History's Best Selling Vehicles of 2005

Hats off to 2005! Few vehicles commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Perodua Myvi. Alongside sensationally popular hits like BYD F3 and essential classics, consumers eagerly embraced the Y2K fever and early digital revolution. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Perodua and BYD set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Perodua Myvi

   Released in 2005 by Perodua

   On May 25, 2005, the Malaysian automotive landscape was forever changed with the launch of the Perodua Myvi. This date marked the arrival of a vehicle that would soon become a national icon and the country's best-selling car for over a decade. The Myvi was the result of a strategic collaboration between Perodua, Toyota, and Daihatsu, aimed at delivering a world-class compact car tailored for Malaysian consumers. Its debut was met with immense public anticipation, as it promised a combination of Japanese engineering, reliability, and local market understanding at an accessible price point, setting a new benchmark in the B-segment category.

2. BYD F3

   Released in 2005 by BYD

   On September 22, 2005, a vehicle that would fundamentally alter the Chinese automotive landscape officially went on sale: the BYD F3. This date marks the commercial launch of a compact sedan that embodied BYD Auto's ambitious transition from a battery manufacturer to a full-fledged carmaker. For the rapidly growing Chinese market, the F3's arrival was a watershed moment. It introduced a new paradigm of value, challenging established foreign joint-venture brands with an aggressively low price point, a familiar design, and a comprehensive list of standard features. This launch was the starting pistol for a sales phenomenon that would cement BYD's place as a major domestic player and fund its future electric ambitions.