The best-selling car of all time is the Toyota Corolla, with about 50 million units sold by 2021, followed by the Ford F-Series at 43 million. This list ranks cumulative nameplate sales as reported by the makers. Figures are rounded and nameplates change over time, so treat the order as a guide. How we valued it: each entry uses the cumulative total the maker reports, checked in October 2026.
Best-selling cars of all time
| Rank | Model | Years | Units sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Honda Accord | 1976 to present | 19.5 million |
| 9 | Toyota Hilux | 1968 to present | 21 million |
| 8 | Volkswagen Beetle | 1938 to 2003 | 21.5 million |
| 7 | Ford Fiesta | 1976 to 2023 | 22 million |
| 6 | Toyota Camry | 1982 to present | 22 million |
| 5 | Honda Civic | 1972 to present | 28 million |
| 4 | Volkswagen Passat | 1973 to present | 34 million |
| 3 | Volkswagen Golf | 1974 to present | 37 million |
| 2 | Ford F-Series | 1948 to present | 43 million |
| 1 | Toyota Corolla | 1966 to present | 50 million |
10. Honda Accord: 19.5 million units
Honda Accord (1976 to present). A mid-size sedan that Honda has sold in several generations since 1976.
9. Toyota Hilux: 21 million units
Toyota Hilux (1968 to present). A pickup truck that Toyota has sold since 1968.
8. Volkswagen Beetle: 21.5 million units
Volkswagen Beetle (1938 to 2003). The original Beetle held the sales record from 1972 until 1997 and was the first car to pass 20 million units.
7. Ford Fiesta: 22 million units
Ford Fiesta (1976 to 2023). Ford ended production in 2023 after 47 years.
6. Toyota Camry: 22 million units
Toyota Camry (1982 to present). A mid-size sedan from Toyota, sold since 1982.
5. Honda Civic: 28 million units
Honda Civic (1972 to present). Honda’s compact car, sold since 1972.
4. Volkswagen Passat: 34 million units
Volkswagen Passat (1973 to present). A family car that Volkswagen has sold since 1973.
3. Volkswagen Golf: 37 million units
Volkswagen Golf (1974 to present). The Golf became Volkswagen’s bestseller in 2002 and is credited with 37 million units across seven generations by 2023.
2. Ford F-Series: 43 million units
Ford F-Series (1948 to present). A pickup directly descended from the Model T, and America’s bestselling vehicle for 40 consecutive years.
1. Toyota Corolla: 50 million units
Toyota Corolla (1966 to present). Toyota reached 50 million in 2021, though the name has covered twelve generations that share little mechanically.
Which cars dropped out of the old list?
The earlier list included the Chevrolet Impala and Ford Escort. Both are below the current cut-off of 19.5 million units. The Impala is credited with more than 16.5 million units, and the Ford Model T with 16.5 million.
FAQ
What is the best-selling car of all time?
The Toyota Corolla, with about 50 million units, a milestone Toyota reached in 2021.
What is the best-selling vehicle in America?
The Ford F-Series, which has led US sales for 40 consecutive years and has sold over 40 million units worldwide.
Is the VW Beetle the best-selling car ever?
No. It was the record holder from 1972 to 1997, then the Corolla passed it. The Beetle has sold about 21.5 million.
Why are sales figures approximate?
Makers count nameplates differently, and the Corolla has covered twelve generations. There is no single standard.
What happened to the Ford Fiesta?
Ford ended Fiesta production in 2023, after about 22 million units.
How we put this list together
We use cumulative unit sales reported by manufacturers, because no neutral body counts them. We dropped old sticker prices because they refer to model years that are no longer on sale.
Last updated: October 2026.
