The early 1980s reshaped automotive tastes across Europe, Japan and North America, with fuel economy, hatchback popularity and growing model variety changing who bought what and why. Looking back at the cars people chose in 1983 helps understand those shifts and which manufacturers led different markets.
There are 16 Popular Cars in 1983, ranging from 190E,Uno and covering everything from compact city cars to executive saloons. The list is organized with Manufacturer,Sales 1983 (units),Market/Region so you can compare totals and territories easily — you’ll find below.
Which models led sales in specific markets in 1983?
Top sellers differed by region: hatchbacks and small cars dominated Europe and Japan, while larger sedans and coupes sold better in North America. Use the Sales 1983 (units) and Market/Region columns to spot regional champions and how manufacturer strength varied by market.
How should I interpret differences in the 1983 sales numbers?
Treat the figures as a snapshot: manufacturer reports and industry summaries are useful but can reflect different reporting methods, model variants or rebadging. Look at units alongside Market/Region and Manufacturer to understand whether a high total reflects broad appeal, a strong regional presence, or multiple closely related variants.
Popular Cars in 1983
| Model | Manufacturer | Sales 1983 (units) | Market/Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escort | Ford | 1 | UK, Europe |
| Sierra | Ford | 2 | UK, Europe |
| Golf Mk2 | Volkswagen | Launched 1983 | Europe, global |
| 205 | Peugeot | Launched 1983 | France, Europe |
| Uno | Fiat | Launched 1983 | Europe, Latin America |
| Corolla | Toyota | Top global seller | Global |
| Civic (3rd gen) | Honda | Launched 1983 | US, Japan, Europe |
| Cavalier | Chevrolet | Top 10 US | US |
| Cutlass Ciera | Oldsmobile | Top 5 US | US |
| 3 Series (E30) | BMW | Top luxury seller | Europe, US |
| 190E | Mercedes-Benz | Top compact luxury | Europe, US |
| Renault 9 | Renault | Launched 1981; popular 1983 | Europe, Latin America |
| Renault 11 | Renault | Launched 1983 | Europe |
| Sunny/B11 | Nissan | Top Japanese compact | Japan, Europe |
| 323/Familia | Mazda | Top compact in markets | Japan, Europe, Latin America |
| Accord | Honda | High-volume in US | US, Japan |
Images and Descriptions
Escort
The Ford Escort was Britain’s best-selling small car in 1983, prized for affordability, wide dealer network and multiple body styles. It dominated family and fleet sales and remained a familiar sight on UK roads, cementing Ford’s mass-market appeal.
Sierra
Introduced in 1982, the aerodynamic Ford Sierra was a major seller in 1983 as buyers embraced its futuristic styling and roomy interior. It replaced the Cortina and became a frequent fleet and family choice across Europe despite early controversy over looks.
Golf Mk2
Launched in late 1983, the second-generation Volkswagen Golf updated an already popular hatchback with improved build quality and comfort. Its immediate buzz and strong dealer demand made it a key model in VW’s lineup and a major European compact.
205
The Peugeot 205 debuted in 1983 to critical praise for its sharp styling, light handling and broad model range. It rapidly became a bestseller in France and Europe, setting Peugeot on a path to small-car success and motorsport fame.
Uno
Fiat’s Uno arrived in 1983 with an efficient, space‑efficient design and low running costs. Praised for practicality, it quickly sold well across Europe and became a staple in budget-conscious markets, marking a major Fiat small-car launch.
Corolla
The Toyota Corolla remained one of the world’s best-selling cars in 1983 thanks to dependable engineering, fuel efficiency and broad dealer coverage. Its reputation for reliability made it a top pick for families and fleets across Asia, Europe and the Americas.
Civic (3rd gen)
Honda’s third-generation Civic debuted in 1983 with improved interiors, better handling and more efficient engines. Its practical hatchback form and strong fuel economy won buyers in the US and Japan, boosting Honda’s small-car reputation.
Cavalier
The Chevrolet Cavalier was a strong compact seller in the US by 1983, offering affordable running costs, multiple body styles and extensive dealer support. It became a common choice for first-time buyers and fleet buyers throughout North America.
Cutlass Ciera
Oldsmobile’s Cutlass Ciera was one of the US’s highest-selling mid-size cars in 1983, favored for comfortable ride, roomy interior and perceived value. It was a mainstay for families and fleet customers, often cited as a top-selling American model.
3 Series (E30)
The BMW E30 3 Series, in wide production by 1983, combined sporty handling with premium build and became a benchmark compact executive car. Its mix of performance, style and prestige made it popular among enthusiasts and professionals.
190E
Mercedes’ 190E (W201) gained traction in 1983 as the brand’s compact executive model, offering Mercedes build quality in a smaller package. It appealed to buyers seeking prestige, durability and more affordable Mercedes ownership.
Renault 9
The Renault 9 continued strong sales in 1983 in many European and Latin American markets for its roomy cabin, affordable price and comfortable ride. Often marketed as a sensible family sedan, it was a common fleet choice.
Renault 11
Renault launched the 11 in 1983 as a hatchback twin to the 9, gaining quick attention for its practicality and value. Its arrival broadened Renault’s small-family offerings and found buyers wanting a compact, affordable hatchback.
Sunny/B11
Nissan’s Sunny (B11) remained a household name by 1983, known for durability and inexpensive ownership. Strong domestic sales and exports made it a familiar compact in Europe and growing markets, popular with families and small businesses.
323/Familia
The Mazda 323 (Familia) was a common small car in 1983 markets, praised for economical engines and practical packaging. Its global availability and reliable reputation made it a frequent choice for buyers seeking value in the small-car segment.
Accord
Honda’s Accord continued to be a high-volume mid-size choice in 1983, offering refinement, fuel efficiency and reliability. Its appeal to both families and professional buyers made it a steady seller and reinforced Honda’s mainstream credibility.
