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The top 10 best selling models of all time

Creating a top selling model is for a manufacturer like winning the lottery. Once on the market and with the name made, the production-lines will just keep running and running and running...

Few have managed to attain the perfect mix that will convince generations of customers to again and again opt for this one an no other when chosing their car. And the list of the ten most successful models ever created to date, demonstrates that the ingredients for success can be boiled down to a rather simple formula: value for money.

Not surprisingly, the most successful model of all is also the prime example that the majority of customers is driven towards proven reliability rather than image and styling. However, many models on this list have succeeded as they offered the full package of reliability, versatility, innovation and an appealing design at a reasonable cost.

10. Chevrolet Impala

The first model on our list looks back on a long history of nine generations, starting in 1957. Over the decades, Chevrolet sold more than 14 million versions of the Impala and is now planning to continue on this road of success: the manufacturer announced a new Impala generation for 2014.

9. Volkswagen Passat

On ninth position amongst the top selling models stands the Volkswagen Passat with more than 15.5 million versions sold since 1973. The car is currently produced in its sixth generation and available as sedan, estate and lately also as Passat Alltrack in a more offroad-going layout.

8. Ford Model T

In eighth place we have a former number one seller. The Ford Model T was on top of this list with 16.5 million units sold until it was overtaken by the Volkswagen Beetle in 1972. An estimated 1% of all vehicles sold between 1908 and 1927 exist still today, thanks to their iconic status and simple mechanics.

7. Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is the world's seventh most sold model and since its launch in 1976, more than 17.5 million units of the Accord have been sold. The mid-size car is currently being marketed in its eighth generation.

6. Honda Civic

Produced since 1972 over nine generations and with more than 18.5 million units registered, is the Honda Civic the sixth most sold car in the world and the second Honda model on this list. Its latest generation has just been introduced in 2012.

5. Ford Escort

On fifth position stands the Ford Escort, another european beststeller, that was launched in 1968 and produced until 2000. Between 1981 until 2003, another Escort model was build by Ford America. In total, more than 20 million cars were sold.

4. Volkswagen Beetle

The Volkswagen Beetle, introduced in 1938, became one of the icons of mass-motorization during the post-war years. It won over the hearts of customers worldwide with its curvy design and economic price. Still today, its looks enchant and Volkswagen launched its retro-styled successor, the New Beetle in 1997. To date, more than 23.9 Beetles have found an owner.

3. Volkswagen Golf

In 2002, the Volkswagen Golf overtook its older relative, the Beetle, in the hitlist of most popular cars worldwide. Currently in its sixth generation, the famous hatchback was first launched in 1974 and has since sold more than 27,5 million units globally. It will continue the success story with a new series that is to be premiered at the upcoming Paris Motor Show 2012 in September.

2. Ford F-Series

On the market since 1948 and produced in sequence 12 today, the Ford F-Series pick-up truck is a true American icon. The heavy truck convinced generations of customers with its robustness and is currently with more than 35 million units the second most sold model in history.

1. Toyota Corolla

Produced since 1966 over ten generations, the Corolla is to date the most sold model, with more than 37.5 million units registered worldwide. The model is marketed globally and is reknown with customers for its reliability.