There’s a funny thing about perception. Walk through a parking lot, see a funky coupe or boxy SUV, and the first instinct is, “Wow, that’s rare.” But half the time, it isn’t. Cars can trick us into thinking they’re uncommon because of their styling, age, or enthusiast hype, when in fact tens of thousands were built or they’re still surprisingly plentiful on American roads. Let’s set the record straight on a few “rare” impostors.

Toyota FJ Cruiser (2006–2014)

The FJ Cruiser’s boxy, retro styling practically screams “limited edition.” Prices on the used market have jumped, which reinforces the illusion. But Toyota sold over 222,000 FJ Cruisers in the U.S. during its eight-year run.

That’s more than enough to keep them visible, especially in western states where off-road rigs are everywhere. They feel rare only because their styling is unlike anything else on the road today.

Dodge Challenger (2008–2023)

See a Challenger R/T or even a Hellcat and it feels like you’ve stumbled onto an action movie set. But Dodge has been pumping them out for well over a decade.

In 2022 alone, Dodge sold more than 55,000 Challengers in the U.S., and production totals across the modern generation now number in the hundreds of thousands. Now, Dodge stopped making them in 2023. Still, they’re popular, loud, and noticeable…but definitely not rare. At least not yet.

Chevrolet Camaro (2010–2024)

The Camaro’s modern rebirth gave it instant cult status, and special trims like the ZL1 or SS grab attention. People often assume they’re scarce. In reality, Chevy sold over 88,000 Camaros in 2012 alone, with total production of the fifth- and sixth-gen cars soaring past the million-unit mark worldwide.

Chevy stopped making them after the 2024 model year. But even if the Camaro’s future is shaky, the streets are still crawling with them.

Mazda MX-5 Miata (1990–Present)

The Miata earns reverent nods at Cars and Coffee events, as if it’s a jewel that survived the ‘90s untouched. The reality is that it’s the best-selling two-seater sports car ever, with more than 1.1 million built globally.

Miatas feel rare because they’re small, sporty, and enthusiasts baby them. But their massive production means you’re never far from another one.

Chrysler PT Cruiser (2001–2010)

Quirky retro design? Check. Convertible option? Check. Instant perception of “must be rare now”? Not quite. Chrysler sold over 1.35 million PT Cruisers worldwide, with more than 1.1 million in the U.S. alone.

The retro wagon may look like a niche experiment today, but at its peak it was a common sight in American driveways. At the shop, there always seemed to be one with a coolant leak (at best) or blown head gasket (most commonly) parked inside.

Pontiac Fiero (1984–1988)

Mention a mid-engine Pontiac and people think unicorn. Yet Pontiac sold 370,168 Fieros in just five model years. Even if survival rates are lower today, production volume was high enough that they pop up often at regional meets and on classified sites. They look exotic, but the numbers tell another story.

Ford Thunderbird (11th gen, 2002–2005)

That retro-styled Thunderbird gets treated like a rare luxury coupe. Truth is, Ford sold 68,098 of them in four years. They’re not everywhere, but that’s still far more than “rare.”

Many owners keep them pampered, so they feel like collectibles when they appear at local shows—but they’re not especially scarce.

Some cars look unique enough to feel like collector pieces the moment you see them

Retro design, sporty bodywork, or just a cult following can make them seem scarce. But the truth? Many of these “rare” models were built in massive numbers, and plenty are still on the road today. They definitely emit a “rare” aura but aren’t hiding in dusty barns…they’re out and about in plain sight.