It's hard to imagine: Somewhere in the world someone buys a Toyota Corolla about every 40 seconds. As such, since 2007 the entry level compact has been the best-selling car in history.
With a base price of slightly more than $16,000, the Corolla has had 10 model generations and has had sales of more than 37.5 million since its debut in 1966.
The current model has four-cylinders, 132 horsepower and gets about 35 mpg on the freeway.
The combination of reliability, economy and durability add up to make the Corolla the ideal car in its native Japan and in the United States.
It tops the list of the top-10 best-selling cars in history.
In a detailed piece by Douglas A. McIntyre on the website, www.247wallst.com, the top-10 best-selling car are detailed, including total sales, manufacturer, base price and an explanation of the why the car has succeeded.
Here's the top-10 list in reverse order:
10. Chevy Impala (1958–current), 14 million
9. Volkswagen Passat (1973-current), 15.5 million
8. Ford Model T (1908–1927), 16.5 million
7. Honda Accord (1976–current), 17.5 million
6. Honda Civic (1972–current), 18.5 million
5. Ford Escort (1968-2000), 20 million
4. Volkswagen Beetle (1933-current), 23.5 million
3. Volkswagen Golf (1974-current), 27.5 million
2. Ford, F-150 Series Pick-up (1948-current), 35 million
1. Toyota Corolla (1966-current), 37.5 million
To read the complete story, visit: Top-10 Best-Selling Cars
Article Last Updated: January 31, 2012.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
It’s hard to understand the appeal of the Corolla. A generic car at best.