5 Best-Selling Models in Automotive History

Ever since Ford introduced its moving assembly line, which revolutionized the industry, manufacturers all around the world have aimed to sell as many vehicles as possible.

For decades, the legendary Model T led the way in terms of sales, with over 15 million units leaving the Blue Oval's factories.

Then, the torch was passed to Volkswagen's Type 1 "Beetle," which went into production in 1938. Sixty-five years later, when the model was finally discontinued, over 21 million examples were produced.

While these two cars were record-breaking trendsetters, both were surpassed and in this article, we'll count down the current five best-selling models.

5. Honda Civic

By the 1960s, Honda had already established itself as one of the world's leading motorcycle manufacturers, so executives decided to move on to the automotive segment.

After a few successful models, the Japanese company launched the first Civic in the summer of 1972, but nobody could've envisioned how successful future generations would become.

Five decades and ten iterations later, the Civic is not only one of the world's most popular models but also Honda's all-time best-selling vehicle.

It's also the fifth best-selling model in automotive history, with over 27 million units sold worldwide.

Throughout its history, the Honda Civic has established itself as an affordable, well-built, and reliable car. Thanks to its awesome Type R versions, it's also one of the most popular hot hatches ever conceived.

4. Volkswagen Passat

The Type 1 Beetle helped newcomers Volkswagen become one of Europe's leading carmakers.

By the 1970s, it had acquired Auto Union and NSU, merging the two to create the modern Audi brand.

More important for the corporation's future, the 1970s saw the introduction of two new models that would propel VW to the top of the industry.

Those models were the Golf and Passat, both styled by Italdesign's legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro.

While the Golf was set to follow in the footsteps of the Beetle, the Passat was meant for those who wanted a larger, mid-size vehicle (by European standards.)

Mechanically identical to the first Audi 80, the first Passat proved to be a resounding success, and so were the the seven generations that followed.

The ninth iteration of the Passat made its debut this year (2023), and for the first time in model history, it's only available in one body style: a station wagon.

With over 35.5 million units sold over five decades, the Passat has become the fourth best-selling model in history.

3. Volkswagen Golf

Though it continued to be produced in other parts of the world, the legendary Beetle was set to be gradually retired in Europe (and other important markets) during the early 1970s.

Work on a replacement began a decade later, but several prototypes proved unsuccessful. Nevertheless, VW didn't give up and finally hit the jackpot with a Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed hatchback that became known as Golf (or Rabit in the US).

Launched in 1974, the economical hatchback became a sensation, so VW continued to improve it.

These days, the Golf has reached its eighth generation, and although it's no longer an ultra-basic econocar, it's still one of the most popular hatchbacks in the world.

During the last decades, WV has sold well over 35.5 Million Golfs, a figure that makes the model more successful than its predecessor.

Like the Civic Type R, the Golf GTI has become a symbol of affordable performance and one of the world's most revered hot hatches.

2. Ford F-Series

Designed to replace Ford's car-based pickup line, the now-legendary F-Series was introduced in late 1947.

Powered by Ford's Flathead engines, the first generation was initially available as a two-door pickup or panel truck, but other variations were subsequently introduced.

The trend-setting series quickly became America's favorite workhorse, a title it retains thirteen generations later.

Undoubtedly the series' most famous member is the F-150, which debuted in 1975. Much more than just a workhorse, this truck is currently available in several versions, including the all-electric Lightning and the high-performance Raptor.

Despite fierce competition from its rivals, the F-150 remains the best-selling Ford and the most popular pickup truck in the US.

Overall, the F-Series has spawned well over 43 million trucks, making it the second-best-selling model line ever.

1. Toyota Corolla

Much like the Honda Civic, the initial Toyota Corolla was conceived as an affordable subcompact meant to quench the Japanese buyer's growing thirst for private car ownership.

Introduced in 1966, it quickly became extremely popular in Japan, and two years later, it made it to American shores, where it became one of the cheapest cars on the market.

Encouraged by its success, Toyota continued to improve the model, and nearly six decades after the first generation hit the streets, the Corolla has become Toyota's greatest product.

Even more impressive, with over 50 million units sold - more than twice as many than the Beetle, Golf, or Passat - the Corolla is the best-selling model in automotive history.

The current generation is by far the most beautiful, and it includes a breathtaking high-performance version that blends a gorgeous design with impressive power. Dubbed GR Corolla, the hot hatch is equipped with one of the world's most powerful three-cylinder engines, making up to 300 hp.