World’s Best-Selling Cars 2013 (Top 10)

1. Ford Focus
The Focus is outsold by other small cars in the U.S., but worldwide, it's the No. 1 seller. The Focus is an example of Ford's global strategy to build a handful of cars that sell in large numbers around the world. LMC Automotive expects Focus to again squeak by Toyota Corolla as the world's most popular car, with sales approaching 1.1 million vehicles.



2. Toyota Corolla
The Corolla, redesigned for 2014 to be more stylish and fun to drive, lost its crown as the world's most popular car in 2012. This year, it's expected to finish second again, with sales of 1,001,141 vehicles.



3. Volkswagen Jetta
VW's Jetta sedan, also sold as the Vento or Bora in some markets, is sold with a variety of powertrains, including diesel and hybrid. LMC projects global sales of 905,869 vehicles.



4. Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai of Korea has become a major contender in the global industry thanks to cars like the sporty Elantra (sold as the Avante in its home market). Together, 2013 sales are expected to be about 866,000, up 11 percent from 2012.



5. Chevrolet Cruze
The Cruze, launched in China in 2009, is Chevrolet's first truly global car, and a big reason behind the growth of the Chevrolet brand worldwide. Global sales are expected to exceed 729,000 for 2013.



6. Toyota Camry
Camry is the only mid-sized vehicle among the global Top 10, thanks to strong sales in the U.S., where it is the most popular passenger car. Worldwide sales for 2013 are projected to be 728,230.



7. Volkswagen Golf
The seventh generation Golf has yet to go on sale in China or the United States, but already it is racking up accolades. Global sales of the new Golf (and the exiting model in the U.S. and China) are expected to total 720,440, according to LMC. The new Golf will go on sale in the U.S. next year as a 2015 model.



8. Ford Fiesta
Ford's minicar has seen moderate success in the U.S., but its sporty, high-tech package is popular in many countries. Global sales are forecast at 705,287.



9. Honda CR-V
The CR-V is the only sport-utility to crack the Top 10 in global sales. Sales are expected to be 697,955 for the year.



10. Volkswagen Polo
The VW Polo, a benchmark in the supermini segment, isn't available in the United States. But it is sold throughout Europe, as well as in South America and Asia. Polo sales are expected to top 686,000 for 2013.

Forbes: The World's Most Popular Cars: Ford Focus And Other Surprises - Forbes