As the automotive landscape shifts gears to embrace the future, many iconic vehicles have found themselves in the rearview mirror. Over the past decade, several cherished models have driven their final miles, leaving car enthusiasts reminiscing about their glory days. From classic sedans to quirky compacts, these beloved vehicles have left an indelible mark on the industry and our hearts.
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Volkswagen Beetle (1938–2019)
The iconic Beetle was a symbol of Volkswagen for decades. Over its long history, it had numerous updates and refreshes. However, shifts in consumer preferences and Volkswagen’s growing emphasis on electric vehicles led to the discontinuation of the “Bug” in 2019.
Chevrolet Impala (1958–2020)
Introduced in 1958, the Impala was Chevrolet’s flagship sedan for years. By the time it was discontinued, it offered a V6 engine and a spacious interior. Despite its rich heritage, the rise in SUV and crossover popularity, combined with declining sedan sales in North America, resulted in Chevrolet phasing out the Impala in 2020.
Ford Taurus (1986–2019)
Ford’s once-best-selling sedan, the Taurus was known for its innovative design and was a significant player in the American market. With the changing market dynamics, Ford shifted its focus from traditional sedans to trucks, SUVs, and crossovers, leading to the Taurus’s end.
Ford Fiesta (1976–2023)
This subcompact had a following for its affordability and fun-to-drive nature. Despite its success in Europe, declining sales in the U.S. caused Ford to axe the Fiesta as it moved away from sedans and small cars. The Ford Fiesta officially ended its run in June 2023. Over the decades, more than 20 million Fiestas have been produced.
Honda Fit (2001-2020)
The Honda Fit (known as Honda Jazz in some markets) was praised for its spacious interior and fuel efficiency. Although popular, Honda phased out the Fit in the U.S. to focus on their SUV lineup and to make room for the Honda HR-V crossover. It was also discontinued in most of Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Dodge Viper (1992–2017)
An American sports car legend, the Viper was loved for its raw power and aggressive looks. However, evolving safety regulations and niche market appeal made it difficult to sustain production.
Jaguar XJ (1968–2019)
The XJ was Jaguar’s flagship luxury sedan, renowned for its refinement and performance. While popular, Jaguar decided to transition the XJ from a traditional combustion car to an all-electric model in line with their new electrification strategy.
Lincoln MKZ (2006–2020)
The mid-sized luxury sedan had features like a hybrid powertrain option. However, Lincoln decided to phase out their sedans to concentrate more on the SUV segment, leading to the MKZ’s discontinuation.
Chevrolet Cruze (2008–2019)
This compact car was well-liked for its features and fuel efficiency. However, with the decline in compact sedan sales in North America and the rise of crossovers, Chevrolet decided to discontinue the Cruze. It was phased out in most countries by 2019. However, the Cruze is still produced in Argentina.
Buick LaCrosse (2004–2019)
The LaCrosse was a mid-sized luxury sedan offering a smooth ride and a spacious cabin. However, with a general market shift away from sedans, it was discontinued in North America in 2019. The LaCrosse’s popularity continues in China, where new models are still produced.
Hyundai Veloster (2011–2022)
This sporty compact hatchback stood out for its unique 3-door design. However, shifts in market preference and Hyundai’s evolving portfolio meant that there was less room for niche models like the Veloster.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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