Classic SUVs have always been a symbol of adventure, durability, and timeless style. However, many of the models that once ruled the roads are now facing the end of their production runs. With changing consumer preferences and stricter regulations, some of these iconic vehicles may soon be gone for good. In this article, we’ll explore 24 classic SUVs that are on the verge of extinction, giving you a glimpse into what might be your last chance to own or admire these automotive legends.
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Toyota Land Cruiser (U.S. Market)
The Toyota Land Cruiser is renowned for its off-road prowess and reliability, making it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts. However, in 2021, Toyota announced it would discontinue the Land Cruiser in the U.S. market, marking the end of an era for this legendary SUV. Its 5.7-liter V8 engine, body-on-frame construction, and luxurious interior made it a top contender for both rugged terrain and upscale environments. Despite its loyal following, declining sales and a shift toward smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles have sealed its fate.
Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
The Jeep Cherokee XJ, produced from 1984 to 2001, is considered one of the most iconic and influential SUVs ever made. Its unibody design was revolutionary at the time, offering a blend of durability and car-like handling. Equipped with the legendary 4.0-liter inline-six engine, the XJ was known for its off-road capabilities and longevity. However, the XJ’s older design and the evolution of more modern SUVs have pushed it toward the brink of extinction, as parts become scarce and its numbers dwindle.
Ford Bronco (First Generation)
The first-generation Ford Bronco, introduced in 1966, quickly became a beloved off-road vehicle. Its compact size, coupled with a robust 4×4 system and simple yet effective engineering, made it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts. However, original Broncos are becoming increasingly rare, with many being restored or modified. The newer Bronco models have taken the spotlight, leaving the classic first generation more of a collector’s item than a practical choice for today’s drivers.
Land Rover Defender (Original)
The original Land Rover Defender is known for its ruggedness and utilitarian design, making it a global off-road icon. Produced from 1983 to 2016, the Defender became synonymous with adventure and durability. However, strict emissions regulations and safety standards eventually led to its discontinuation. Though a new Defender has been introduced, it lacks the raw, mechanical simplicity of the original, pushing the classic Defender closer to extinction.
Chevrolet Blazer (K5)
The K5 Blazer, produced from 1969 to 1994, was Chevrolet’s answer to the Ford Bronco and quickly gained a following for its large, truck-based design. Equipped with powerful V8 engines and full-size 4×4 capabilities, the K5 was a versatile off-roader. Over time, however, the Blazer has faded from Chevrolet’s lineup, replaced by smaller crossovers and SUVs that cater more to everyday driving than off-road adventures. The K5 remains a classic, but finding original models in good condition is becoming increasingly rare.
Nissan Xterra
The Nissan Xterra was introduced in 1999 as a no-nonsense, rugged SUV aimed at off-road enthusiasts. Known for its durable body-on-frame construction, rear-wheel drive, and available four-wheel drive, the Xterra was built to handle tough terrain. Despite its popularity, Nissan discontinued the Xterra in 2015 due to declining sales and shifting consumer preferences toward crossovers. Its lack of modern fuel efficiency and safety features also contributed to its phase-out, making surviving models harder to come by.
Mitsubishi Montero
The Mitsubishi Montero, known for its off-road capabilities and strong presence in the Dakar Rally, was a reliable and rugged SUV that found a niche in the 1990s and early 2000s. Its body-on-frame construction and 4×4 system made it ideal for off-road adventures. However, due to declining sales and Mitsubishi’s shift in focus toward smaller crossovers, the Montero was discontinued in many markets. It’s now becoming increasingly rare, especially in North America, where the brand has moved away from rugged SUVs.
Isuzu Trooper
The Isuzu Trooper was a tough, no-frills SUV that gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. Known for its boxy design, solid construction, and off-road capabilities, the Trooper was a workhorse of its time. Isuzu’s exit from the U.S. passenger vehicle market in 2008 spelled the end for the Trooper, leaving remaining models as relics of a bygone era. With few Troopers left on the road, this classic SUV is inching toward extinction.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer (Original)
The original Jeep Grand Wagoneer, produced from 1963 to 1991, was one of the first luxury SUVs on the market. Known for its wood paneling, V8 engine, and luxurious interior, the Grand Wagoneer was a symbol of American automotive craftsmanship. However, with modern interpretations now dominating the luxury SUV space, original Grand Wagoneers are becoming rare collector’s items. The cost of restoration and the scarcity of parts also contribute to its looming extinction.
Suzuki Samurai
The Suzuki Samurai, introduced in the U.S. in the mid-1980s, was a small, lightweight SUV that gained a reputation for its off-road prowess despite its compact size. Its simplicity and affordability made it popular among younger drivers. However, safety concerns and roll-over controversies led to its decline, and Suzuki eventually pulled it from the U.S. market. Today, the Samurai is a rare sight on the roads, with few surviving models still in drivable condition.
Ford Excursion
The Ford Excursion, produced from 2000 to 2005, was the largest SUV ever made by Ford, designed to accommodate large families and heavy towing needs. With its massive V10 engine and three rows of seating, the Excursion was a behemoth on the road. However, rising fuel prices and changing consumer tastes led to its discontinuation, and the Excursion’s massive size has become less practical in today’s market. Few remain, and its days are numbered as fuel efficiency becomes a priority.
GMC Jimmy (Full-Size)
The GMC Jimmy was a full-size SUV based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Blazer K5, offering similar off-road capabilities and rugged design. Produced from 1970 to 1991, the Jimmy was popular for its V8 power and robust 4×4 system. However, like the Blazer, it has been phased out in favor of smaller, more fuel-efficient models, leaving the full-size Jimmy as a relic of the past.
Hummer H1
The Hummer H1, based on the military Humvee, was introduced in 1992 and quickly became an icon of excess and off-road capability. Powered by a massive diesel engine and featuring an imposing design, the H1 was capable of traversing almost any terrain. However, its size, fuel consumption, and impracticality for everyday driving led to its discontinuation in 2006. Few H1s remain on the road today, with many being confined to collectors or enthusiasts.
Dodge Durango (First Generation)
The first-generation Dodge Durango, produced from 1998 to 2003, was a mid-size SUV that offered three rows of seating and strong towing capabilities. It was built on a truck platform, making it ideal for families who needed both passenger and cargo space. However, the first-generation models are becoming rarer as the Durango has evolved into a more modern, crossover-like SUV, leaving the original design in the past.
Chevrolet Suburban (Classic Pre-2000 Models)
The Chevrolet Suburban is one of the longest-running nameplates in automotive history, but its pre-2000 models, particularly those with older, less efficient engines, are becoming increasingly rare. These early Suburbans were built on a truck platform, offering vast interior space and towing capabilities. However, their large size and poor fuel economy have made them less practical in today’s world, pushing them toward extinction.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
The Toyota FJ Cruiser was introduced in 2006 as a retro-inspired, off-road SUV reminiscent of the original FJ40 Land Cruiser. Its rugged design, excellent off-road performance, and quirky style made it a hit among enthusiasts. However, Toyota discontinued the FJ Cruiser in 2014 due to declining sales and shifting consumer demand. As a result, finding well-maintained FJ Cruisers is becoming harder, making it a modern classic on the verge of disappearing.
Mercury Mountaineer
The Mercury Mountaineer was a luxury SUV based on the Ford Explorer, offering a more upscale option for buyers. Produced from 1997 to 2010, the Mountaineer shared many components with the Explorer but featured unique styling and higher-end materials. With Mercury’s discontinuation as a brand in 2010, the Mountaineer was also phased out, leaving it as a forgotten SUV in a saturated market.
International Harvester Scout
The International Harvester Scout, produced from 1961 to 1980, was one of the earliest SUVs and a true pioneer of the segment. Known for its rugged design and off-road capability, the Scout was a favorite among outdoors enthusiasts. However, International Harvester ceased production in the 1980s, and original Scouts are now rare finds, especially in good condition.
Range Rover Classic (Pre-1996 Models)
The Range Rover Classic, produced between 1970 and 1996, was one of the first luxury SUVs on the market, blending off-road capability with comfort and style. Early models are now becoming rare, as the Range Rover has evolved into a more refined luxury vehicle. The classic models, with their boxy design and simpler technology, are becoming harder to find in running condition, making them a collectible on the verge of extinction.
Ford Explorer (Early Generations)
The first-generation Ford Explorer, produced from 1991 to 1994, was a groundbreaking SUV that helped popularize the segment in the U.S. It was based on the Ford Ranger pickup and offered rugged capability with family-friendly features. However, as the Explorer has evolved into a more car-like crossover, the early models have faded from popularity, and many have been scrapped or retired, making them increasingly scarce.
Oldsmobile Bravada
The Oldsmobile Bravada, produced from 1991 to 2004, was a luxury SUV based on the Chevrolet Blazer. It was known for its all-wheel-drive system and upscale features. However, with the demise of the Oldsmobile brand in 2004, the Bravada also disappeared from the market. Today, it’s a forgotten classic, overshadowed by more successful SUVs from that era.
Honda Passport (First Generation)
The first-generation Honda Passport, produced from 1993 to 1997, was actually a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo, offering Honda buyers a rugged, off-road capable SUV. Despite its Honda nameplate, the Passport struggled to gain a foothold in the market, and the early models have largely disappeared from the road. Its brief production run and rebadging history have made it a forgotten vehicle on the verge of extinction.
AMC Eagle
The AMC Eagle, produced from 1979 to 1987, was one of the first crossover SUVs, blending the ruggedness of an SUV with the handling of a car. It was a unique vehicle ahead of its time, offering all-wheel drive and a high ground clearance. However, with the demise of AMC, the Eagle faded into obscurity, and few models remain in good condition today.
Mazda Navajo
The Mazda Navajo, produced from 1991 to 1994, was a two-door SUV based on the Ford Explorer. It was Mazda’s first attempt at entering the SUV market, but with limited success. Its short production run and lack of widespread popularity have made it a forgotten model, and finding a Navajo in good condition today is increasingly difficult, placing it on the verge of extinction.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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