By 2016, roads around the world showed clear favorites, from compact city cars to executive sedans. Looking back at that year helps highlight buyer tastes, regional strengths and which models kept selling steadily across different markets.
There are 20 Popular Cars in 2016, ranging from the 3 Series to the Yaris (Vitz). For each model, you’ll find below Manufacturer,Units sold (2016),Main market.
Which models were the biggest sellers worldwide in 2016?
Global leaders tended to be practical, fuel-efficient cars and established nameplates; models like compact hatchbacks and small family sedans posted the highest volumes in multiple regions. Check the Units sold (2016) column to see overall scale and the Main market to understand where each model performed best.
How should I use the Manufacturer,Units sold (2016),Main market columns when comparing cars?
Read them together: the Manufacturer tells you the brand, Units sold (2016) shows relative popularity by volume, and Main market indicates regional demand. Comparing those three fields helps you spot global winners, strong regional performers, and where a model’s sales were concentrated.
Popular Cars in 2016
| Model | Manufacturer | Units sold (2016) | Main market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corolla | Toyota | 1,150,000 | Global |
| F-Series | Ford | 820,799 | US |
| Golf | Volkswagen | 1,014,000 | Global |
| Civic | Honda | 705,000 | Global |
| RAV4 | Toyota | 890,000 | Global |
| Camry | Toyota | 700,000 | Global |
| CR-V | Honda | 772,000 | Global |
| Silverado | Chevrolet | 585,733 | US |
| Rogue | Nissan | 335,692 | US |
| Elantra (Avante) | Hyundai | 700,000 | Global |
| Focus | Ford | 620,000 | Global |
| Polo | Volkswagen | 500,000 | Global |
| Clio | Renault | 325,000 | EU |
| Qashqai | Nissan | 300,000 | EU |
| Passat | Volkswagen | 420,000 | Global |
| 3 Series | BMW | 380,000 | Global |
| C-Class | Mercedes-Benz | 400,000 | Global |
| Yaris (Vitz) | Toyota | 350,000 | Global |
| Tiguan | Volkswagen | 450,000 | Global |
| Sandero | Dacia/Renault | 230,000 | EU & LatAm |
Images and Descriptions
Corolla
The Corolla stayed the world’s go-to compact thanks to its reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and broad dealer networks — a perennial top seller across many markets in 2016.
F-Series
Ford’s F-Series dominated US sales as the best-selling pickup and overall vehicle, prized for towing capability, multiple configurations, and strong brand loyalty among truck buyers in 2016.
Golf
The Golf continued as Volkswagen’s compact flagship in 2016, popular for its premium-feeling interior, balanced driving dynamics, and strong sales across Europe and other markets.
Civic
The Civic rode strong demand for efficient, sporty compact cars — its 2016 refresh and broad appeal made it a consistent seller among younger and practical buyers worldwide.
RAV4
As crossover demand surged, the RAV4 became a top-selling SUV worldwide in 2016 by offering roomy practicality, good fuel economy, and Toyota’s reputation for dependability.
Camry
The Camry remained a favorite midsize sedan for families and fleet buyers in 2016 thanks to comfort, reliability, and broad availability in both conventional and hybrid variants.
CR-V
Honda’s CR-V capitalized on booming SUV interest in 2016; buyers liked its roomy cabin, efficient engines, and reputation for low running costs, keeping it high on sales charts.
Silverado
Chevrolet’s Silverado was one of the top-selling full-size pickups in the US in 2016, popular for work and personal use thanks to strong towing, engine choices, and dealer support.
Rogue
The Nissan Rogue (known as the X-Trail elsewhere) was a compact-SUV bestseller in the US in 2016, valued for its spaciousness, family-friendly features, and competitive pricing.
Elantra (Avante)
The Elantra/Avante offered a sharp value proposition in 2016 — stylish design, long equipment lists, and efficient powertrains helped it sell strongly worldwide.
Focus
The Focus remained a mainstream compact choice in 2016, blending engaging driving dynamics with practical interiors, and strong volume in Europe and several other markets.
Polo
The Polo was a steady seller in 2016’s subcompact segment, offering a premium build quality in a small package that appealed across Europe and growing markets.
Clio
The Renault Clio was one of Europe’s most popular small cars in 2016, favored for its stylish design, efficient engines, and strong value for city buyers.
Qashqai
Nissan’s Qashqai was a crossover best-seller in Europe in 2016, credited with helping mainstream compact SUVs thanks to its comfortable ride and practical layout.
Passat
The Passat was a mainstream midsize favorite in 2016, offering roomy interiors and conservative European refinement that appealed to fleet and family buyers.
3 Series
BMW’s 3 Series stayed relevant in 2016 as a benchmark compact executive car, prized for sporty handling, strong engines, and a premium image that drove consistent sales.
C-Class
The Mercedes C-Class attracted buyers in 2016 seeking luxury and comfort in a compact executive package, contributing to robust global sales and dealer interest.
Yaris (Vitz)
The Yaris (Vitz) remained a popular small hatch in 2016 for urban buyers wanting a compact, economical car with Toyota reliability and easy maneuverability.
Tiguan
The Tiguan rode the SUV wave in 2016, offering a compact crossover format with solid build quality, good interior space, and strong demand in Europe and other markets.
Sandero
The Dacia/Renault Sandero appealed in 2016 as a budget-friendly hatchback with simple practicality and very competitive pricing, making it a strong seller in value-focused markets.
