In 1987, there wasn’t a single global champion for “the most popular car.” Popularity depended on the market and the metric used. This piece looks at the main benchmarks—global sales and U.S. market performance—to explain how the year is viewed by historians and industry tallies.
Global top-seller of 1987
Across many markets, the Toyota Corolla is widely cited as the best-selling car model for 1987, reflecting Toyota’s strong global reach in the compact segment. Different automotive-year publications may rank top models slightly differently, but Corolla consistently appears near the top in that year’s tallies.
The following factors helped the Corolla’s global standing in 1987:
- Broad availability in major regions—Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond.
- Strong reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and resale value.
- A diversified lineup (sedan, hatchback, wagon) that appealed to a wide range of buyers.
- A global manufacturing footprint that kept production costs competitive.
In summary, most industry tallies place the Corolla at or near the top of global sales in 1987, making it the most widely cited global popular car for that year.
United States perspective: top-seller among 1987 models
Within the United States, year-end sales data from automotive researchers and trade publications point to strong performance by several models in 1987, with the Ford Taurus family among the leaders as Ford shifted toward more modern mid-size vehicles. The Honda Accord and Ford Escort were also prominent on most lists, depending on how counts were made (for example, whether wagon variants were included).
Ford Taurus and the 1986–1987 era
Launched in 1986, the Taurus introduced a new design language and packaging that resonated with American buyers, helping Ford secure solid market share in the late 1980s.
Alternative tallies and regional variation
Some sources emphasize different top models depending on whether the Taurus family is counted as a single model or if wagon variants are tallied separately. Others highlight the Accord as a close rival in overall popularity for that year.
Conclusion for the United States: In 1987, Ford Taurus-family models were among the top sellers, signaling a shift toward newer styling and packaging in the American market.
Additional regional context
End-of-year rankings also varied by region. In many European markets, the popular choices included models from Ford, VW, and other Western manufacturers, while Japan and other parts of Asia often favored domestically produced compact or mid-size sedans. The takeaway is that “popularity” differed by locale and measurement.
Other ways to measure popularity
Beyond simple sales tallies, analysts sometimes look at registrations, market share, or consumer sentiment. These different angles can yield divergent leaders for 1987 across regions and demographics.
- Registrations and lifetime ownership prospects can diverge from initial year sales.
- Brand presence, dealer networks, and after-sales support influence long-term popularity.
- Economic conditions, fuel prices, and policy changes shape which segments perform best in a given year.
Overall, there is no single universal “most popular car” for 1987. The answer depends on where you look and how you count.
Summary
In 1987, popularity did not converge on one model worldwide. The Toyota Corolla is widely cited as the global top-seller that year, while the Ford Taurus family led U.S. passenger-car sales in many tallies. Regional leaders varied, and different measurement methods produced different results. The year serves as a snapshot of how market preferences differed across the global auto landscape.