10 Rare Cars You’d Never Expect to See on the Road Today (And 10 You Still See Everywhere)
Some cars from decades past have become unicorns, i.e., spotting one in the wild feels like finding buried treasure. Others? They just refuse to fade away. Whether it’s thanks to bulletproof engines, cult followings, or sheer stubbornness, certain models seem to be everywhere no matter how old they are.
In this list, we’re putting the spotlight on 10 cars that have practically vanished—and 10 that haunt parking lots and traffic jams like ghosts of the past (or just really well-made vehicles).
1. Pontiac Aztek
Once dubbed one of the ugliest cars ever made, the Aztek was a design gamble that didn’t quite pay off, until Breaking Bad gave it a second life as Walter White’s ride. Originally marketed as a versatile adventure vehicle, it had forward-thinking features like a removable cooler and built-in tent options.
Despite those quirks, most Azteks suffered from build-quality issues, and their oddball looks never really caught on. Today, they’re almost extinct on the roads.
2. Subaru SVX
Penned by Italian design legend Giorgetto Giugiaro, the SVX stood out with its aircraft-inspired ‘window-within-a-window’ look. Subaru packed it with tech and a silky flat-six engine, but its high price tag and unreliable transmission scared buyers off.
Only about 14,000 were sold in the U.S., and many of those didn’t survive the 2000s. Spotting one today is like finding a unicorn in a parking lot.
3. Isuzu VehiCROSS
The VehiCROSS looked like it belonged in a video game: chunky, bold, and unapologetically weird. It came with impressive off-road chops, but it was pricey and offered limited practicality.
Fewer than 6,000 units were sold in the U.S. between 1999 and 2001, and most have disappeared from daily use. Collectors love them, but for the average driver, it was just too eccentric.
4. Sterling 827
This British luxury sedan was based on the Acura Legend platform and aimed to combine European flair with Japanese reliability. Unfortunately, only half of that formula held up as the Sterling suffered from poor build quality, rust issues, and electrical gremlins.
It vanished from the U.S. market by 1991. Today, it’s so rare that most gearheads under 40 have never even heard of it.
5. Cadillac Catera
This late-’90s luxury sedan was meant to rejuvenate Cadillac’s image with a younger audience. Based on the German Opel Omega, the Catera offered Euro-inspired handling but came with poor reliability and expensive repair costs.
Sales never really took off, and it was quietly retired by 2001. Despite the ‘zig’ marketing campaign, it never really zagged into popularity.
6. Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4
One of the most technologically advanced sports cars of the ’90s, the 3000GT VR-4 came with all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and active aerodynamics. It was a marvel, but also incredibly complex and expensive to maintain.
As the years went by, many owners couldn’t afford the upkeep, and parts became scarce. Most VR-4s were either parted out or kept locked in garages.
7. Suzuki X-90
This bizarre little 4×4 coupe with T-tops and SUV DNA confused buyers from the start. Its design was a mash-up of sportiness and off-road attitude but didn’t succeed in either lane.
With fewer than 8,000 sold in the U.S., they faded from existence quickly. It lives on in the ironic appreciation of car weirdos everywhere.
8. Eagle Premier
A product of Chrysler’s short-lived joint venture with Renault, the Premier was a well-handling sedan let down by bland looks and an identity crisis.
While it had some advanced features for its time, the brand confusion and poor marketing doomed it. Production ended in 1992, and support vanished shortly after. It’s rare even in junkyards today.
9. Dodge Rampage
Blurring the line between car and pickup, the Rampage was Dodge’s attempt to cash in on the mini-truck trend. Based on the Dodge Omni, it offered utility in a compact form but failed to win buyers.
It was only produced from 1982 to 1984. Now, seeing one is a fleeting surprise, with a tailgate.
10. AMC Pacer
Affectionately (or not) known as ‘the fishbowl,’ the Pacer’s wide stance and rounded glass made it one of the most visually unique cars of the 1970s. Though it briefly found a cult following, its styling didn’t age well, and rust issues claimed many early on.
It had a memorable cameo in Wayne’s World, but beyond that, its road presence vanished. Today, it’s a collector’s oddity.
11. Toyota Corolla
The Corolla has long been the gold standard for affordability, efficiency, and bulletproof reliability. It’s one of the best-selling cars of all time, with over 50 million units sold globally.
Many older models are still in circulation, easily passing the 200,000-mile mark with minimal repairs. In short: it’s the Energizer Bunny of compact cars.
12. Honda Civic
From tuner culture to daily commuting, the Civic wears many hats. Its engines are known for their durability, and the car’s lightweight construction makes it both fun to drive and fuel-efficient.
Whether it’s a 1992 hatchback or a modern turbocharged model, the Civic continues to thrive on the road as well as in car culture.
13. Ford F-150
This full-size pickup has dominated American highways for over four decades. Known for its ruggedness, towing power, and wide range of configurations, it appeals to everyone from contractors to suburban families.
Older F-150s persist, hauling gear or working on farms. They’re the nation’s workhorse for a reason.
14. Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
The boxy Cherokee of the ’80s and ’90s has earned near-mythical status in off-roading circles. Simple, solid, and easy to repair, these SUVs were over-engineered in all the right ways.
Even decades later, many are still daily-driven or used as trail rigs. Their survival rate is a testament to solid engineering and cult devotion.
15. Toyota Camry
If the Corolla is the king of compact reliability, the Camry reigns in the midsize world. It’s known for smooth rides, low maintenance costs, and a powertrain that seems to last forever.
You’ll find 15-year-old Camrys still delivering passengers in rideshares or cruising down the highway without breaking a sweat.
16. Subaru Outback
Beloved in mountainous and snowy regions, the Outback blends SUV capability with station wagon practicality. Its symmetrical all-wheel drive and rugged styling have kept it popular across generations.
Many older Outbacks log well over 200,000 miles, especially in places like Colorado and Vermont.
17. Chevrolet Silverado
Built to compete head-to-head with the F-150, the Silverado earns points for its durability and towing power. Even older models from the early 2000s still see daily duty as work trucks.
Parts are plentiful and repairs are relatively easy, making it a favorite among DIY mechanics.
18. Volkswagen Jetta
Despite some quirks in reliability over the years, the Jetta remains a common sight, especially on college campuses and in urban areas.
Its blend of Euro-styling and decent performance gave it an edge among compact sedans. Older diesel models keep running, with high-mileage examples enduring.
19. Nissan Altima
The Altima may not be flashy, but it’s everywhere. Thanks to aggressive fleet sales and strong engines, this midsize sedan stuck around long past its prime in many neighborhoods.
Even with a reputation for occasional transmission woes, owners keep them running because they’re cheap to fix and replace.
20. Honda Accord
Like its Civic sibling, the Accord has a near-flawless reputation for longevity. With roomy interiors, dependable engines, and strong resale value, it appeals to a broad swath of drivers.
Models from the early 2000s commute with original powertrains.