4 Vehicles Whose Popularity Exploded After Production Ended

While some cars are a massive success upon launch, others fall into the void until they inevitably vanish from the market, only to see their popularity explode long after production has ended. There are quite a few cases of models gaining a cult following after they've been culled. Some manage to become cultural icons through their appearances in movies and television, while others gain notoriety among enthusiasts. Regardless, just because a model is no longer in production doesn't mean the nameplate itself isn't thriving.

1. Honda S2000

There's little argument that the Honda S2000 is highly sought-after roadster. The convertible was designed to challenge the dominance of German rivals, including the Porsche 986 Boxster. The S2000 first hit the market in April of 1999, but just a decade later, it would leave for good. The last example of the sports car rolled off the line in 2009, and we haven't heard a peep about a true revival of the beloved nameplate since.

While the S2000 is incredibly popular today, it saw sluggish sales, especially in its final years. Sports cars generally fill a niche market and often act as a second or third vehicle rather than a primary driver. As a result, fun vehicles are often among the first cuts consumers make when they fall on economic hardship, like the 2008 Great Recession. In 2009, Honda produced just 355 examples of the S2000, which carried a price tag of $37,705. In all, around 66,544 S2000 models were sold in the United States from 2000 to 2009.

The S2000's explosion in popularity following its discontinuation largely comes down to economic recovery and the fact that it was the first roadster that Honda brought to our shores. That's not to mention that it could challenge the entry-level Porsche 986 Boxster. Over its 10-year span, the S2000 featured either a 2.0- or 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, both of which generated 237 horsepower. While the 2.0-liter engine offered 153 lb-ft of torque, the 2.2-liter powerplant delivered 162 lb-ft of torque. Power was sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, and the suspension prioritized driving dynamics over all else.

2. DMC DeLorean

Most people know the DMC DeLorean as the time-traveling car from the Back to the Future trilogy, but it was more than just a prop. The iconic sports car featured a rear-engine design with seating for two, and it was ultimately a financial failure, with production ending after just three years. It was the only car that the DeLorean Motor Company brought to market before declaring bankruptcy.

Prior to release, the DeLorean was met with much enthusiasm, with some consumers paying over MSRP to get into the vehicle. Unfortunately, that energy faded fast, and production soon outstripped demand. On top of that, the United States was headed towards a recession and interest rates were on the rise. Instead of taking these factors into account, DeLorean doubled production. In March 1982, the automaker requested each of its 343 dealerships purchase six cars to help keep the company afloat. None of the dealers fulfilled their request.

The DeLorean's explosion in popularity is two-fold. First, its unique design, which included gull-wing doors and a stainless steel body, made it an attractive piece of art, nevermind that it was a functional vehicle powered by a single overhead camshaft V6 engine. The rear-engine sports car came with either a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission that sent power to the rear wheels.

The total number of DeLorean models produced is unclear, as official records were lost to history after the company folded, but enthusiasts managed to piece together an approximate quantity of 8,975 cars based on VIN information. An estimated 6,500 DeLoreans still exist, but if you want one, expect to pay upwards of $50,000.

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3. Nissan 240SX

Drifting enthusiasts and fans of the Fast & Furious franchise are likely all too familiar with the Nissan Silvia, known as the 240SX in North America. Unfortunately, the coupe didn't always carry a reputation for its performance prowess. Rather, at its conception, Nissan designed the model as an affordable daily driver. It was lightweight, and featured a front engine and rear-wheel drive setup, a combination that proved attractive to the drift community.

It wasn't until the 1989 model year that Nissan brought the 240SX to North American shores. It replaced the 200SX and came in either a coupe or hatchback bodystyle. Under the hood sat a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Early models saw an output of 140 horsepower, while 1991 to 1994 240SX models got bumped up to 155 horsepower. The sporty compact was often praised for its sharp handling, but the engine was described as underpowered.

When the second-generation 240SX hit the market for the 1995 model year, it shared almost no parts with the previous model. Instead, Nissan had leaned into the model's reputation as a drift car. It boasted a wider track, shorter overall length, and the fuel tank had been moved in front of the rear suspension to improve weight distribution. Unfortunately, the 155-horsepower four-cylinder engine returned. While the 1996 and 1997 models got aesthetic updates, which included a new front end and revised taillights, the 1998 model year proved to be the 240SX's last, at least in North America, with just 2,178 units rolling off the line.

Sales of the 240SX had slowed in its final few years as consumers shifted their preferences to larger, more practical vehicles, like SUVs. The model's popularity exploded thanks in part to its on-screen presence and draw from the drifting crowd. The 240SX maintains its cult following to this day, but modifications and crashes are common, so expect to pay a premium for such a sought-after model.

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4. Mazda RX-7

The Mazda RX-7 made its way to the United States in 1978 with a starting price of $7,195. The lightweight coupe helped establish the brand's reputation for rotary engines. The second generation arrived in 1986, featuring styling influenced by Porsche and a turbocharged engine option. Mazda sold an estimated 750,000 examples of the RX-7 in the first two generations. Unfortunately, the third generation only saw a three-year production run, starting in 1993 and ending in 1995.

For better or worse, Mazda took the RX-7 in a different direction for its third generation. Japanese performance was experiencing a golden age, and the MX-5 Miata was already in showrooms by the early 1990s. Rather than have two entry-level sports cars, the RX-7 became an upscale engineering marvel. A pair of turbochargers gave the 1.3-liter rotary engine a wider torque curve, and performance peaked at 255 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. That kind of power brought the RX-7 to 60 mph in around five seconds. Much like in the Miata, Mazda opted for a near 50:50 weight distribution as well. Power was sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gear box, and a limited-slip differential came stock.

Ultimately, the step to upscale sports car may have been the RX-7's downfall. It carried an entry price upwards of $32,000 when it hit the market in 1993. By 1995, that number had ballooned to nearly $38,000, putting it on par with the Corvette. The rotary engine was far from efficient, and it burned oil by design.

Like many other unique vehicles, enthusiasts took the model under their wing, and the RX-7's popularity exploded. They could be had for cheap, and many drivers used them to fulfill their need for speed on the track or tried out their drifting abilities. The sports car also became an icon thanks to its presence in the Fast & Furious franchise. An estimated 14,000 examples of the third-generation RX-7 made land in the United States. Today, demand has far outstripped supply, leading to high prices for clean and modified examples alike.

Final thoughts

There's no shortage of cars that have become popular long after production ended. Many end up in the hands of enthusiasts who put the car through their paces, while others are simply preserved in collections. The reason a car's popularity explodes can vary wildly. It may feature sleek styling, boast new tech, or wield a cultural connection. Then again, it could just be fun to drive.

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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 7:45 PM.