Top 10 best selling cars in the world
You may be wondering what are the best-selling cars of all time? Here is our top in 2022, with a total of more than 250 million cars. Staggering numbers, surprises... and most importantly, the stories behind these colossal sales. The best-selling cars of all time are rarely sold by chance, and in this list you'll discover some of the stories that have shaped the destiny of these "extraordinary" vehicles. Discover the best-selling car in the world, but also all those that follow closely behind it!
10. OPEL CORSA
The Opel Corsa turns 40 in 2022. Four decades later, it has been chosen by more than 14 million drivers. This little car has accomplished a lot, to say the least. Its sporty look has become more refined over time, and today it boasts rounder curves and... A legendary tartan, which can be found in the Opel Corsa 40ᵉ anniversary edition. A reminder of the good old days that nevertheless boasts of being integrated into a resolutely modern car.
9. RENAULT CLIO
Cock-a-doodle-doo! Here is the Clio. Our national Clio, which can be found on every street corner in France, is not only a French success story. It has succeeded in being exported internationally; the result: 15 million copies sold. A great performance, especially when you know that it is the most recent car in this top: it was launched only 30 years ago. If we add up all the copies of the 5 versions of the Clio, we can imagine that one car out of 3 in France could be a Clio (15 million = 31% of 48 million drivers). A figure that does not exactly represent reality, but the Clio is everywhere! The Renault Clio is one of the best-selling cars in France in 2022.
8. FORD T
19 years of existence and more than 15 million sales: the Ford T explodes all records. The Ford T is considered as "the first car"; it was indeed the first car to be produced in large series. It was therefore the first (and above all the only) choice for many years. Symbol of a new way of working (hello Fordism), it symbolizes a whole era and a giant step for the automobile. In fact, it became a model that is appreciated for its historical value; but let's not forget its design. The idea of one day seeing vehicles with this type of curves again is particularly pleasing... As a tribute to "THE" first car.
7. TOYOTA CAMRY
If you grew up in France, there is a good chance that you will discover the existence of the Toyota Camry in this top. Or maybe you're passionate about American cars? In that case, you already know that the Camry is extremely popular in the US; and maybe it was even designed to replace the Toyota Corona (yes, Corona). Now available in France, you might even notice this limousine on the road. However, you're still more likely to see it in America.
6. HONDA ACCORD
With more than 22 million units sold since 1976, can we say that it puts everyone in agreement? Yes. The Honda Accord has been a consistent success story since its introduction in 1976. Simple and efficient, this sedan has earned its credentials by not disappointing its users: it is a model of reliability. But it's not just a "wise" choice. Over time, it has also become a stylish performer.
5. VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
A true icon of the sixties, the Volkswagen Beetle has come a long way! For no less than 81 years, it has been the delight of hippies, nostalgic people and thrifty people... It consumed terribly little for its time: 7l/100 km. A small revolution. Its atypical and refreshing design contrasted with the stricter curved cars of the time; and the "Beetle" movies contributed to its popular success. Although it is no longer produced, the Beetle will always be in our minds.
4. HONDA CIVIC
The Honda Civic was born from a wish: to offer a "clean" car with reduced carbon dioxide emissions. A commonplace wish today, but a unique one when it was launched in 1972! This Japanese compact car brought a breath of fresh air to the automotive landscape in more ways than one, as it also ushered in a new era. It was the era of cars that were more and more efficient (and not only "pretty") and above all reliable. The latest addition to the Japanese brand's flagship model, which is now in its 11ᵉ version, was presented earlier this year at the Lyon Motor Show. The Honda Civic 11 will be on our roads starting in late 2022. The story continues!
3. VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
This family sedan is Volkswagen's first front-wheel drive car, which partly explains its colossal sales figures. Elegant and comfortable, it quickly won the hearts of drivers (German, but not only). Its epic began just before the Golf, one year before precisely. Just like its sister car, it is now in its 8ᵉ version... Which may well be the last. Volkswagen has indeed stopped production of the Passat sedan version (which remains available from stock) at the beginning of 2022, but has not yet decided on the Passat estate. The end of a myth?
2. VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Behind every success there are anecdotes... For the Golf, let's start with the fact that it was born from a challenge, that of succeeding another Volkswagen vehicle: the Beetle. Successful bet since the Golf now exceeds the sales of the iconic Beetle, with a lead of several million. In 2019, Volkswagen announced to have sold more than 35 million of this model since its release. That's one Golf sold every 41 seconds between 1974 and 2019... A true "people's car", which is now in its 8ᵉ version.
1. TOYOTA COROLLA: THE BEST-SELLING CAR IN THE WORLD
The best-selling car in the world is the Toyota Corolla, and it wins this first place hands down. To understand how this happened, we need to take a little leap in time. 1966: the Beatles give their last concert, Gérard Oury's "La grande vadrouille" makes the whole of France laugh (17.3 million tickets sold at the cinema), the Toyota Corolla is born. It carves out a large place for itself as a "mini" car in the face of its competitors; imposing models (Chevrolet Chevelle, Plymouth Satellite...). This Japanese compact car was immediately attractive: it was small but powerful, very reliable, ergonomic and economical. A quality that will mark a turning point in its success story, since it becomes the most sold car in the world in 1974 (due to the oil crisis in particular). Since then, 12 versions of the Corolla (including the latest one: the Toyota Corolla E210) have followed one another, always with success.