As we move deeper into the 21st century, cars from the early 2000s have now officially entered classic status.
Eventually, every vehicle on today’s roads will be classified the same way, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a Chevrolet Aveo or Pontiac Aztek will ever be highly sought-after collectibles, even if they technically qualify as classics.
However, there are several underrated models from the past two decades that have strong potential to become future classics.
Predicting which cars will become collectible in the years ahead isn’t always straightforward, but performance vehicles are usually a safe bet.
There is virtually no demand for old grocery-getters, but anything with power and style has a shot at being a desirable classic.
While modern American muscle cars, JDM sports cars, and European exotics will always draw attention, some lesser-known models also stand a strong chance of becoming valuable collector’s items.
10. Scion FR-S
0-60 Time: 6.0 Seconds
Toyota introduced its Scion brand in 2003 to attract younger buyers, but by 2016, the division was shut down due to lack of demand.
Most Scion models, such as the iQ and xB, were forgettable, but the company did manage to produce one truly exciting sports car: the FR-S.
While its performance isn’t groundbreaking, the FR-S is a spirited and stylish vehicle that stands out as the best-looking model Scion ever created.
Scion FR-S Specifications
| Production Years | 2012-2016 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-liter H-4 |
| Horsepower | 197 HP |
| Torque | 151 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Six-speed automatic |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 Time | 6.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 145 MPH |
The Scion FR-S was actually the result of a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru, utilizing Subaru’s impressive flat-four boxer engine.
After Scion was discontinued, the FR-S was rebadged as the Toyota 86 in Japan and the Subaru BRZ in other markets, where it continues to be produced today.
No matter what name it carries, this car has always been hindered by unremarkable branding, but it remains an exciting ride.
The FR-S’s rarity and association with the now-defunct Scion brand could make it a desirable collectible in the future.
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9. Buick LaCrosse Super
0-60 Time: 5.7 Seconds
Launched in 2004, the Buick LaCrosse was a competent mid-size sedan, but like most Buicks throughout history, it was largely considered dull.
That changed in 2008 when Buick introduced the LaCrosse Super, transforming the model into something far more exciting.
Much like how the 442 package elevated the otherwise mundane Regal into a formidable muscle car, the Super variant gave the LaCrosse a bold new identity.
Equipped with a 300-horsepower V-8, the LaCrosse Super turned from a standard mid-luxury family sedan into a serious street machine.
Buick LaCrosse Super Specifications
| Production Years | 2008-2009 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.3-Liter V-8 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP |
| Torque | 323 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Four-speed automatic |
| Driveline | FWD |
| 0-60 Time | 5.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 150 MPH |
It’s fascinating how a powerful engine and a set of stylish wheels can completely alter a car’s appeal.
The LaCrosse Super gave the model a fresh, aggressive persona, making it look and feel more like a muscle car than a family sedan.
The main attraction is undoubtedly the V-8 engine, but the model’s short production run also adds to its potential as a collectible.
With V-8 engines becoming increasingly rare while demand for them remains high, collectors may start taking interest in overlooked gems like the Buick LaCrosse Super.
8. Chevrolet Cobalt SS Turbocharged
0-60 Time: 5.5 Seconds
The Cobalt SS was Chevrolet’s entry into the sports compact segment, marking its first real attempt at catering to the tuner market with a car that could rival models like the GT-R and WRX.
However, the idea of a JDM-inspired American vehicle carried a certain stigma, which prevented the Cobalt SS from gaining widespread popularity—even though its performance was undeniably impressive.
At launch, critics took issue with its rear spoiler, citing visibility concerns, but they unanimously praised the Cobalt SS’s power and handling.
Chevrolet Cobalt SS Specifications
| Production Years | 2005-2010 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo I-4 |
| Horsepower | 260 HP |
| Torque | 260 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Five-speed manual |
| Driveline | FWD |
| 0-60 Time | 5.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 MPH |
Initially, the Cobalt SS was available in both Supercharged and Naturally Aspirated trims, both of which delivered impressive speed.
However, the Supercharged variant failed to meet emissions regulations, leading Chevrolet to replace it with the Turbocharged version—a move that turned out to be a major upgrade, as the turbo model was significantly more powerful.
Chevy even offered a Stage 1 performance kit that could boost horsepower by an additional 30, enhancing the car’s already thrilling performance.
A two-door Cobalt SS Turbocharged equipped with this power upgrade is a true hidden gem among American performance cars.
7. Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6
0-60 Time: 5.4 Seconds
It’s surprising that the Chrysler Crossfire wasn’t a massive success, especially considering it was essentially a rebadged Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Developed during the Daimler-Chrysler partnership, the Crossfire shared approximately 80% of its components with the SLK, including its powertrain and suspension.
This meant buyers were getting a luxury German sports car at an American price, yet Chrysler never quite managed to market the car’s true value effectively.
Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Specifications
| Production Years | 2004-2008 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.2-liter supercharged V-6 |
| Horsepower | 330 HP |
| Torque | 310 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Five-speed automatic |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 Time | 5.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 158 MPH |
Even more surprising is the fact that the high-performance Crossfire SRT-6 didn’t attract a larger following.
Equipped with a 330-horsepower Mercedes-Benz AMG M112 3.2-liter V6 supercharged engine and a range of other AMC performance upgrades, the Crossfire SRT-6 was nearly a supercar—offered at a Chrysler price tag.
With only 2,466 Coupes and 1,321 Roadsters ever produced, this rare American two-seater has the potential to become a highly sought-after collectible once enthusiasts fully recognize just how special and underrated this car truly is.
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6. Dodge Neon SRT-4
0-60 Time: 5.4 Seconds
The Dodge Neon is yet another high-performance Mopar from recent years that hasn’t received the appreciation it deserves.
To clarify, the standard Neon—also sold under the Plymouth badge—was far from an exceptional car.
However, the Dodge Neon SRT-4 was a different beast altogether, offering an exhilarating compact sports sedan experience.
In fact, Dodge requested that the automotive press refer to it simply as the SRT-4, deliberately distancing it from the underwhelming reputation of the Neon.
That lingering association may have ultimately prevented this impressive car from gaining the recognition it deserved.
Dodge Neon SRT-4 Specifications
| Production Years | 2003-2005 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4-liter turbo I-4 |
| Horsepower | 230 HP |
| Torque | 250 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Five-speed manual |
| Driveline | FWD |
| 0-60 Time | 5.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 153 MPH |
At launch, the SRT-4’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine was rated at 215 horsepower, but Dodge increased it by 15 in its second production year.
Even then, the official figures were widely considered underrated, as independent dyno tests measured between 238–260 horsepower and 262–270 pound-feet of torque.
Given that the car weighed less than 3,000 pounds, this resulted in an outstanding power-to-weight ratio. Not only could the SRT-4 keep pace with Japanese sports compacts, but it could outright dominate them.
The 2005 Commemorative Edition, featuring iconic Viper-style stripes, gave the SRT-4 an even more aggressive look, positioning it as a future collectible with serious potential.
5. MazdaSpeed3
0-60 Time: 5.2 Seconds
Once considered simple budget-friendly transportation, hatchbacks evolved in the 2000s into a thriving performance segment.
What was once regarded as a practical yet uninspiring body style is now home to some truly collectible machines.
The Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf GTI are prime examples, but Mazda’s entry, the MazdaSpeed3, is another standout.
Produced under Mazda’s in-house performance division, Mazdaspeed, this hot hatch was technically named the Mazda MazdaSpeed3—an odd designation that, fortunately, does nothing to diminish its appeal.
MazdaSpeed3 Specifications
| Production Years | 2007-2013 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3-liter turbo I-4 |
| Horsepower | 263 HP |
| Torque | 280 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual |
| Driveline | FWD |
| 0-60 Time | 5.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 MPH |
The first generation of the MazdaSpeed3, produced from 2007-2009, was a respectable performer, but it wasn’t particularly eye-catching.
However, the second-generation model released in 2010 featured a much sharper and more aggressive design.
The most noticeable change was the addition of a hood scoop, which, while a minor detail, significantly enhanced the car’s visual appeal.
Beneath that scoop sat a turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering nearly 270 horsepower, ensuring the MazdaSpeed3 had the muscle to back up its aggressive stance.
Despite being just as potent and dynamic as its top rivals in the segment, the MazdaSpeed3 never received the widespread acclaim it deserved—but as time goes on, collectors will undoubtedly take notice.
4. Subaru Impreza WRX STi
0-60 Time: 4.7 Seconds
Whether the Subaru Impreza WRX STi qualifies as an overlooked car is up for debate. However, according to Hagerty, only 25,813 STIs were sold in the U.S. between 2004 and 2007.
That averages out to just 6,453 units per model year—not exactly a commercial hit by automotive standards.
Given these numbers, it earns a well-deserved spot on this list of underrated cars with strong future classic potential.
Among the vehicles featured here, the Impreza WRX STi arguably has the greatest likelihood of becoming a sought-after collectible.
Subaru Impreza WRX STi Specifications
| Production Years | 2004-2008 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5-liter H-4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP |
| Torque | 300 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 Time | 4.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 MPH |
The appeal of the STi lies not only in its blistering all-wheel-drive performance but also in its aggressively sporty styling.
While Subaru still produces the WRX, it is no longer based on the Impreza and features a new body style that many enthusiasts find less attractive.
The earliest WRXs that landed in the U.S. in 2004 are the models to watch, as they are highly likely to become prized classics.
Even today, they are already coveted by gearheads thanks to their versatility—capable of excelling as drift cars, drag racers, and even off-road machines.
Very few vehicles can claim to offer such a diverse range of performance possibilities.
3. Kia Stinger
0-60 Time: 4.6 Seconds
The Kia Stinger is yet another car that should have performed much better in terms of sales.
It boasts a stunning design, delivers exhilarating performance, and offers precise handling—yet it was discontinued in 2023 due to lackluster demand.
The most logical explanation for this is the overwhelming market preference for crossover SUVs, which has overshadowed nearly every other vehicle segment.
Additionally, Kia has historically not been the first brand consumers consider when shopping for a sports sedan.
Kia Stinger Specifications
| Production Years | 2018-2023 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 |
| Horsepower | 368 HP |
| Torque | 376 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 Time | 4.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 149 MPH |
With its twin-turbocharged V-6, the Stinger is more than capable of keeping up with Hemi-powered Chargers, Coyote Mustangs, and V-8 Camaros—something few would have expected from a Korean manufacturer.
Hyundai and Kia have made tremendous strides in recent years, producing some of the best-performing vehicles on the market at competitive prices.
While the current obsession with crossover SUVs dominates the industry, trends are bound to shift. When that happens, the Stinger may finally get the recognition it deserves as a dynamic and thrilling performance car.
2. Volvo S60 Polestar
0-60 Time: 4.5 Seconds
The Volvo S60 Polestar remains one of the most overlooked performance sedans, largely because Volvo itself seems to have kept it under wraps. Initially, in 2013, only 50 units were sent exclusively to Australia.
When production was expanded in 2014 to include other markets, only a few hundred ever reached the U.S.
Much about this car is wrapped in mystery, but one undeniable fact is that it represents a high-performance iteration of the compact executive S60, enhanced with even greater luxury.
The era of boxy Volvos is long gone—this model boasts a sleek design that can stand toe-to-toe with high-end German competitors.
Volvo S60 Polestar Specifications
| Production Years | 2014-2018 (possibly?) |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-liter turbo I-6 |
| Horsepower | 345 HP |
| Torque | 369 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Six-speed automatic |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 Time | 4.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 159 MPH |
The first wave of S60 Polestar models was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 345 horsepower—more than enough to deliver an exhilarating driving experience.
This engine was later replaced by a four-cylinder, which, while seemingly a downgrade, was both turbocharged and supercharged, pushing out an impressive 362 horsepower for an even quicker ride.
Given the car’s rarity, its outstanding performance, and its stylish design, the S60 Polestar is a surefire candidate for future collectible status.
1. Cadillac ATS-V
0-60 Time: 3.9 Seconds
With Chrysler discontinuing the 300, Cadillac has taken full ownership of the American sport sedan segment, and its CT-Series Blackwing models are now recognized as some of the most formidable performance sedans in the world.
While the CT-Series Blackwings are guaranteed to become highly valued collector cars, their predecessor, the ATS-V, is also poised to capture the interest of enthusiasts.
Introduced in 2013, the ATS was a refined compact luxury sedan, but in 2016, Cadillac unleashed the high-performance V variant, aiming it directly at the top-tier German competition.
Cadillac ATS-V Specifications
| Production Years | 2016-2019 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.6-liter twin-turbo V-6 |
| Horsepower | 488 HP |
| Torque | 443 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 Time | 3.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 189 MPH |
Packing nearly 500 horsepower, the ATS-V’s twin-turbocharged V-6 gave it the edge to out-accelerate both the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-AMG C63-S.
This Cadillac was a radical departure from the brand’s traditional slow-rolling cruisers, playing a key role in reshaping Cadillac’s identity as a performance-driven marque.
Despite its undeniable prowess, the ATS-V struggled in sales and was eventually replaced by the CT4-V Blackwing as Cadillac’s new compact luxury performance machine.
Nevertheless, the brilliance of the ATS-V remains undisputed, and over time, it will surely carve out a place for itself among sought-after collector cars.