Owning a sports car is often a dream come true for enthusiasts. But according to a recent study, many of America’s most iconic performance machines are spending far more time in garages than on the road.
A new analysis by automotive research firm iSeeCars has revealed that some of the most celebrated sports cars in the country rank among the least-driven vehicles overall. The study examined odometer readings from more than 2.1 million three-year-old vehicles sold during 2025 to determine average annual mileage across different models.
The findings show a striking trend: while the average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle in the United States covers 13,323 miles per year, several high-profile sports cars don’t even reach half that figure.
Ford Mustang Takes the Top Spot
Leading the list is the Ford Mustang, America’s most recognizable pony car. Despite its popularity and strong sales, Mustang owners drive their cars an average of just 2,092 miles annually. That’s an astonishing 84.3 percent below the national average.
The result suggests that many Mustang owners treat their cars as weekend toys, collector vehicles, or special occasion machines rather than daily transportation.
Sports Car Icons Dominate the Rankings
The Ford Mustang isn’t alone. Several legendary nameplates also feature prominently among the least-driven vehicles in America.
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class ranks second, averaging 3,176 miles per year, while the Porsche 911 follows closely behind at 3,850 miles annually.
The Chevrolet Corvette, long regarded as America’s sports car, places fourth with an average of 4,394 miles. Just behind it sits the Lexus LC 500 Convertible, averaging 4,404 miles annually.
Rounding out the sports car-heavy list are the Mazda MX-5 Miata and BMW Z4, both of which remain popular among driving enthusiasts but see significantly less road time than mainstream vehicles.
Why Aren’t These Cars Being Driven?
The results may not be as surprising as they first appear.
Many of these vehicles are second or third cars in a household rather than primary transportation. Owners often reserve them for weekend drives, car meets, road trips, or favorable weather conditions.
Seasonality also plays a major role. In colder regions, sports cars frequently spend several months in storage to avoid exposure to snow, ice, road salt, and harsh winter conditions.
Practicality is another factor. Two-seat sports cars may deliver thrilling performance, but they are rarely the first choice for family errands, school runs, or long daily commutes.
One Luxury SUV Breaks the Pattern
Interestingly, not every vehicle on the list is a sports car or convertible.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, one of the world’s most recognizable luxury SUVs, ranks eighth with an average of 6,674 miles per year. Despite its rugged image and everyday usability, many G-Class models appear to be driven sparingly, likely due to their luxury status and high ownership costs.
A Sign of Passion Rather Than Neglect
While low mileage might suggest underuse, the data paints a different picture. These vehicles are often prized possessions that owners carefully preserve.
For enthusiasts, the appeal of a Porsche 911, Corvette, Mustang, or Miata isn’t measured by annual mileage. Instead, it’s about the driving experience itself. Every journey is meant to be memorable, which may explain why these cars spend less time accumulating miles and more time waiting for the perfect road.
In a world increasingly focused on practicality and efficiency, the study highlights an enduring truth: some cars are built not for daily routines, but for moments worth remembering.
