Eight Most Popular Cars in the Philippines for the Past Two Decades

The Philippines has the potential of becoming the “Detroit of Southeast Asia” given its long automotive history and local assembly plants. As a tribute to the rich car culture in the country, we look back at eight popular cars in the Philippines which have been household names and most common on our streets.

Toyota Vios

The subcompact Toyota Vios has been the bestselling car in the Philippines for more than a decade. Don't look down on this car simply because taxi drivers prefer this model. Young professionals and small families have come to like this model for its reliability and affordability. In 2014, Toyota introduced a face-lifted and sportier Vios. Base Price: P592,000 (1.3 Base M/T)  

Honda Civic

This fuel efficient compact car has established itself as one of the mainstays in the local automotive market. In the 1990s, this car model sold like hotcakes and was able to go toe-to-toe with the Toyota Corolla in terms of sales. Today, the Civic is one of the car models that is constantly being refreshed by Honda to appeal as a family passenger car. Base Price: P978,000 (1.8 S)

Mitsubishi L300

If you have ever owned a small business, chances are you own a Mitsubishi L300. This product line comes in two variants- a commercial vehicle called the FB and the versa van. The L300 is one of the few workhorses that comes in a variety of body frames. Base Price: P575,000 (Cab Chassis)

Isuzu Crosswind

The Crosswind’s claim to fame came when it replaced the Isuzu Hilander as Isuzu's entry in the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment and was later categorized as an Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV). The Crosswind has established itself as one of the best cars to take across the countryside. Base Price: P750,000 (XS M/T 6-seater)

Hyundai Starex

The Starex revolutionized the van segment in the country. Being the only entry for Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), the Starex plowed through its rivals and has since then been a household name in the large family vehicle segment. The Starex’s above par torque and horsepower won the hearts of many, not to mention its wide variety of customization and variants. Base Price: P1,238,000 (2.5 TCI GL M/T 10-seater)

Toyota Corolla

Around the world, the Corolla is easily recognized as the best selling nameplate with more than 40 million units sold globally. The ninth generation of the Corolla and newer models have been badged the “Altis” to separate it from earlier generations. This nameplate will celebrate its 50^th anniversary in 2016. Base Price: P836,000 (1.6 E M/T)

Mitsubishi Lancer

The Lancer is recognized as the old reliable in the compact car segment and arrived in the Philippines a few years after it was first released in 1973. With a racing bloodline in its hood, coming from its Ralliart and Evo sports car variants, the Lancer has created a large customer base of obsessed car enthusiasts. As proof, even its “box types” are still actively running on the country’s roads. Base Price: P840,000 (EX GLX 1.6 M/T)

Toyota Tamaraw FX

There was a time (in the 90s) when a non-sedan taxicab was called an FX, referring to this Toyota packhorse. The Tamaraw revolutionized non-metered taxis in the Philippines that could seat 7 to 9 people. In 1998 it gave way to the Toyota Revo, which signalled its move from a commercial vehicle to a passenger car. Average Price: P150,000 (Used or Second Hand)