Top 20 Best-Selling Cars of All Time

You know how some things just become part of everyday life without you really noticing? Like how everyone in Manchester calls it the "Arndale" even though technically it’s Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre. Cars are a bit like that too. There are some models that have been around so long, you don’t even think about them anymore-they’re just… there. Whether it’s parked up on a Stockport street, queuing for a chippy tea in Levenshulme, or pulling into the Trafford Centre car park, certain cars have become familiar faces on our roads.

At Dace Motor Company, we see them all the time because people still love buying them second-hand. And for good reason. These cars didn’t become best-sellers by accident-they got there because they’re dependable, affordable, and people genuinely like driving them. Some of them are still being sold brand new today, while others have gone out of production but left such a huge mark that they’ll always be remembered.

So, we thought we’d have a proper look at the top 20 best-selling cars of all time. Not in that boring, stat-heavy way you’d get in a car magazine, but more like a chat with a mate about the cars that shaped how we all get around. You’ll probably recognise loads of them, and maybe even think back to a first car you drove or the one your parents had when you were a kid. And don’t be surprised if you realise you’ve sat in half of these at some point-they’re everywhere, from Stockport to Stretford to Salford.

Toyota Corolla

Image: 2007 Toyota Corolla E120 Hatchback by Charles01, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Toyota Corolla is basically the king of cars. Seriously, this thing has sold over 50 million units worldwide. That’s more people than live in the UK-and then double it. The Corolla has been around since the 1960s and just keeps going. Why? Because it’s simple, reliable, and does exactly what you need it to do.

It’s not flashy, and that’s the point. You know how some cars scream “look at me”? The Corolla doesn’t bother with that. It’s more like the quiet lad in school who never caused any trouble but ended up doing really well for himself. People trust it because it hardly ever lets you down.

Here in Manchester and Stockport, the Corolla has been everywhere for years. You’ll see older ones still pottering about, which says a lot about how tough they are. And because Toyota is known for building engines that just keep on going, you can pick up a used Corolla and know it’ll likely outlive half the newer cars on the road.

The later models even started getting a bit stylish. Not “head-turning outside Rosso’s” stylish, but enough that you’d be proud to park it outside your house. And with Toyota pushing hybrids, the Corolla is still relevant today. 

The Corolla might not give you goosebumps, but it’s a car you can rely on day in, day out. And that’s why it’s top of the pile.

Volkswagen Golf

Image: 2002 Volkswagen Golf GT TDi 1.9 by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Golf is probably the car that every family in Greater Manchester has had at some point. Whether it was your dad’s company car in the 90s, your mate’s first “proper” motor, or the GTI someone you knew bragged about, the Golf is everywhere.

Volkswagen got the balance just right with the Golf. It’s not too big, not too small, and it always feels solid. You know that sound the door makes when you shut it? That satisfying “thunk” that makes you feel like you’re in something well-built. That’s a Golf all over.

It’s been around since the 70s, and each new version has managed to stay current without losing what makes it special. And let’s be honest-everyone knows about the Golf GTI. That hot hatch basically started a whole craze. Still to this day, people will happily pay extra for a clean GTI because it mixes fun with practicality.

Around Stockport, you’ll spot Golfs lined up on every street. They’re the sort of car that works whether you’re heading to Old Trafford for the match, doing the school run in Hazel Grove, or taking a road trip up to the Lakes. They’re versatile, dependable, and they’ve got a bit of character too.

At Dace, we sell loads of used Golfs, and it’s easy to see why. Whether it’s a tidy little Golf for a new driver or a sporty GTD for someone who wants a bit more oomph, they just tick so many boxes. It’s no wonder they’ve shifted over 35 million units worldwide.

Ford Fiesta

Image: 2006 Ford Fiesta by DieselFordMondeo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Now here’s a proper British favourite. The Ford Fiesta has been part of our roads since the late 70s, and if you grew up in Manchester, there’s a good chance someone in your family had one. Maybe it was your first car, or maybe your aunt drove one and swore by it.

The Fiesta became the go-to small car because it was affordable, cheap to run, and actually fun to drive. You didn’t need deep pockets to get behind the wheel, and it handled city streets like a champ. Parking in tight spots around Stockport town centre? No bother. Zipping down Kingsway? Easy.

Ford managed to keep updating the Fiesta without losing its identity. Some versions were sporty little numbers, others were simple runabouts, but all of them shared that same DNA of being easy-going and trustworthy. It’s like the mate you know will always turn up when you need a hand.

It’s no wonder the Fiesta was the UK’s best-selling car for years. You’d spot them lined up outside schools, parked outside suburban houses, and flying down the M60. Sadly, Ford announced they were stopping production, which feels a bit like the end of an era. But that just means the used ones are even more in demand now.

Ford F-Series

Image: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCab by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Okay, this one’s a bit different. You won’t see too many Ford F-Series trucks parked up in Stockport Morrisons, but in the US, these things are everywhere. They’ve been the best-selling vehicle in America for decades, and the numbers are just mind-blowing.

The F-Series is a range of big pickup trucks, starting with the F-150, which is basically the national car of the States. Builders, farmers, families-you name it, they drive them. Over 40 million have been sold, which is staggering.

Now, while you might not see loads of them here, we do occasionally get people asking about them, especially car enthusiasts who fancy something different. And let’s be honest, they look impressive. One of those parked outside the Etihad or Old Trafford would definitely turn heads.

But the reason they’ve sold so well is the same as why cars like the Fiesta and Golf do well here-they fit people’s lives. In America, folks need big trucks for work and travel, so the F-Series became the go-to choice.

It might not be a Stockport driveway staple, but it deserves its spot on the list for sheer numbers alone.

Volkswagen Beetle

Image: 1971 Volkswagen Type 1 "Beetle" by Mic from Reading - Berkshire, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Beetle is one of those cars you don’t forget. Even if you’ve never owned one, you’ve definitely seen them buzzing around. That round, smiley face shape is instantly recognisable, and it’s probably one of the most iconic cars ever made. Back in the 1960s and 70s, the Beetle was everywhere, especially in Europe, and it ended up selling more than 21 million units worldwide.

Here in Manchester, you’ll still spot a few older ones at classic car meets or rolling through places like Didsbury on a sunny Sunday. People love them because they’re quirky, full of character, and kind of fun to drive. The newer versions that came out in the 2000s tried to keep the spirit alive, but it’s the old-school Beetles that people really remember.

The Beetle was designed to be cheap, simple, and easy to fix, which is why it caught on so quickly. It wasn’t trying to be flashy-it was just a car that anyone could own. And that honesty is part of why people fell in love with it. Even now, plenty of them are still running, which says a lot about how well they were built.

Honda Civic

Image: 2000 Honda Civic Type R by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Honda Civic is another giant of the car world. Since the 1970s, it’s been one of the go-to cars for people who want something dependable but not boring. It’s sold over 24 million units worldwide, and for good reason-it just works.

The Civic has always had a reputation for being reliable. If you look after it, it’ll just keep going and going. That’s why you’ll still see older Civics driving around Manchester, even ones from the 90s. And they’re not just reliable-they can be surprisingly fun to drive. The sporty versions, like the Civic Type R, have a massive fan base. You’ll see them at meets in Trafford Park, with people proud to show off what they’ve done to theirs.

One of the reasons the Civic has been such a big hit is that it appeals to loads of different people. Families like it because it’s practical, younger drivers like it because it’s stylish, and car enthusiasts like it because it’s tuneable. It covers so many bases that it’s almost impossible not to like.

Lada Riva

Image: 1995 Lada Riva by Charles01, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This one might surprise you, but the Lada Riva is actually one of the biggest sellers in history. It sold over 19 million units, mostly in Russia and Eastern Europe. You don’t see many in Manchester these days, but back in the 80s and 90s, a few made their way over here.

The Riva was based on an old Fiat design, and it was built to be tough rather than fancy. It wasn’t exactly stylish or packed with features, but it could handle rough roads and freezing winters. That’s what made it popular in countries where conditions were harsh.

For people here in the UK, the Riva was cheap and cheerful. It wasn’t going to impress your neighbours, but it would get you from A to B without costing a fortune. Some people loved them for their simplicity, while others… let’s just say they weren’t too sad to move on to something else.

It might not be a car you’ll find in our Stockport showrooms, but the sheer numbers sold mean it earns its place on this list. It’s proof that sometimes practicality beats style.

Ford Escort

Image: 1995 Ford Escort RS2000 by Kieran White from Manchester, England, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Now we’re back on familiar ground. The Ford Escort was a proper British favourite for decades. Launched in the late 60s, it went on to sell over 18 million units worldwide. For a long time, it was the car you’d see everywhere-from suburban driveways to company car parks.

The Escort had loads of different versions over the years. Some were basic runarounds, while others were sporty little rockets, like the XR3i or the RS Cosworth, which are legends in their own right. Rally fans will know the Escort was massive in motorsport too.

In Greater Manchester, the Escort was the kind of car families bought because it was affordable, reliable, and easy to live with. Whether it was used for the school run in Cheadle or a weekend trip to Blackpool, it did the job.

Even though it was eventually replaced by the Focus, people still remember the Escort fondly. And every now and then, a classic one shows up at our showrooms, and you can guarantee it’ll spark a lot of interest. It’s a car that defined an era, and that’s why it belongs on this list.

Honda Accord

Image: 2001 Honda Accord by IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Honda Accord has been a big deal in America for decades, but it’s also done really well globally, selling over 17 million units. It’s a mid-size car that just nails the balance between comfort, reliability, and value.

The Accord has always been seen as a bit more grown-up than the Civic. It’s roomier, smoother to drive, and packed with more features. Families love it because it feels solid and dependable, and commuters love it because it eats up motorway miles without breaking a sweat.

You don’t see as many Accords on UK roads these days compared to back in the 90s and 2000s, but the ones you do see are still going strong. That’s classic Honda for you-they build cars that last.

At Dace, when we do get a clean Accord, it usually goes pretty quickly. People who know them know how good they are. And with a track record of over 17 million sold, the Accord has more than earned its spot here.

Ford Model T

Image: 1927 Ford Model T by Queensland Newspapers Pty Ltd, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

We couldn’t leave out the Ford Model T. This is the car that basically started mass car ownership. Built between 1908 and 1927, Ford sold over 16 million of them, which was incredible for the time.

The Model T was cheap, simple, and made cars accessible to ordinary people. Before that, cars were only for the rich. Henry Ford’s production line changed everything and put America-and the rest of the world-on wheels.

Of course, you’re not going to see one parked outside the Trafford Centre today. But if you ever go to a classic car show in Cheshire, there’s a chance you’ll spot one. They look ancient now, but at the time they were revolutionary.

The Model T might not be a modern best-seller, but without it, the car industry wouldn’t be what it is today. It deserves respect for being the car that kicked everything off.

Opel/Vauxhall Corsa

Image: 1994 Vauxhall Corsa by David Dawson from Weybridge, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Now here’s one that everyone around Manchester and Stockport will recognise straight away. The Corsa is one of the UK’s best-loved small cars, and it’s sold over 18 million units worldwide under different names-Opel in Europe, Vauxhall here. For loads of people, the Corsa was their very first car. It was affordable, easy to drive, and cheap to insure, which made it perfect for learners and new drivers.

Think about it: how many times have you seen a Corsa with L plates cruising down the A6 or parked up outside Stockport College? They’re everywhere. And for good reason-Vauxhall kept updating it just enough to stay relevant. It’s not just for young drivers though. Families have used them as second cars, and older folks like them because they’re small but still comfy.

One of the things people like about the Corsa is how straightforward it is. No fuss, no hassle-just a car that gets you where you need to go. And the newer models are actually pretty stylish too, with enough gadgets to keep up with modern expectations.

Volkswagen Passat

Image: 2000 Volkswagen Passat SE TDi Estate 1.9 by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Passat might not have the instant name recognition of the Golf, but it’s sold a staggering 30 million units worldwide. It’s basically the bigger, more sensible brother of the Golf-roomier, more comfortable, and built for long journeys.

In Greater Manchester, you’ll often see Passats being used as taxis, which tells you a lot. Taxi drivers don’t pick cars that are unreliable. They need something that can handle thousands of miles every year without breaking down, and the Passat is up to the task.

What people like about the Passat is that it feels solid. You get that classic Volkswagen quality-doors that shut with a reassuring thud, interiors that feel well put together, and engines that just keep going. It’s not the flashiest car on the road, but if you’re doing the school run in Bramhall or commuting into Manchester city centre every day, it makes life easy.

Nissan Sentra/Sylphy

Image: 1998 Nissan Sentra by IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Nissan Sentra-sometimes called the Sylphy in other markets-has quietly sold over 15 million units worldwide. It’s one of those cars that doesn’t shout about itself but just gets the job done.

In the UK, we don’t see the Sentra name much, but its DNA is in cars like the Nissan Almera, which was fairly common around Manchester in the late 90s and early 2000s. It’s a practical, no-nonsense car that appealed to families who wanted something affordable and reliable.

What’s interesting about the Sentra is how much it’s loved in other parts of the world. In the US and Asia, it’s been one of Nissan’s biggest hits for decades. It shows that if you make a car that’s easy to own, people will buy it in huge numbers.

At Dace, we’re more likely to see Nissans like the Qashqai or Micra, but the Sentra’s success proves how strong Nissan’s reputation is worldwide. It’s not glamorous, but it’s dependable-and that’s what millions of people want.

Toyota Camry

Image: 1994 Toyota Camry 3.0 V6 GX by Charlie from United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If the Corolla is Toyota’s global superstar, the Camry is its steady workhorse, especially in America. It’s sold over 18 million units worldwide and has been the best-selling car in the US for years.

The Camry is all about comfort and reliability. It’s bigger than the Corolla, making it a proper family car. People like it because it just works-no fuss, no drama, just a car that’ll keep going for hundreds of thousands of miles.

In Manchester, you don’t see as many Camrys as in the States, but Toyota’s reputation carries across. People trust the brand, and that’s why so many used Toyotas end up in our showrooms. The Camry has a bit of that understated quality-maybe not as stylish as a BMW 3 Series, but more dependable.

It’s the kind of car you could happily drive up to the Lake District without worrying about breaking down halfway there. And that’s why millions of people keep buying it.

Renault Clio

Image: 1996 Renault Clio 1.8L 16v by Calreyn88, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Renault Clio is one of those cars that defined the 90s in the UK. Remember those adverts with Nicole and Papa? They turned the Clio into a cultural moment, and the car itself backed it up by being fun, stylish, and affordable.

Since launching in 1990, the Clio has sold over 15 million units. It’s been especially popular in Europe, and you still see loads of them around Manchester and Stockport. The Clio is small enough to handle city streets but big enough to feel practical for everyday life.

Younger drivers love the Clio because it’s affordable to run, while families like it as a second car. And the sportier versions, like the Clio RS, have become icons in their own right.

At Dace Motor Company, we’ve sold plenty of Clios over the years, and they’re always popular. They’ve got that bit of French flair while still being sensible. That’s why they’re one of the all-time greats.

Hyundai Elantra

Image: 2004 Hyundai Elantra by U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, via Wikimedia Commons

The Hyundai Elantra might not be a household name in Stockport, but globally it’s sold over 13 million units. It’s a huge hit in places like the US, South Korea, and Australia, where people love it for being affordable and reliable.

Hyundai has built a reputation for giving you a lot of car for your money, and the Elantra is a great example of that. It’s comfortable, efficient, and comes with plenty of features without costing a fortune.

In the UK, we see more i30s and Konas, but the Elantra’s success shows how far Hyundai has come. Not long ago, people thought of Hyundai as a budget brand, but now they’re respected for quality and value.

Peugeot 206

Image: 2002 Peugeot 206 LX 1.4 by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you grew up in the early 2000s, chances are you knew someone with a Peugeot 206. Launched in 1998, it went on to sell over 10 million units, making it one of Peugeot’s biggest hits.

The 206 was stylish, affordable, and had a bit of personality. It wasn’t just a car-it felt like a statement, especially for younger drivers. Peugeot nailed the design, and people loved it. You’d see them everywhere around Manchester, from students in Fallowfield to families in Stockport.

The sporty GTI versions added extra appeal, and even today, the 206 has a loyal fan base. It’s one of those cars that people look back on fondly because it felt fun to own.

At Dace, we don’t see as many 206s now because they’ve aged, but the memories of how popular they were are still fresh. They were everywhere, and that’s why they’ve earned their spot here.

Fiat 124

Image: 1966 Fiat 124 Berlina by Luc106, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Fiat 124 might not sound like a blockbuster, but it sold over 20 million units when you include the versions built under licence in other countries. The Lada Riva, which we already mentioned, was based on the Fiat 124, and that’s where the massive numbers come from.

The 124 was practical, affordable, and adaptable. It worked as a family car, a taxi, or even a rally car. That versatility is what made it such a global success.

In the UK, you don’t see many original Fiat 124s anymore, but its influence is huge. Without it, the Lada Riva wouldn’t exist, and that car alone sold nearly 20 million units. So really, the 124 was the foundation for a whole generation of cars.

BMW 3 Series

Image: 2003 BMW 3-Series 320Ci Sport (E46) by DieselFordMondeo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The BMW 3 Series is probably the ultimate company car. Since the 1970s, it’s sold over 16 million units worldwide and become the benchmark for sporty saloons.

In Greater Manchester, you’ll see loads of them, especially newer models cruising down Wilmslow Road or parked up in Hale Barns. People love them because they mix driving fun with everyday practicality. You can have a sensible 320d for commuting or a fire-breathing M3 for the thrill-seekers.

At Dace Motor Company, the 3 Series is always popular. People like that it feels premium without being unmanageable. It’s classy, it’s quick, and it’s got that BMW badge that people are proud to show off.

It’s not just a car-it’s a statement. And that’s why it’s one of the top sellers of all time.

Mazda 323

Image: 1987 Mazda 323 1.5 GLX by LikeDrinkingAcid, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Rounding out our list is the Mazda 323, a car that quietly sold over 10 million units worldwide. It might not have the name power of a Golf or Corolla, but it was a steady presence for decades.

The 323 was known for being reliable, affordable, and decent to drive. It didn’t make a song and dance about itself, but people trusted it. In the UK, it was a solid family car, often chosen by people who wanted something a bit different from the usual Fords and Vauxhalls.

Mazda has always had a reputation for building cars that last, and the 323 helped cement that. It eventually evolved into the Mazda3, which is still going strong today.