequently than others, it was also incredibly simple to repair. Unlike most depreciated cars, you can practically take a part from another Lada Riva, even if it's from a different year, and use it to repair another. The ease of maintenance and basic simplicity overshadowed the car's overall unreliability.

8. Ford Fiesta

• Models Sold: 19,000,000+
• Debut Year: 1976
• Country First Released: Spain, England & Germany

One of the most popular vehicles in the UK is the Ford Fiesta. Henry Ford II personally selected the name "Fiesta" to honor Ford's burgeoning ties to Spain. It can travel up to 200,000 miles before repairs are needed. Because they are in high demand, used Fiestas hold their value well. Due to its price and ease of driving, the Fiesta is a perfect choice for inexperienced drivers and first-time car buyers.

7. Toyota Hilux

• Models Sold: 20,000,000+
• Debut Year: 1968
• Country First Released: Japan

Toyota is a brand known for its dependability, and the Toyota Hilux is regarded as one of the most dependable trucks of all time. It may easily run for 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. Unlike most difficult cars to work on, owners usually report that their Hilux will last 10 to 15 years before requiring serious repairs. Its large load bay and cargo capacity make it ideal for business, farming, masonry, and even military use.

6. Volkswagen Beetle

• Models Sold: 23,000,000+
• Debut Year: 1938
• Country First Released: Germany

The Volkswagen Beetle is one of those vehicles that has existed for as long as anyone can remember. It was designed to be the "People's Car," and it was the first automobile to sell more than 20 million units. The classic Beetle was produced from 1938 until 2003, a surprisingly long time for a car model's lifespan. The classic car was made more famous when many owners drove their Beetles to Woodstock and other "hippie" concert events during the 1960s and 1970s.

5. Honda Civic

• Models Sold: 27,000,000+
• Debut Year: 1972
• Country First Released: Japan

The Honda Civic debuted in Japan in 1972 and was introduced in multiple countries the following year. The Honda Civic is pretty popular because it is dependable, fuel-efficient, and available in various aesthetic designs. This model has won numerous awards throughout the years, has a high resale value, and is simple to maintain. Furthermore, it has a long history of running for years trouble-free. The eleventh-generation Honda Civic keeps its reputation as a fun-to-drive small car.

4. Volkswagen Passat

• Models Sold: 30,000,000+
• Debut Year: 1973
• Country First Released: Germany

The Volkswagen Passat is a luxury European car at a reasonable price. It competes with other European luxury sedan models from BMW and Volvo. The car’s versatility, performance, and luxurious interior are the reasons ‌it has become one of the world's best selling family cars. However, as crossovers and SUVs became more popular than sedans, sales of the Passat dwindled. As a result, Volkswagen intends to phase out this model in 2023.

3. Volkswagen Golf

• Models Sold: 35,000,000+
• Debut Year: 1974
• Country First Released: Germany

The Volkswagen brand has 3 makes that share the distinction of being one of the most popular cars worldwide. The Volkswagen Golf leads the pack as the third most sold car in the world. This iconic vehicle is the gold standard for high-quality hatchbacks. The VW Golf is also the world's first vehicle to feature electric, hybrid, diesel, gasoline, and LP gas powertrains — paving the way for Tesla and other hybrid car makers. 

2. Ford F-Series

• Models Sold: 40,000,000+
• Debut Year: 1948
• Country First Released: USA

There are many excellent trucks available, but none have the history and reputation of the Ford F-series pickup truck. The F-series has grown into something more than just a work truck. This model has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for the past few decades. Because the US market is shifting toward large trucks and SUVs, Ford trucks should maintain their dominance.

1. Toyota Corolla

• Models Sold: 50,000,000+
• Debut Year: 1966
• Country First Released: Japan

Toyota's cars offer outstanding longevity and some of the most dependable engines available. The same can be said for other Asian-made vehicles from Mazda, Hyundai, and Nissan, but the Toyota Corolla takes the crown as the best selling car of all time. The Corolla is designed for buyers who want a vehicle that will last for years without the headaches of repairs or costly replacement parts. Its global appeal has endured because it is simple, affordable, and dependable. 

We Buy Junk Cars All Over US

Do you own one of these popular cars? We hope that it is still in top condition. However, if you own an aging or non-running car, it is best to just sell it to a trusted junk car buyer like JunkCarsUs. Selling your old cars can actually give you more value than gambling on repairs.

We pay top dollar for any junk car in any condition. Just give us a call at (855) 547-1550, and our high-qualified staff members can answer all your questions. We can even do a same-day deal if you can give us all the car details. 

We can schedule the pick-up on the same day, and you will receive your cash ASAP. We give free towing wherever you are in the USA. Lost title? No problem, help with the documents too! 

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