In 2006 the automotive landscape balanced growing demand for fuel-efficient compacts with steady interest in premium sedans across Europe, Asia and North America. New facelifts, pricing incentives and shifting consumer priorities shaped which models ended up on the road and in showrooms that year.
There are 20 Popular Cars in 2006, ranging from the 3 Series to the Yaris. Entries are organized with the columns Manufacturer,2006 units sold (units),Main markets; you’ll find below.
What factors made certain models so popular in 2006?
A mix of value, fuel economy, reliability and brand presence drove popularity: affordable running costs and strong dealer incentives helped compacts and crossovers, while design updates and perceived prestige kept midsize and luxury models selling well. Regional tastes and local incentives also shifted which models led sales in each market.
Can I compare sales figures and markets directly from this list?
Yes — the list shows units sold alongside main markets for each model so you can spot regional strengths, but remember figures may be rounded or sourced from different reporting bodies; for detailed regional breakdowns check the original market reports referenced in the table you’ll find below.
Popular Cars in 2006
| Model | Manufacturer | 2006 units sold (units) | Main markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corolla | Toyota | 1,000,000 | Global, especially Asia and Latin America |
| Focus | Ford | 1,000,000 | Europe, North America, Latin America |
| Golf | Volkswagen | 700,000 | Europe, China, Latin America |
| Camry | Toyota | 437,000 | United States, Australia, Middle East |
| Civic | Honda | 282,000 | United States, Japan, Canada |
| Fiesta | Ford | 360,000 | Europe, Latin America |
| Corsa | Opel/Vauxhall (GM) | 345,000 | Europe, Latin America |
| Polo | Volkswagen | 400,000 | Europe, Latin America |
| Clio | Renault | 350,000 | Europe, North Africa |
| Accent | Hyundai | 320,000 | Asia, Latin America, Europe |
| Aveo | Chevrolet | 300,000 | Global, notably Latin America and Europe |
| Sentra | Nissan | 280,000 | North America, Latin America, Asia |
| Accord | Honda | 324,000 | United States, Canada, Asia |
| Passat | Volkswagen | 460,000 | Europe, China, North America |
| Yaris | Toyota | 350,000 | Europe, Japan, Latin America |
| Mazda3 | Mazda | 300,000 | Global, notably North America and Australia |
| 3 Series | BMW | 350,000 | Global, Europe, North America |
| C-Class | Mercedes-Benz | 330,000 | Global, Europe, North America |
| Punto | Fiat | 270,000 | Europe, South America |
| Swift | Suzuki | 200,000 | Japan, Europe, India |
Images and Descriptions
Corolla
The Corolla was a perennial best-seller in 2006 thanks to its reputation for reliability, fuel economy and low running costs. The mid-2000s Corolla/Altis lineup appealed across markets with practical trims and strong dealer networks driving high volumes.
Focus
The Focus remained a global compact favorite in 2006 for its strong handling, broad trim range and competitive pricing. Freshened mid-cycle updates and localized variants (hatch/sedan/estate) helped it rank highly in many national sales charts that year.
Golf
The Golf’s combination of build quality, European appeal and multiple body styles kept it among 2006’s most popular cars. VW’s broad engine line-up and comfortable interiors made the Golf a consistent bestseller in key markets across Europe and emerging markets.
Camry
The Camry was America’s top-selling passenger car in 2006 thanks to roomy interior, reputation for reliability and strong fleet and retail demand. The XV30 generation offered comfortable ride and efficient engines that appealed to families and fleets alike.
Civic
In 2006 the Civic combined fuel efficiency, youthful styling and strong resale values, keeping it high on sales charts in North America and Japan. Civic’s mix of economy and practicality—plus sporty Si variants—helped broad consumer appeal.
Fiesta
The Fiesta was a European supermini hit in 2006 for its nimble handling, low ownership costs and competitive pricing. Ford’s continual updates and multiple engine choices made the Fiesta a top seller in many European markets.
Corsa
The Corsa offered affordable, compact transport with efficient engines and practical interiors, making it a popular choice across Europe in 2006. Strong dealer networks and value-focused trim lines maintained consistent sales, especially in urban markets.
Polo
The Polo’s premium small-car feel, safety features and efficient engines made it a consistent European favorite in 2006. VW’s reputation for refinement in the small car segment drove steady registrations across urban consumers and younger buyers.
Clio
The Renault Clio combined French styling, fuel-efficient engines and city-friendly dimensions to remain one of Europe’s best-selling superminis in 2006. The Clio’s range of trims and strong value positioning sustained broad appeal across demographics.
Accent
Hyundai’s Accent/Verna was popular in 2006 for delivering modern styling, long warranties and strong value versus rivals. Competitive pricing, rising brand recognition and expanding global distribution helped Hyundai increase sales in many emerging markets.
Aveo
Chevrolet Aveo (T200/T250 family) offered buyers an inexpensive, practical small car with low running costs. In 2006 its global availability and competitive entry-level pricing made it a common choice for first-time buyers and fleet sales.
Sentra
Nissan’s Sentra (known as Sylphy in some markets) was a mainstream compact that combined reliability and value, maintaining steady sales in 2006. The model’s roomy cabin and low operating costs appealed to budget-conscious families and rental fleets.
Accord
The Accord remained a top midsize choice in 2006 thanks to a refined ride, roomy cabin and strong dependability record. Honda’s blend of efficiency and comfort kept Accord high in family-car sales and corporate fleets in North America.
Passat
The Passat’s reputation for solid engineering, spacious interiors and diesel options made it popular in 2006, particularly in Europe and growing Chinese segments. A range of body styles and engines gave it broad fleet and private-customer appeal.
Yaris
The Yaris was sought after in 2006 for its compact footprint, fuel efficiency and high-quality interior for its class. Toyota’s small-car engineering, safety features and reliability made the Yaris a strong seller in cities and young-driver markets.
Mazda3
Mazda3 appealed in 2006 with sporty styling, engaging dynamics and a value-packed equipment list. The model’s strong driving character relative to rivals helped it gain share among buyers seeking a fun-to-drive compact.
3 Series
BMW’s 3 Series continued as the benchmark compact executive car in 2006 due to sporty handling, premium image and a wide engine range. Consistent updates and strong brand loyalty kept its global sales robust among premium buyers.
C-Class
The C-Class sold strongly in 2006 as Mercedes’ entry-level luxury offering, prized for its badge appeal, comfort and safety. Broad trim levels and diesel/gasoline options helped sustain demand in both private and fleet segments.
Punto
The Fiat Punto remained a popular European small car in 2006 for its compact practicality, economic engines and low ownership costs. Fiat’s established networks in Europe and South America preserved the Punto’s place among supermini buyers.
Swift
The Suzuki Swift was noted for its peppy handling, compact packaging and affordability in 2006. Its efficient engines and light weight made it popular among city drivers and first-time buyers, sustaining good sales in several regional markets.
