SUVs have always been a favorite on the road, blending utility with style. Yet, not all have stood the test of time. Some once-popular models have quietly faded into obscurity. In this article, we take a nostalgic look back at 20 SUVs that were once in the spotlight but have since been forgotten.
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Chevrolet Blazer
The Chevrolet Blazer was a pioneering SUV that became a favorite for its rugged build and off-road capabilities. Launched in 1969, it offered a powerful V8 engine and a spacious interior, making it ideal for both family trips and outdoor adventures. However, as the market evolved and competition increased, the Blazer’s appeal dwindled, leading to its eventual discontinuation in 2005. Despite a recent revival, the original models have largely faded from memory.
Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco, introduced in 1966, was an iconic SUV known for its versatility and off-road prowess. It featured a boxy design, strong chassis, and options for powerful V8 engines. The Bronco became a cultural symbol, especially with its use in popular media. However, production ceased in 1996, and it wasn’t until 2021 that Ford reintroduced a new version, making the original models a nostalgic but forgotten piece of automotive history.
Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
The Jeep Cherokee XJ, produced from 1984 to 2001, was a game-changer in the SUV market with its unibody construction and compact size. It offered excellent off-road capabilities, a robust 4.0-liter inline-six engine, and a practical interior. Its popularity waned as newer, more modern SUVs emerged, leading to its decline and replacement by more contemporary Jeep models.
Isuzu Trooper
The Isuzu Trooper, introduced in 1981, was a robust and versatile SUV that gained popularity for its durability and off-road performance. It featured a boxy design, generous ground clearance, and a range of engines, including a torquey diesel option. Despite its strong following, the Trooper struggled to compete with more refined and luxurious SUVs in the late 1990s, leading to its discontinuation in 2002.
Mitsubishi Montero
The Mitsubishi Montero, known as the Pajero in other markets, was a favorite for its rugged off-road capabilities and reliability. Launched in 1982, it offered features like a strong V6 engine, advanced four-wheel-drive systems, and a comfortable interior. However, changing market demands and increased competition led to its decline in popularity, and Mitsubishi ended its production for the U.S. market in 2006.
Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Suzuki Grand Vitara, introduced in 1999, offered a blend of affordability, compact size, and off-road capability. It featured a sturdy build, a 2.5-liter V6 engine, and a comfortable interior. Despite its initial success, the Grand Vitara couldn’t keep up with evolving consumer preferences and more modern competitors, leading to its gradual fade from the market.
Oldsmobile Bravada
The Oldsmobile Bravada was a luxury SUV introduced in 1991, offering a smooth ride and a range of comfort features. It came with a 4.3-liter V6 engine and all-wheel drive, positioning it as a more upscale option. However, the decline of the Oldsmobile brand and increasing competition in the luxury SUV segment led to the Bravada’s discontinuation in 2004.
GMC Envoy
The GMC Envoy, launched in 1998, was praised for its powerful V6 and V8 engine options, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. It became a popular choice for families and those needing a capable SUV. However, as GMC shifted focus to crossovers and more fuel-efficient models, the Envoy’s popularity waned, and it was discontinued in 2009.
Pontiac Aztek
The Pontiac Aztek, introduced in 2001, was known for its controversial design and versatile interior. It featured a 3.4-liter V6 engine and innovative features like a built-in cooler and tent accessory. Despite its functionality, the Aztek’s polarizing looks and market shift towards more aesthetically pleasing SUVs led to its demise in 2005, leaving it as a curious footnote in automotive history.
Mercury Mountaineer
The Mercury Mountaineer, introduced in 1997, was a more upscale version of the Ford Explorer, offering a comfortable ride and luxurious features. It came with V6 and V8 engine options and advanced safety features. However, as the Mercury brand was discontinued in 2010, the Mountaineer also faded away, overshadowed by its more successful sibling, the Explorer.
Dodge Durango (First Generation)
The first-generation Dodge Durango, launched in 1998, was a midsize SUV known for its powerful V8 engines and rugged capabilities. It offered seating for up to eight passengers and a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds. Despite its initial popularity, the Durango’s design and features became outdated, leading to a redesign in 2004 and the eventual fading of the original model.
Toyota Land Cruiser (80 Series)
The Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series, produced from 1990 to 1997, was celebrated for its off-road prowess and reliability. It featured a robust build, solid axles, and powerful inline-six and V8 engine options. Despite its loyal following, the 80 Series was replaced by more modern iterations, and its popularity waned as newer, more luxurious SUVs took the spotlight.
Nissan Xterra
The Nissan Xterra, introduced in 1999, was a rugged and affordable SUV designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It featured a body-on-frame construction, powerful V6 engine, and practical interior. Despite its strong fan base, changing market trends towards crossovers and more fuel-efficient vehicles led to the Xterra’s discontinuation in 2015.
Hummer H3
The Hummer H3, launched in 2005, was the smallest and most affordable model in the Hummer lineup. It offered impressive off-road capabilities, a bold design, and a choice of inline-five and V8 engines. However, rising fuel prices and a shift towards more environmentally friendly vehicles led to the Hummer brand’s decline, with the H3 ceasing production in 2010.
Kia Borrego
The Kia Borrego, introduced in 2008, was a midsize SUV known for its strong V6 and V8 engines, spacious interior, and advanced features. Despite its competitive pricing and capabilities, the Borrego struggled to gain traction in a crowded market, leading to its discontinuation in 2010 as consumer preferences shifted towards crossovers.
Mazda Navajo
The Mazda Navajo, introduced in 1991, was a two-door SUV based on the Ford Explorer. It featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine and offered good off-road capabilities. Despite its solid performance, the Navajo couldn’t compete with more popular models and was discontinued in 1994, making it a short-lived entry in Mazda’s lineup.
Acura SLX
The Acura SLX, launched in 1996, was a rebadged Isuzu Trooper aimed at the luxury SUV market. It offered a comfortable ride, powerful V6 engine, and a range of upscale features. However, the SLX failed to differentiate itself from its competitors and was discontinued in 1999, becoming a forgotten chapter in Acura’s history.
Infiniti QX4
The Infiniti QX4, introduced in 1996, was a luxury SUV based on the Nissan Pathfinder. It featured a refined interior, a powerful V6 engine, and advanced safety features. Despite its initial success, the QX4 was overshadowed by more modern and competitive models, leading to its discontinuation in 2003.
Hyundai Veracruz
The Hyundai Veracruz, launched in 2006, was a midsize SUV offering a blend of luxury and affordability. It came with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, a spacious interior, and advanced features. However, the Veracruz struggled to stand out in a competitive market, leading to its discontinuation in 2012 as Hyundai focused on more popular models like the Santa Fe.
Saturn Vue
The Saturn Vue, introduced in 2002, was a compact SUV known for its versatility and affordability. It offered a range of engine options, including a hybrid version, and a spacious interior. Despite its popularity, the discontinuation of the Saturn brand in 2010 led to the Vue’s demise, leaving it as a forgotten model in the SUV market.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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