Currently in its fourth generation, the Ford Focus has proven to be a successful and influential car. Ford presented the Focus in 1998 to be a global vehicle they would sell everywhere with minimal differences. The Focus Mk1 was equally at home in Europe, America or South Africa. However, Ford plans to sell the latest generation everywhere except in America, which is a big shame since America loves the Focus as much as Europe does.
The first BMW 3-Series was the legendary E21, which they introduced in 1975. With this car, BMW revolutionized the compact performance market presenting a vehicle with a moderate price and lots of driving excitement. Fast forward 44 years and nothing has changed. Currently, in its seventh generation, the BMW 3-Series still represents the best compact executive car on the market. And that is why they sold 14 million of them.
Chevrolet introduced the Impala in 1958 as a top of the line trim on their full-size models. In fact, the Impala is one of the most legendary car nameplates. For decades it was synonymous with those big four-door sedans. Even today, the Impala is a classic sedan with lots of space and power. Despite the fact that SUVs have killed the sedans, the Impala is still on the market and it will probably sell over 14 million units.
Back in the late ‘60s, Volkswagen had the Beetle and its variants in the form of the TL or van, however, the company wanted to go further. So in 1973, they introduced the Passat. It was a modern sedan with inline four cylinders, front wheel drive, and modern design. It marked the rebirth of the company and the first modern car in decades. Today, 46 years later, the Passat is still one of the best-selling VW models globally. And so far, it has managed to sell in over 15 million units.
There are not enough words to describe the importance of the Ford Model T in automotive history and the car culture. This was the car that singlehandedly created the car world in 1908. The Model T was the first truly mass-produced automobile with Ford building over 15 million of them until 1927.
Also, it was a car that motorized the world, creating the foundation for the modern car industry with assembly plants in foreign countries and on other continents. When they presented the Model T in 1908, the world was still using horse-drawn carriages. But by the time Ford discontinued it in 1927, the automobile age had successfully started.
Even though it wasn’t the first Japanese car to become popular, the Honda Civic managed to evolve in a very interesting way and become a true icon of the industry. From its humble beginnings in the early ‘70s, up to today’s landmark status, Honda has managed to sell over 19 million units worldwide. Civics have always been quality cars for the price. Also, they come with decent equipment and engines, and a respectable overall quality.
This is the most interesting item on this list since it is one of the cars you wouldn’t normally associate with extreme sales numbers. But in fact, the Lada Riva or VAZ 2101 is one of the best-selling cars in the world. They introduced it in 1980, basing it on an old Lada 1500, which was a copy of an old Fiat 124 Sedan. And this model is still in production today.
Over the decades the car hasn’t changed, still retaining its recognizable boxy shape. Lada managed to sell it worldwide, but most of their production ended up on the domestic Russian market.
Despite its dubious beginnings as a propaganda gimmick for the German Nazi party, the Volkswagen Beetle became the car of the hippy movement. In fact, it’s the best-selling car in the world as well as the symbol of Germany’s rebuilding efforts. In just a few decades, this little economy car went from having Swastikas on the doors to transporting millions of peace-loving hippies to rock festivals.
Officially, the production of the VW Beetle started in 1938 and ended in 2003. During that time, they built more than 22 million cars in 14 countries around the globe. The Beetle was truly the first global car in terms of popularity, affordability and presence.
Although the Beetle may have created the Volkswagen as an industry giant, the Golf was what moved the company into modern times. Volkswagon introduced it in 1976 as a modern, compact family hatchback. In fact, the Golf had nothing to do with the old Beetle. Everything was new, improved, more modern and much nicer. Today, over 30 million examples and 43 years later, Volkswagen still tries to provide the same qualities to its customers all over the world.
Among dozens of pickup models they produce in this country, there is one nameplate that has been the definitive symbol of quality, durability and tradition for over 70 years. And that is the Ford F-Series truck. Produced in 13 generations, over 35 million examples and countless different variants, the F-Series is the definitive American pickup.
Over the years it has evolved from a rugged workhorse into a lifestyle model. There is even a performance vehicle with the Lightning and Raptor versions. However, it is still the best-selling pickup as well as one of the best vehicles of all time. The F-Series is a true piece of Americana on four wheels.
The Toyota Corolla is the world’s bestselling car with Toyota building over 43 million of them since 1966. This amazing achievement is just a testament to the effort Toyota put in this model. They have produced countless versions, generations, and models for many different markets.
Although most critics will point out that the Corolla is just a basic dull car for people who don’t know better, it is still amazing how one company managed to produce 43 million examples of them over the course of 53 years.
These are the 20 best selling cars of all time. Do you own one of them? If not, perhaps you should consider buying one of these top sellers. They have proven themselves to be dependable and high-quality vehicles for years.