Practicality, reliability, durability, style; these are just some of the key characteristics which help a vehicle to achieve longevity in terms of global sales. But what gives some cars the edge over others when it comes to sustainability?
Models which continue to sell for decades also need to be affordable and gain popularity across different continents and through different cultures, while maintaining fresh appearances and adapting to changes in society.
Here are the world’s top 10 best-selling cars of all time.
10. Chevrolet Impala – 14 million units
The Chevrolet Impala was introduced in 1958 and is currently in its tenth generation. It is named after the southern African antelope, and by 1965 became the best-selling automobile in the USA despite being Chevrolet’s most expensive passenger vehicle. Its body style has changed quite dramatically since its inception and over 14 million units have been sold to date.
9. Volkswagen Passat – 15 million units
A large family vehicle, the Volkswagen Passat has now been in production for 40 years. It is no surprise to see such a car achieve longevity – throughout its lifetime Volkswagen have focused on producing reliable and spacious models, and these qualities will always be in demand when it comes to family vehicles. Global sales of 15 million support this theory pretty well.
8. Ford Model T – 16.5 million units
It is a testament to the quality of the automotive revolution that was the Ford Model T that it is still the eighth best-selling vehicle of all time – and it hasn’t been in production since 1927. A master class in engineering for its generation, it made its debut in 1908 and is generally regarded as the first affordable automobile. Henry Ford’s drive and determination were key to its success and 16.5 million were sold in total.
7. Honda Accord – 17 million units
The Honda Accord is best known as a family saloon car and has been in production since 1976, although it is also produced as a hatchback. The model, which is currently in its ninth generation, became the first car from a Japanese manufacturer to be produced on US soil in 1982. Various awards have been presented to it car over the years, and 17 million Accords have been sold worldwide.
6. Honda Civic – 18 million units
Another Honda, another bestseller. The Civic is a medium sized family vehicle which, like the Accord, is currently in its ninth generation. Production began in 1972, with the car initially marketed as one for small families. It is a credit to the Japanese company’s build quality that two of their models are in the top 10 with combined sales of over 35 million units.
5. Ford Escort – 20 million units
Britain’s most successful ever model, the Ford Escort, was manufactured between 1968 and 2000. Over its lifetime the model was produced as a 5-door hatchback, a 3-door hatchback, a 5-door estate, a 3-door estate, a 2-door convertible and a 3-door panel van. This versatility helped the Escort establish itself as one of the most popular cars in the UK, with 20 million units sold by the time production ceased.
4. Volkswagen Beetle – 23 million units
The original Volkswagen Beetle is the longest-running and most-manufactured car of a single design platform in history. It was commissioned by Adolf Hitler with production beginning in 1938. The Beetle’s iconic exterior design has been instrumental in its unrivalled longevity – over 23 million have been sold worldwide. It is currently produced as a 2-door hatchback and a 2-door convertible, both with 2+2 seating formations.
3. Volkswagen Golf – 27 million units
Volkswagen’s reputation for building quality, reliable automobiles is backed up by a third vehicle in the world’s top 10 best sellers. Manufactured since 1974, the Golf is currently in its seventh generation and has proved to be one of the most popular cars in the world throughout its lifetime. It is currently produced as a 3-door hatchback, a 5-door hatchback and a 5-door estate while there’s also a Golf Cabriolet.
2. Ford F150 – 34 million units
The Ford F150 is the most popular variant of the Ford F-Series of pickup trucks. Production has been continuous since 1948 and over 34 million have been sold – it was the best-selling vehicle in the US for 24 years. The model is a rare sight on European roads but such has been its dominance in America it has outsold all vehicles but one over its lifetime. It’s currently in a twelfth generation with a thirteenth already planned for the 2015 model year. Like Volkswagen, Ford also has 3 models in the world’s top 10 best sellers.
1. Toyota Corolla – 39 million units
The Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car in the world of all time. It has been in production since 1966 and is currently in its eleventh generation. The Japanese family car is sold mainly in its home country and the United States, with the European version marketed as the Toyota Auris. Worldwide sales are edging towards 40 million units and show no sign of slowing down; reliability and practicality have enabled it to stay popular for nearly 5 decades.
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