Ford Fiesta and the longest-lived cars ever

Welcome to the over 40 club

Over the summer, the curtain came down on the famous Ford Fiesta, after almost half a century. But despite remaining in production for such a long time, the Fiesta is far from boasting the longest unbroken production record, as this collection of cars shows.

Here are the cars that are the automotive equivalent of the 1993 movie Groundhog Day, with versions of the same vehicles coming round and round again…

Mini: 41 Years

Throwing around the terms legendary or iconic is easy to do, but there is no shortage of hyperbole when it comes to the importance of the original Mini. Regarded as one of the most influential cars of the 20th century, its compact front-wheel drive layout helped revolutionise car design ideas.

First launched in 1959, the Mini continued in production all the way until 2000. BMW retained the rights to use the Mini name, launching its own entirely new hatchback version in 2001.

Nissan Maxima: 42 Years

Serving as Nissan’s flagship four-door in North America and the Middle East, the Maxima is the first car on our list. Initially launched in 1980 as a trim level of the Datsun 810, it became a bespoke model the following year.

Now into a seventh-generation, the Maxima is produced at Nissan’s Smyrna assembly plant in Tennessee. A special 40th anniversary model was launched in 2021 to help celebrate the big milestone.

However, Nissan has announced plans to phase out the current Maxima in 2023.

Citroen 2CV: 42 Years

For ultimate low-cost utilitarianism, even the Mercedes-Benz G-Class would need to bow to the Citroen 2CV. Built for 42 years, it stuck to its mantra of delivering affordable transport between 1948 and 1990.

A staggering 3.8 million examples were produced, along with a further 6 million other variants across the world.

Jeep CJ: 42 Years

Created as a simple civilian version of the World War II military Jeep, the CJ was intended to be a practical vehicle for agricultural workers.

Despite such humble origins, the Jeep CJ continued to be made from 1944 all the way until 1986. More than 1.5 million examples were produced, with the popular CJ-5 version accounting for over 600,000 units alone.

The final C7-J variant was replaced by the new Wrangler, keeping the Jeep spirit alive.

Holden Commodore: 42 Years

Sold between 1978 and 2020, the Holden Commodore was one of two ‘default’ choices when it came to Australian-built cars. Sold as a rival to the Ford Falcon, the Commodore would compete with the Blue Oval product on the street and the race track.

At one time the most popular large car in Australia, buyers switching to SUVs saw sales drop to crawl. It saw parent company General Motors decide to end the Commodore, and the Holden brand altogether, in 2020.

Fiat Panda: 43 Years

In comparison to the Nissan Maxima, the diminutive Fiat Panda city car has been through just three generations in 42 years.

The original first-generation version managed to stay in production for 23 years alone between 1980 and 2003. Even the latest Panda has been around for over a decade.

Total production of the Panda is close to eight million examples, with no signs of the practical Italian disappearing just yet.

Mitsubishi Galant: 43 Years

One of the most popular Mitsubishi models created, some nine generations of the Galant sedan were made between 1969 and 2012. Total sales exceeded 5 million cars, with the United States, Australia, Taiwan, and Japan being key markets for the Galant.

In common with many defunct vehicles on this list, strong SUV sales resulted in the Galant falling away in popularity. The last Galant left the Mitsubishi factory in Normal, Illinois in August 2012, ending 43 years of global production.

Volkswagen Jetta: 44 Years

Sometimes unfairly described as being a Golf with a boot, the Volkswagen Jetta has existed as a sensible hatchback alternative since 1979. More than 15 million examples have been made, with the Jetta now into its seventh generation.

The continual rise of the SUV has seen the Jetta fall out of favour in traditional European markets. However, it remains a popular choice in North America, with China receiving a long-wheelbase version branded the Sagitar.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class: 44 Years

Developed as a utilitarian military vehicle, the G-Wagen was first sold to the public in 1979. Since then it has evolved into a high-end luxurious SUV, more likely to be filled with rappers and influencers than members of the armed forces.

Updated throughout its 43-year production run, the latest version (now branded G-Class) was launched in 2018. More than 400,000 examples have been built, with Mercedes-Benz planning to launch an all-electric EQG version.

Mitsubishi Lancer: 44 Years

Perhaps best known for the series of high-performance Evolution models, Mitsubishi sold the Lancer around the world in numerous other guises. Rallying was a factor in the Lancer’s history from the start, winning the formidable Safari Rally in 1974.

Nine generations of the Lancer were made from 1973 through to August 2017. As with the Galant, Mitsubishi’s decision to focus on SUVs and crossovers resulted in the end of production.

Lada Niva Legend: 46 Years

Life in the Soviet Union was tough at the best of times, with the hardy Lada Niva made for surviving rural parts of the USSR. Extensive off-road testing saw the Niva fitted with permanent all-wheel drive, along with independent front suspension.

Such a resilient design has seen the Niva continue to be built today, despite first being launched in 1977. Now branded as the Niva Legend, this Cold War relic managed to outlast the Soviet Union that created it.

Buick LeSabre: 46 Years

A mainstay in the Buick range from 1959 to 2005, the LeSabre took its position as an entry-level full-size offering throughout its 46-year history. It would become Buick’s consistent best-selling model, and see its nameplate outlast other models introduced at the same time.

Of the eight generations produced, the final version was still America’s most-popular full-size sedan in 2005. The LeSabre’s replacement, the Lucerne, failed to match the sustained success of its predecessor, and ended production after just six years.

Honda Accord: 47 Years

Launched as a compact car in 1976, during its 45-year history the Honda Accord has continuously evolved over the course of ten generations. A winner of multiple awards across the globe, and a strong motorsport contender, the Accord has assured its place in automotive history.

In 1989 the Accord became the first imported vehicle to become a best-seller in the United States. Today, an incredible 18 million examples have been produced around the world.

Ford Fiesta: 47 Years

The Ford Fiesta was first made to be a contender in the ultra-competitive European supermini market. It subsequently developed into a consistent best-seller in multiple countries, with over 16 million Fiestas sold since 1976.

Even into a seventh generation, the Fiesta continued to be a top choice for consumers. The performance ST version has become a hot hatch icon, with the Fiesta also becoming a winner on the World Rally Championship stage.

Alas, despite such a glorious record, Ford has now called time on the Fiesta, as part of the brand’s plans to go electric and go upmarket in Europe.

BMW 3 Series: 48 Years

Arguably still the default choice for a compact executive sedan, the BMW 3 Series has spanned seven generations and seen multiple spin offs created.

The original E21 version was launched in 1975, sold as a two-door coupe or convertible. When the E30 model was released in 1982, this added the option of a four-door sedan or five-door station wagon version.

Today, the new G20 version features the option of a plug-in hybrid version, along with BMW’s latest in-car technology.

Volkswagen Polo: 48 Years

Beating the Fiesta to the market by a year, the Volkswagen Polo has been Ford’s chief supermini rival for more than four decades. The first Polo was little more than a rebadged Audi 50, going on sale in 1975.

Now into a sixth generation of production, the Polo continues to be a big-seller for Volkswagen. Performance models have offered a compact alternative to the Golf GTI, with newer versions adding extra luxury and technology.

Jeep Cherokee: 49 Years

Initially a development of the Jeep Wagoneer, since 1974 the Cherokee has transformed from a large SUV into a modern crossover. Although it was sold as the Jeep Liberty in the United States between 2002 and 2013, global markets retained the Cherokee name throughout.

The second-generation XJ Cherokee, launched for 1984, accounts for an impressive 18 years of production alone.

Volkswagen Golf: 49 Years

With more than 35 million examples made since 1974, the Volkswagen Golf is one of the best-selling vehicles ever created. It has surpassed the Beetle as the most-produced Volkswagen model, and shows no sign of slowing down.

Along with offering practical transport to millions of families, the Golf GTI has also been responsible for making the hot hatchback formula a success. Now into its eighth generation, the Golf hatch has become a five-door only model, and is packed with the latest technology.

Volkswagen Passat: 50 Years

That Volkswagen’s large family car has been in production longer than the omnipresent Golf may be something of a surprise. Released in 1973 the Passat, or Dasher in the United States, was made to replace the ageing Volkswagen Type 4.

In 2011, Volkswagen split the Passat model, creating a new model for China and North America, with Europe retaining its own version. The range would be split again in 2019, with a bespoke Chinese-market car.

Volkswagen plans to discontinue the Passat for North America, finishing with a range of special editions. Only the station wagon version now remains available in Europe.

Honda Civic: 51 Years

Now into an eleventh-generation of production, the importance of the Honda Civic is hard to understate. It would become the first Honda model to be sold in global markets, being launched in the United Kingdom and North America

Having grown in size, the modern Civic has established itself as a dependable compact offering. More than 18 million examples have been made since 1972, with Honda recently beginning production of the hatchback model in the United States.

Jaguar XJ Series: 51 Years

Frequently the choice of British prime ministers, the Jaguar XJ positioned itself as a rival to the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The XJ survived more than 50 years in production as a luxurious flagship sedan.

Jaguar launched the fifth-generation XJ in 2009, but opted to end production in 2019. An all-electric replacement was planned, but has since been cancelled. It leaves the XJ stuck on our list at 51 years.

Suzuki Jimny: 53 Years

In production since 1970, the diminutive Suzuki Jimny has seen more than 2.85 million examples sold in 194 different countries.

Across more than five decades, the Jimny has racked up just four different generations. All have maintained the same formula of compact dimensions, all-wheel drive, and a sturdy ladder frame chassis.

Range Rover: 53 Years

Although the Jeep Wagoneer may have beaten it to being the first luxury SUV, the Range Rover has won the battle of longer continuous production. When first launched in 1970, the Range Rover offered a simple interior that could be washed-down with a hose pipe.

In comparison, the fifth-generation Range Rover announced in 2021 would not react well to such a cleaning method. The new model includes a host of hybrid powertrain options, and an all-electric version planned for 2024.

Ford Falcon: 56 Years

Like the Holden Commodore, the Ford Falcon was one of the two dominant large cars in Australia. Built from 1960 to 2016, the Falcon became a popular choice for taxi cabs, police cars, and other fleet vehicles.

Ford made seven generations of the Falcon, including multiple high-performance versions that became cult classics in Australia. Falling sales, and the costs of producing cars in Australia, saw Ford cancel the Falcon in 2016.

Toyota Corolla: 57 Years

When it comes to automotive superlatives, the Toyota Corolla is hard to beat. Although it may not have the longest production run, it became the best-selling nameplate of all by 1997.

With 12 generations launched since 1966, Toyota has manufactured an astonishing 50 million examples of the Corolla. China is now the biggest market for the Corolla, with more than 550,000 cars sold there during 2020 alone.

Hindustan Ambassador: 57 Years

Although little known outside of India, the Hindustan Ambassador remained virtually unchanged in production from 1956 to 2014. Originally called the Morris Oxford, the British Motor Corporation sold the rights and tooling to Hindustan.

Renamed the Ambassador, Hindustan would build more than 900,000 examples for the Indian market. Renowned for its rugged design and simple maintenance requirements, the Ambassador remains a cult classic to Indian drivers.

Ford Mustang: 59 Years

Not only does the Mustang take the prize for being the longest-running pony car, it is also the longest-lasting Ford nameplate. Such staying power has helped it become the fifth most popular car to wear the Blue Oval badge since being launched in 1964.

The blue collar appeal of the Mustang sees it remain the best-selling sports car in the world, aided by Ford’s global sales strategy for it. Instantly recognizable to those with only the faintest of interest in cars, the Mustang shows no sign of hanging up its saddle.

An all-new seventh-generation version is due to enter production in 2023.

Porsche 911: 59 Years

Released to the world in the same year as the Ford Mustang, the Porsche 911 has followed a similar path of remaining true to its original concept. Porsche has determinedly stuck to its rear-engined layout, constantly evolving the 911 to suit contemporary tastes.

Such refinement and development has seen more than one million examples sold. Porsche has also turned the 911 into one of the most successful racing cars ever created, proving its endless appeal and usability.

Volkswagen Beetle: 65 Years

With total sales exceeding 21 million cars, the Volkswagen Beetle is the longest-running and most manufactured car on a single platform. Although the Toyota Corolla may have achieved more sales, this has been across twelve different generations.

Conceived as an affordable car for Socialist Germany in the 1930s, the Beetle concept remained virtually unchanged from 1938 until 2003. Recognized as one of the most influential cars ever designed, the Beetle’s significance will outlasted the 65 years it was in production for.

Nissan Skyline: 66 Years

The hardcore GT-R model may be the Nissan Skyline most people think of. However, the reality is a range of cars that have evolved into an executive sedan model, far removed from its performance namesake.

First sold by the Prince Motor Company in 1957, the Skyline became a Nissan model after the company acquired the Price brand. Although the enthusiast-orientated GT-R versions may have grabbed the headlines, the everyday Skyline offerings are what helped it achieve 65 years in production.

Toyota Crown: 68 Years

Making a debut in 1955, the Crown has become the longest-running passenger-car nameplate affixed to any Toyota model. Aimed primarily at the Japanese executive market, the Crown became the first Toyota to be exported to the United States in 1958.

Outside of Japan, the Lexus GS range of sedans have taken the place of the Crown. However, demand remains strong in its home country, with the fifteenth generation launched in 2017.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 69 Years

Although the S-Class name was not officially introduced until 1972, the Sonderklasse (special class) sedan has been produced by Mercedes-Benz since 1954. Production has spanned seven generations, with the S-Class consistently the world’s best-selling luxury car.

Throughout its 67-year history, the S-Class has traditionally been the model to pioneer new Mercedes-Benz technology. This has included anti-lock braking, traction control, crumple zones, and seat belt pre-tensioning.

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: 69 Years

Clearly 1954 was an important year for Mercedes-Benz, with it also signifying the start of SL-Class production. Sales began with the 300 SL ‘gullwing’, aimed at the growing market for sports cars in the United States.

Now into a seventh generation, the SL-Class has focussed on combining luxury and performance. The latest SL is sold under the Mercedes-AMG brand, ditching the retractable hardtop for a lighter folding fabric roof.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 70 Years

As with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the official E-Class nameplate did not come into effect until later in production. However, the executive sedan can trace a lineage all the way back to the W120 sedan launched in 1953.

In excess of 13 million examples have been sold to date, with the latest generation packing extensive technology and a wide range of engine options.

Chevrolet Corvette: 70 Years

A true American legend, the Chevrolet Corvette has been part of the automotive landscape for an incredible seven decades. From the first roadster launched in 1953, to the brand-new mid-engined C8 Z06, more than 1.7 million examples have been sold to date.

Although the latest eighth-generation version may have caused controversy, the ‘Vette remains as popular as ever.

Toyota Land Cruiser: 72 Years

Taking the prize for Toyota’s longest-running model, the Land Cruiser first entered production in 1951. First built to support the Korean War effort, initial production was on a small scale. With the launch of the second-generation in 1955, the Land Cruiser was exported to global markets.

Impressive reliability has seen the Land Cruiser become the vehicle of choice for those in arduous conditions. Toyota has undertaken extensive testing in the Australian Outback, with the Land Cruiser becoming one of the country’s best-selling models.

Volkswagen Transporter: 74 Years

Initially a derivative of the Volkswagen Beetle, the Transporter has become the best-selling van in history. Despite being made since 1949, Volkswagen has sold just seven generations, with the latest launched in 2022.

The earliest T1 Transporter, better known as the Bus or Kombi, has generated the largest cult status. However, modern Transporters have become popular for the range of custom options, and numerous campervan conversions.

Ford F-Series: 76 Years

When it comes to statistics and achievements, the Ford F-Series range of pickups are hard to beat. Entering production in late 1947, it became the best-selling pickup truck in the United States in 1977, and top overall vehicle in 1981. It has retained that title ever since, with more than one million examples sold each year.

Continuous development over fourteen generations have helped keep the F-Series at the top of its game. But, such evolution is only enough for second place on our list.

Chevrolet Suburban: 85 Years

By our own rules, the Chevrolet Suburban should not be included here, due to a four-year gap in production. However, we are willing to accept World War Two as a legitimate reason for why the Suburban has not been made continuously since 1934.

The first Suburban was one of the very first metal-bodied station wagons, intended as a practical vehicle for up to eight passengers. Today, the Suburban is Chevrolet’s top SUV, packing luxury features and endless technology.

Even with a gap from 1942 to 1946, it still remains the world’s longest-running vehicle in production.