20 Cars With The Longest Production Runs

7. Toyota Century

The Century was a hand-built vehicle that was limited in production. A highly formal limousine, Toyota designed it for the Japanese royal family as well as for high-ranking Yakuza members. They introduced the first Toyota Century in 1967. It stayed in production for 30 years with minimal changes to its technical layout or design. Toyota built the Century as an RHD model, selling it in Japan as well as a few selected Asian markets.

8. Peugeot 404

The Peugeot 404 was a popular French mid-sized family sedan they produced from 1960 to 1991. It came equipped with a 1.5 or 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, and even a 1.9-liter four-cylinder diesel unit. One of Peugeot’s bestsellers, it was well-received on other continents and even sold in the United States.

When Peugeot presented it, it was a masterpiece of contemporary car design with its chromed grille and rear fins as well as its straight and elegant lines. And that is why it stayed in production for 31 years.

9. Land Rover Defender

They presented the original Land Rover in 1948. For decades, it was the ultimate off-road vehicle. However, the released its modernized variant, the Defender, in 1983. It came with much-needed improvements and modernized components. This model proved so popular, it stayed in production for 33 years, all the way up to 2016.

10. Lada Riva

They unveiled the Lada Riva in 1980, basing it on the old Lada 1500, which was a copy of an old Fiat 124 Sedan. And they discontinued this model in 2012. Over the decades, the car changed little, retaining its recognizable boxy shape. Lada managed to sell it worldwide over 32 years, but the majority of its production ended up on the domestic Russian market.

11. Renault 4

The Renault 4 was a global success, being sold and assembled all over the world. Production started in 1961 and ended in 1994 after 33 years and over eight million examples. This was an amazing achievement for a tiny French car with diminutive engines and no performance potential at all.

12. Toyota Land Cruiser 70

Toyota introduced the Land Cruiser in 1984 and still make it today. But the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 is one of the best off-road models that money can buy. From the outside, the Land Cruiser 70 is the same as it was 35 years ago.

However, to cope with the various safety and environmental standards, Toyota constantly upgraded this car over the years. Sadly, because they only sell it in selected markets around the world, the Land Cruiser 70 is not available in the U.S.

13. Volkswagen Golf Mk1

Most people know that the Volkswagen Golf Mk1 was an influential car. In fact, it caused quite a sensation when they introduced it in 1974. However, nobody thought it would stay in production for 35 years. Although the production of the Golf Mk1 stopped in Europe in 1983, the five-door version continued in South Africa all the way up to 2009.

14. Mercedes G-Class

Mercedes presented this military off-roader turned luxury SUV in 1979. But for decades, they only sold it to law enforcement agencies and armies all over the world. During that period, the original car hardly changed at all. In fact, they made the most changes to the design and the interior for more comfort. Finally, they replaced the G Class in 2017 with an almost identical new model after 38 years on the market.

15. Mini Moris

When they first introduced it in 1959, the Mini featured the unusual concept of a transversely mounted engine with front-wheel drive, which made it revolutionary. Fast forward 60 years and all front-wheel-drive compact cars in the world have the same layout as the Mini. Due to its compact size, great driving dynamics and image, the original Mini stayed in production all the way to 2000. And that means they built the Mini Moris for a full 41 years.

16. Lada Niva

This model was the first car they designed and constructed without help from Fiat. Also, it was the Soviet Union’s vision of an SUV. The development of this model began in 1971, and the production model came in 1977 bearing the VAZ 2121 name. Since then, the Niva has come in many different versions and with numerous updates. But the basic shape and technology has stayed the same for exactly 42 years since you can still buy a new Niva today.

17. Citroen 2CV

The idea behind the Citroen 2CV was to present the most affordable family car possible. It would be minimalistic and utilitarian, but still have a certain level of comfort. And, it had to have enough space for four occupants and their luggage. They showed the first Citroen 2CV in 1948. Soon, it became a bestseller, and not only in France, but also in the rest of Europe.

Despite its diminutive power and performance, the Citroen 2 CV was immensely popular all over the world. In fact, Citroen sold almost four million copies. It was also briefly for sale in the USA, but it didn’t attract much attention from car buyers. They ended production in 1990 after a full 42 years

18. Hindustan Ambassador

If you’ve never heard of this car, don’t feel bad. Hardly anybody outside India knows about it. The Hindustan Ambassador is a copy of the British Morris Oxford Sedan. It started its production run in 1958, selling in India until 2017. During its amazing 49-year production run, the Ambassador has changed little, becoming a symbol on India’s crowded roads.

19. Morgan 4/4

Morgan first introduced the 4/4 in 1955 and this little British roadster is still in production. That is quite a remarkable achievement even though the Morgan 4/4 wasn’t the latest word in technology and design. For 64 years, buyers have lined up to purchase this hand-made open-top model and this little Morgan shows no signs of stopping.

20. VW Beetle

Officially, the production of the VW Beetle started in 1938 and ended in 2003. During that time, they produced more than 22 million cars in 14 countries around the globe. The Beetle was the first global car in terms of popularity, affordability and presence. Amazingly, that means that the Beetle was in production for an amazing 65 years.

These are the 20 cars with the longest production runs in the car industry. Have you ever owned one of them? Their longevity is truly a testament to their popularity, design and durability, so if you buy any of them, you’ve made a smart choice.