Since its invention in 1885, the car has taken the world by storm. Few other inventions have had such an impact on the world as the automobile. Over the years, hundreds of car brands have emerged, producing millions of cars sold all around the globe. But which cars exactly are the most sold ones to date? The following ranking of the all-time best selling cars will show you just that.
1. Toyota Corolla
~ 43 million cars sold
Original production country: Japan
Production years: 1966 – present
The Corolla line by Japanese car maker giant Toyota is the best selling car in history. It was first introduced in November 1966. The earliest two E10 and E20 generations were already quite successful, but the Corolla line has only increased in worldwide popularity ever since. The Corolla is still being produced and is currently in its 12th generation.
2. Ford F-Series
~ 40 million cars sold
Original production country: USA
Production years: 1948 – present
Ford’s pickup truck series is the world’s second most sold car line in history. While the F-Series was mostly successful in the United States, it did also sell quite well in Latin America as well as many parts of Africa. Today, the F-Series is in its 13th generation.
3. Volkswagen Golf
~ 31 million cars sold
Original production country: Germany
Production years: 1974 – present
Volkswagen’s Golf line represents the most popular small family car in world history. Known as Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States, the car derived from the Beetle, but managed to become even more popular on streets around the world. While the popularity of the Golf has somewhat cooled off in recent years, it is still being produced and sold all around the globe. The car is currently in its 7th generation.
4. Volkswagen Beetle
~ 24 million cars sold
Original production country: Germany
Production years: 1938 – 2003
The original production of the Volkswagen Beetle aka Volkswagen Type 1 is in hindsight somewhat controversial as the market release of car was heavily centered around Nazi propaganda of 1930s Germany. The Beetle was also widely produced and used for and by the Nazis on their attempted conquest of Europe. However, after World War II, the car managed to reshape its image and became one of the most known, loved and best selling cars in the world. Walt Disney even dedicated an entire movie series to the car. Unfortunately, due to decreasing sales, Volkswagen decided to end the production in 2003.
5. Lada Riva
~ 19 million cars sold
Original production country: Soviet Union / Russia
Production years: 1980 – 2012
If you didn’t grow up in a Communist country, chances are you have never heard of this car or known anyone who ever drove a Lada Riva. But all over the Soviet Union Ladas were the by far most popular cars to have. Sales in the Capitalist West were far less common, but did occur. Even after the collapse of communism and the Soviet Union, the car managed to stay popular in Russia and other post-Soviet countries. Production of the car went on up until 2012.
6. Honda Civic
~ 18.5 million cars sold
Original production country: Japan
Production years: 1972 – present
7. Ford Escort
~ 18 million cars sold
Original production country: USA
Production years: 1968 – 2004
8. Honda Accord
~ 17.5 million cars sold
Original production country: Japan
Production years: 1976 – present
9. Ford Model T
~ 16.5 million cars sold
Original production country: USA
Production years: 1908 – 1927
10. Volkswagen Passat
~ 15.5 million cars sold
Original production country: Germany
Production years: 1973 – present
Source: alltopeverything