Sports cars are about more than speed. They represent passion, freedom, and the joy of driving. While exotic machines get plenty of attention, only a select group of sports cars have combined performance, design, and affordability well enough to sell in the hundreds of thousands or even millions. These are the 20 best selling sports cars of all time, expanded with production years, horsepower ranges, and current collector values, along with more detail on their impact and legacy.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Production: 1989–present
Horsepower: 115–181 hp
Units Sold: Over 1.2 million
The Miata reinvented the affordable roadster. Inspired by British classics, it delivered lightweight handling with Japanese reliability. From the original NA with its iconic pop up headlights to today’s refined ND, it has always stayed true to its driver focused spirit. Collectors love early special editions like the 1993 Limited Edition, which now sell for 20,000 to 30,000 dollars. The Miata also helped prove that sports cars could succeed globally in the modern era.
Ford Mustang
Production: 1964–present
Horsepower: 101–760 hp
Units Sold: Over 10 million
The Mustang defined the pony car and became a cultural symbol. Its launch in 1964 caused a frenzy, and Ford sold over 400,000 in its first year alone. From affordable six cylinders to fire breathing Shelbys, it has something for everyone. Classic fastbacks now fetch 50,000 dollars or more, and 1965–1970 Shelby GT350s and GT500s exceed 100,000. With constant reinvention, the Mustang has remained America’s best selling sports car for nearly six decades.
Chevrolet Camaro
Production: 1966–present
Horsepower: 140–650 hp
Units Sold: Over 5 million
Built to rival the Mustang, the Camaro quickly became an icon of its own. It has seen highs and lows but remains an enthusiast favorite. The 1969 Z28 and COPO models are prized by collectors, with prices ranging from 75,000 to 300,000 dollars. Later IROC-Z models of the 1980s are also gaining popularity as nostalgia grows. With its blend of sharp styling and big horsepower, the Camaro is a staple of American muscle car culture.
Porsche 911
Production: 1964–present
Horsepower: 130–700+ hp
Units Sold: Over 1.2 million
The 911 is a legend that has managed to stay fresh for nearly 60 years. Known for its rear engine layout and iconic design, it is loved by purists and admired by collectors. Air cooled 911s from the 1970s and 1980s now command 60,000 to 150,000 dollars, while the rare 1973 Carrera RS sells for well over 500,000. Its continued success shows that tradition and innovation can coexist in one timeless package.
Dodge Challenger
Production: 1970–present (with gaps)
Horsepower: 145–807 hp
Units Sold: Over 2 million
The Challenger roared into the market during the muscle car wars of the 1970s and returned in 2008 as one of the most powerful production cars ever made. With Hellcat and Demon trims pushing beyond 700 horsepower, it became a drag strip hero. Early R/Ts from the late 1960s and early 1970s can fetch 70,000 to 100,000 dollars. Modern limited editions are already finding their place among collectors, showing that the Challenger appeals across generations.
Nissan Z Series
Production: 1969–present
Horsepower: 151–400 hp
Units Sold: Over 2 million
From the 240Z to the 400Z, Nissan’s Z cars have consistently delivered style and performance at a price enthusiasts could afford. The 240Z was a breakthrough in the 1970s, competing with European sports cars at half the price. Collectors now pay 40,000 to 80,000 dollars for pristine examples. The turbocharged 300ZX from the 1990s is becoming highly collectible too, with prices climbing past 30,000 dollars. The Z’s enduring appeal lies in its balance of performance and accessibility.
Toyota Supra
Production: 1978–2002, 2019–present
Horsepower: 110–382 hp
Units Sold: Over 600,000
The Supra began as a Celica spin off and grew into one of Japan’s most respected performance cars. The MkIV of the 1990s, with its twin turbo inline six, became a global icon thanks to movies, games, and unbeatable tuning potential. Today, low mileage MkIV Supras regularly sell for 100,000 to 200,000 dollars. The revived Supra of 2019 continues the legacy, blending Toyota engineering with BMW technology.
Chevrolet Corvette
Production: 1953–present
Horsepower: 150–755 hp
Units Sold: Over 1.7 million
The Corvette has been America’s sports car for 70 years. From the early C1 models with their fiberglass bodies to the C8 mid engine layout, it has continuously evolved while staying true to performance. Classic 1963 split window coupes bring 150,000 to 250,000 dollars. Rare L88s exceed 3 million. Even modern C8s sell above MSRP, proving the Corvette’s appeal has never faded.
BMW 3 Series Coupe and M3
Production: 1975–present
Horsepower: 100–503 hp
Units Sold: Millions (hundreds of thousands as M3)
BMW perfected the sports sedan formula with the 3 Series, and the coupe versions along with the M3 turned it into a true sports car rival. The E30 M3 is now legendary, with prices starting around 60,000 and climbing past 200,000 for rare models. Later generations like the E46 and E92 are also climbing in value. The mix of practicality and performance has made the 3 Series a benchmark for decades.
Audi TT
Production: 1998–present
Horsepower: 150–394 hp
Units Sold: Over 600,000
The Audi TT blended style and performance when it launched in the late 1990s. Its Bauhaus inspired design became instantly recognizable. Collectors now look to early first generation cars as affordable modern classics, often priced around 8,000 to 12,000 dollars. Limited RS versions fetch 50,000 or more. Though production is ending, the TT remains one of Audi’s most beloved designs.
Mitsubishi Eclipse
Production: 1989–2011
Horsepower: 92–265 hp
Units Sold: Over 1.8 million
The Eclipse was the star of the 1990s tuner boom. Affordable and easily modified, it was a favorite for young enthusiasts. The turbocharged AWD GSX became a performance bargain and later gained fame in The Fast and the Furious. Clean examples are increasingly rare and now bring 20,000 to 30,000 dollars. Its influence on the tuner culture makes it more than just a sales success.
Honda S2000
Production: 1999–2009
Horsepower: 237–247 hp
Units Sold: Over 110,000
The S2000 was a precision tool for enthusiasts. With a 9,000 rpm redline and exceptional handling, it became one of Honda’s greatest achievements. Though not built in massive numbers, its impact was huge. Prices have surged, with low mileage cars selling for 40,000 to 60,000 dollars and rare Club Racer editions exceeding 80,000. It stands as a modern collectible already.
Datsun 510
Production: 1968–1973
Horsepower: 96–135 hp
Units Sold: Hundreds of thousands
Affordable, durable, and competitive in racing, the Datsun 510 gained a reputation as the “poor man’s BMW.” Its boxy styling and independent suspension gave it surprising handling. Today, clean survivors sell for 15,000 to 30,000 dollars, while vintage race cars command much more. It played a key role in establishing Japanese cars as serious contenders in America.
Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86
Production: 2012–present
Horsepower: 200–228 hp
Units Sold: Over 400,000 combined
Designed with driving purity in mind, these twins offered rear wheel drive fun at a reasonable price. Their affordable entry point made them popular with younger enthusiasts. Used examples remain accessible, often priced at 15,000 to 20,000 dollars. The new GR86 and BRZ models continue to prove that lightness and balance still matter.
Pontiac Firebird
Production: 1967–2002
Horsepower: 165–325 hp (later Trans Am up to 350+)
Units Sold: Nearly 2.5 million
The Firebird shared roots with the Camaro but developed its own legend. The Trans Am, especially after Smokey and the Bandit, became a pop culture star. Collectors now pay 40,000 to 70,000 dollars for well kept late 1970s models, with Ram Air IV Firebirds bringing six figures. The Firebird may be gone, but its reputation lives on.
Mercedes Benz SL
Production: 1954–present
Horsepower: 120–630 hp
Units Sold: Over 500,000
The SL blended performance and luxury across seven decades. From the legendary 300SL Gullwing to the elegant convertibles of the 1980s, the SL was aspirational yet attainable. Gullwings command 1.5 to 2 million dollars, while clean 560SLs sell for 20,000 to 40,000 dollars. Its enduring appeal shows how a sports car can evolve gracefully.
Alfa Romeo Spider
Production: 1966–1994
Horsepower: 90–160 hp
Units Sold: Nearly 200,000
Charming and stylish, the Alfa Spider represented Italian sports car flair at an approachable price. Its role in The Graduate boosted its fame, making it an icon of 1960s style. Surviving examples are now collectible, with good cars selling for 15,000 to 30,000 dollars, and pristine early models going higher.
Pontiac GTO
Production: 1964–1974, 2004–2006
Horsepower: 325–400 hp
Units Sold: Over 500,000
The GTO is often called the car that started the muscle car craze. With massive V8s stuffed into midsize bodies, it offered unmatched value. Classic GTOs are among the most collectible American cars today, with values ranging from 40,000 to 100,000 dollars. The Judge editions are especially desirable, often topping 150,000.
Lotus Elise
Production: 1996–2021
Horsepower: 118–240 hp
Units Sold: Over 35,000
The Elise proved that light weight could outperform raw horsepower. With a focus on minimalism, it became one of the purest driver’s cars of modern times. Though built in smaller numbers, it has a cult following. Clean examples now sell for 35,000 to 50,000 dollars, with rare special editions fetching more.
Toyota MR2
Production: 1984–2007
Horsepower: 112–245 hp
Units Sold: Nearly 400,000
Toyota’s mid engine MR2 gave drivers exotic style and handling at a fraction of the price. From the angular first generation to the turbocharged second generation, it offered thrills without breaking the bank. Early models remain affordable, but clean turbocharged cars from the 1990s are already crossing 40,000 dollars. The MR2 remains one of Toyota’s most beloved creations.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
