Which Is the Best No. 1 Car in the World?

There isn’t a single universal “best” car, but if the benchmark is global sales, the Tesla Model Y is the world’s No. 1–selling vehicle as of 2023, while the Toyota Corolla remains the most successful nameplate in history for total lifetime sales and reputation for reliability. What counts as “best” varies by what you value—affordability, reliability, performance, technology, safety, sustainability, or luxury.

What “No. 1” Can Mean

People use “No. 1” differently. Below are the most common ways experts and buyers define it, which dramatically changes the answer to the question.

• Best-selling now: The model that tops global sales in the most recent year.
• Most reliable: The car with consistently top reliability scores over time.
• Best value: Strong mix of purchase price, running costs, resale value, and features.
• Best performance: Leading acceleration, handling, and track pedigree.
• Most technologically advanced: Cutting-edge software, driver assistance, and connectivity.
• Most sustainable: Lowest lifecycle emissions and strong efficiency metrics.
• Safest: Top crash-test ratings and standard active safety features.
• Most luxurious: Benchmark comfort, materials, refinement, and prestige.

Because “No. 1” shifts with criteria, the top pick for one buyer may not be the same for another—context is everything.

By the Numbers: The Current Global No. 1 in Sales

By pure sales volume, the Tesla Model Y was the world’s best-selling car in 2023, surpassing long-time leaders such as the Toyota Corolla. Industry data placed Model Y annual deliveries at well over a million units in 2023, driven by expanding EV adoption, manufacturing scale, and price adjustments. Early 2024 market snapshots indicated the Model Y remained highly competitive globally, though final full-year tallies were not yet consolidated at the time.

Here’s why the Model Y has dominated recent sales charts.

• Global production scale and supply-chain focus enabling high volumes.
• Price cuts and incentives that improved affordability in multiple markets.
• Strong range-to-price ratio and a widely used fast-charging ecosystem in key regions.
• Frequent over-the-air software updates that add features and refinements.
• Solid safety credentials from major testing bodies in North America and Europe.
• Broad availability across regions where EV infrastructure is growing.

These factors combined to make the Model Y a mainstream EV choice, not just an early-adopter pick, helping it top global sales charts.

If You Mean “Best Overall,” Leading Candidates by Common Criteria

If you’re seeking a practical “best overall,” no single car dominates every metric. Below are widely recognized standouts by category, based on recent industry results and expert consensus.

• Reliability and value: Toyota Corolla — A global staple with a long record of dependability, strong resale, and broad service networks; one of the best-selling nameplates ever (over 50 million units cumulatively).
• Mainstream family crossover: Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR‑V — Consistently high sales and owner satisfaction, with efficient hybrid options and competitive safety tech.
• Electric all‑rounder (value/performance mix): Tesla Model 3 and Model Y — Strong range, software, and charging access; widespread availability and continuous updates.
• Performance sports car: Porsche 911 — A benchmark for precision, usability, and residual values; frequently tops enthusiast and comparison tests.
• Budget-friendly everyday car (select markets): Dacia Sandero — Exceptional value in Europe with low ownership costs; safety and features vary by trim and region.
• Long-range luxury EV: Lucid Air — Among the longest real-world ranges with strong efficiency; best suited to markets with robust charging infrastructure.
• Affordability in EVs (select markets): BYD Dolphin/Seagull — Rapidly expanding footprint with competitive pricing and efficiency, especially in Asia and Latin America.
• Safety leaders: Volvo and Subaru lineups — Frequent top scores in crash tests and standard active safety suites; confirm per model and market.

Availability, pricing, and specifications vary by country, so the “best” in one market may be impractical or unavailable in another.

How to Choose Your Personal No. 1

To pick the best car for your situation, align the choice with your priorities, budget, and local infrastructure before deciding.

1. Define priorities: rank reliability, cost, performance, range, space, tech, and safety.
2. Check local factors: dealer/service coverage, charging (for EVs), and incentives.
3. Compare total cost of ownership: insurance, maintenance, energy/fuel, depreciation.
4. Cross-check independent ratings: safety tests, reliability surveys, and road tests.
5. Test drive comparables: assess comfort, visibility, interface, and driver aids.
6. Think ahead: consider resale value and how needs may change over 3–5 years.

A structured approach prevents buyer’s remorse and reveals which “No. 1” truly fits your life, not just the headlines.

The Verdict

If “No. 1” means sales, the Tesla Model Y currently wears the crown. If it means long-term reliability and global ubiquity, the Toyota Corolla is hard to beat. For pure driving excellence, the Porsche 911 remains a reference point. The best choice depends on your priorities, market, and budget—and that’s why more than one car can reasonably claim to be “the best,” depending on the lens.

Summary

There is no single best car for everyone. By recent global sales, Tesla’s Model Y leads. For proven reliability and value, Toyota’s Corolla stands out. For performance, Porsche’s 911 is a perennial benchmark. Decide what “No. 1” means to you—sales, reliability, value, tech, performance, safety, sustainability, or luxury—and choose accordingly.

Which brand of car is most reliable?

While there is some variation across studies, Subaru and Lexus consistently rank among the most reliable car brands, with Toyota and Honda also considered top choices for long-term durability. Recent data from sources like Consumer Reports indicates Subaru has taken the top spot for reliability by leveraging common, dependable components across its models, while Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, maintains a strong reputation for luxury and longevity.
 
Top-Ranked Brands:

• Subaru: Opens in new tabPraised for its use of reliable components across models, which reduces the risk of issues after redesigns. Models like the Forester and Impreza are often highlighted for their dependability. 
• Lexus: Opens in new tabAs the luxury brand of Toyota, Lexus consistently ranks high in reliability, known for combining luxury with exceptional durability and minimal problems. 
• Toyota: Opens in new tabA long-standing name for reliability, Toyota’s philosophy of simplicity in its engineering contributes to its reputation for long-term ownership. 
• Honda: Opens in new tabAnother brand known for robust engineering and reliability, particularly for those looking for dependable vehicles that hold up well over time. 

Key Factors in Reliability:

• Component Commonality: Brands like Subaru benefit from sharing reliable parts across their model lineup, which minimizes the chance of introducing new problems during a vehicle redesign. 
• Proven Simplicity: A focus on simplicity in vehicle design, as seen with Toyota, can lead to fewer mechanical problems and greater overall dependability. 
• Long-Term Durability: Brands like Toyota and Lexus are known for producing vehicles, such as the Corolla and Camry, that can exceed 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. 

What is the #1 safest car?

There is no single #1 safest car, but numerous vehicles earned the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, including models from Honda, Mazda, Toyota, and Hyundai, signifying exceptional safety performance in crash testing. The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ is the highest rating, given to vehicles with good or acceptable scores in all crash evaluations and advanced or superior front crash prevention systems. You can find award-winning vehicles across various categories, from compact cars to large SUVs, according to MotorTrend and U.S. News & World Report.
 
How to find the safest car for you

1. Understand the awards: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the highest safety rating, the Top Safety Pick+, to vehicles that perform well in its rigorous crash tests and have good front crash prevention systems. 
2. Look for models that earned the Top Safety Pick+: Many manufacturers’ models receive this award, but it’s always best to check the specific year you are interested in, as criteria can change. 
3. Consider your vehicle class: Larger, heavier vehicles generally offer more protection, so consider a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car, sedan, SUV, or truck. 
4. Check a trusted source: Look for lists of safest cars from publications like U.S. News & World Report or MotorTrend. 

Examples of 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award Winners 

• Honda: Civic (sedan and hatchback), Accord, CR-V
• Hyundai: Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Genesis models
• Mazda: CX-30, CX-50, CX-70, CX-90
• Toyota: Camry, Crown

Which car has the best build quality?

Cars known for excellent build quality include Lexus, Subaru, Toyota, Mazda, and Cadillac, with recent studies by J.D. Power and Consumer Reports highlighting brands like Lexus and Subaru for overall dependability and initial quality. Premium brands such as Porsche and Cadillac also show strong performance in quality and dependability metrics, while mass-market leaders like Buick and Chevrolet consistently rank high. 
Top Brands for Build Quality

• Lexus: . Opens in new tabConsistently ranks at the top for dependability, with its luxurious materials and meticulous craftsmanship contributing to a perception of high quality and durability. 
• Subaru: . Opens in new tabPraised for mechanical reliability and robust engineering, particularly in its all-wheel-drive systems, making it a leading choice for quality. 
• Toyota: . Opens in new tabKnown for manufacturing precision, durable products, and overall reliability, especially in models like the RAV4 and Corolla. 
• Mazda: . Opens in new tabFeatures simplified engineering and stringent quality control, resulting in strong reliability ratings and excellent fit-and-finish. 
• Porsche: . Opens in new tabA premium brand known for its high-quality mechanical components and exceptional refinement in the luxury segment. 
• Cadillac: . Opens in new tabRanks highly among premium brands for dependability and overall quality, offering a solid, well-crafted vehicle. 
• Buick: . Opens in new tabA strong performer in the mass-market segment, recognized for quality and dependability in J.D. Power studies. 

How to Assess Build Quality

• Initial Quality Studies: Organizations like J.D. Power provide rankings for initial quality, which reflect the quality of a vehicle at the time of purchase. 
• Vehicle Dependability Studies: J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) measures problems experienced by vehicle owners after three years of ownership, indicating long-term build quality. 
• Consumer Reports Ratings: Consumer Reports provides reliability ratings and owner satisfaction scores, which are good indicators of overall build quality. 

Which car is top 1 in the world?

Top 10 Most Popular Cars in the World

1. Toyota Corolla. Maintaining its leadership for 4 consecutive years!
2. Toyota Camry. Another “leading” model from Toyota is the representative and more comfortable Camry.
3. Honda CR-V.
4. Toyota RAV4.
5. Ford F-Series.
6. Hyundai Tucson.
7. Chevrolet Silverado.
8. Tesla Model 3.