How does a car become so popular that people want to buy it again and again? It needs a reputation of being reliable year after year.
Just a few cars have been able to pull this off. Here are five of the best-selling cars of all time along with facts about what makes them so great.
Toyota Corolla
How Many Sold: Over 43 million
What Makes It Great:
A practical, economical car, the Corolla was launched in 1966. Since then, it’s become the best-selling auto of all time. No matter how many millions of Corollas are already on the road, buyers still show up for new models.
Options run from bare-bones staples to advanced safety and comfort features.
Ford F-Series
How Many Sold: Over 40 million
What Makes It Great: The F-150 and its larger cousins are true workhorses that last and hold their value. The only pickup on the list, this model has grown from a simple work truck to a more stylish, luxurious ride.
Today’s F-Series appeals to everyone from families to handymen to corporations.
Volkswagen Beetle
How Many Sold: Over 23 million
What Makes It Great:
The odd little car with the bug-eyed headlights and the engine in the rear spoke for a generation of young Americans in the sixties. It stood out from the other cars and was a perfect fit for the times.
A relaunch and design changes removed some of the quirkiness. Still, it retains a loyal following.
Lada Riva
How Many Sold: Over 19 Million
What Makes It Great:
The boxy, sturdy design tells the story: this is a tough little car. It lacks charm and comfort, but it’s a reliable and affordable means of transportation.
Also known as the VAZ 2101, this car was last produced in 2012 but is still a common sight on the road.
Honda Accord
How Many Sold: Over 17 million
What Makes It Great:
This mid-sized sedan popped up in the mid-seventies and has been in production ever since. This is a popular family car with remarkable economy, safety and reliability.
Redesigns have taken the vehicle from basic to sleek and back again several times, but it’s remained a top seller for decades.
