The All-Time Top-Selling Cars Revealed

Have you ever wondered what specific make and model holds the title for the best-selling car of all time? Let’s unmask the reigning champion in terms of car sales and talk about other vehicles that excelled in this domain.

What Is the Best-Selling Car of All Time?

The Toyota Corolla takes the crown when it comes to car sales. It boasts a remarkable record of over 50 million units sold. The legendary Corolla debuted in 1966, and it quickly became the best-selling car by 1974.

This compact sedan is known for its affordability, which is evident even in its latest models, as you can buy a base model 2023 Toyota Corolla for just $21,700. It’s perfect for middle-class drivers looking for an ideal daily vehicle.

The Toyota Corolla is also widely recognized in the automotive community as a pioneer in terms of automotive safety. It was one of the first compact cars to incorporate an extensive range of safety and driving assistance technology.

Aside from its superb safety and reasonable cost, the Corolla is also known to be a reliable daily driver. Let’s look at the reliability ratings of some of its most recent models.

The 2022 Corolla was given an 80/100 reliability rating by J.D. Power. The older 2000 model also earned a lot of good feedback based on Edmund’s consumer review page for used Toyota cars.

Will the Toyota Corolla Continue to Hold the Title?

The future status of the Corolla as the best-selling car is uncertain, and only time will reveal what’s ahead in the coming years.

The popularity of sedans has been declining through the years. However, this trend isn’t really due to the lack of demand. It’s mostly due to the intense competition within the automotive industry.

The increased popularity of crossovers, along with the introduction of other options like electric vehicles (EVs), has significantly heightened market competition.

Other Top-Selling Cars

Aside from the undefeated Corolla, the following vehicles have also been dominating the market:

Ford F-Series

The Ford F-Series reigns supreme in the country’s pickup truck market. The F-Series has retained its title as the best-selling truck for 47 consecutive years. It’s also America’s best-selling vehicle for 41 years now.

Ford has sold more than 46,000 million units of the F-Series pickup truck to date. The automaker sold an average of at least one F-Series Truck every 49 seconds in the year 2022.

Ford’s F-150 is popular for a lot of reasons. It’s durable and versatile, making it suitable for work, long trips, and everyday use. The pickup truck also has excellent hauling and towing capabilities.

Aside from the impressive specs of the series, what makes this line so popular is its long history and ability to create and nurture brand loyalty.

Ford knows how family can affect vehicle preference. For instance, many young drivers would prefer the F-150 over other trucks because their parents or guardians also prefer an F-Series truck. Family traditions and customs play a crucial role when it comes to choosing a vehicle.

Lastly, a lot of Americans prefer Ford trucks because the brand is well-known for its patriotic ads.

Volkswagen Golf

Next on our list is the Volkswagen Golf. This model isn’t popular in the US, but it has gained a lot of praise in Europe. In 2021, Volkswagen sold 205,408 VW Golf units.

The VW Golf was named the best-selling car in Europe in 2008, and it held the top stop until it was dethroned by the Peugeot 208 in 2022. What makes it a sought-after vehicle is its perfect mix of sportiness, practicality, and good pricing.

Let’s take the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI S as an example. It’s equipped with a 2-liter engine, producing around 241 horsepower. It also has good fuel efficiency.

If you compare the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI S with other vehicles in its segment, it has better specs. Interestingly, the base model is only priced at $30,000. It’s still pricey compared to other practical vehicles. But with the specs it has, it is definitely worth it.

Honda Civic

When it comes to best-selling cars, who could forget the Honda Civic? Honda has sold over 27,000 units of this make and model.

One of the things that makes the Civic a sought-after car is its superb reliability. Its newest model, the 2024 Honda Civic, got a quality and reliability rating of 83/100 from J.D. Power. RepairPal rates the Civic a 4.5 out of 5.0, ranking it 3rd out of 36 cars in its segment.

Aside from its reliability, the Civic is also one of the best practical daily drivers you can find on the market. It has good fuel efficiency, and it’s also priced competitively.

Plus, Honda has always been known to prioritize safety. The Civic, though affordable, has a lot of top-of-the-line safety features. For example, modern Civics come equipped with the best driver assistance features like the Honda Sensing Safety Suite.

If you’re looking for a new ride, you might want to check out these vehicles. But remember, your ideal car doesn’t always have to be on the top of any list. Choose the vehicle that matches your lifestyle, needs, and preferences for the best experience.