The global automotive industry is undergoing a significant shift, expecting electric vehicles to be sold over one in four times by 2030.1 This kind of transition, coupled with changing consumer preferences, has led automakers to reevaluate their product lineups.
Here are 15 vehicles that have been discontinued classics that we wish were still rolling off the production line today.
1. Dodge Viper
The Dodge Viper, an American sports car icon, roared onto the scene in 1992 with its aggressive styling and raw power.
Boasting a massive 8.0-liter V10 engine, the Viper could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. Its unique design, with a long hood and short rear deck, made it instantly recognizable on the road.
Unfortunately, after a 25-year run, Dodge discontinued the Viper in 2017 due to declining sales and increasing production costs. Despite its demise, the Viper remains a beloved classic among enthusiasts who crave its unapologetic performance and bold aesthetics.
2. Pontiac Firebird
The Pontiac Firebird, a classic American muscle car, first hit the streets in 1967. Known for its sleek design and powerful engines, the Firebird became a cultural icon, especially after its starring role in the TV series “Knight Rider” as KITT.
Sadly, Pontiac’s parent company, General Motors, decided to discontinue the brand in 2010, marking the end of the Firebird’s 43-year production run. Today, the Firebird remains a highly sought-after collector’s item, with its timeless style and impressive performance capabilities.
3. Toyota Supra (A80)
The fourth-generation Toyota Supra, produced from 1993 to 2002, is a true legend in the world of Japanese sports cars. Its sleek, aerodynamic design and powerful 3.0-liter inline-six engine made it a favorite among enthusiasts and tuners alike.
Despite its popularity, Toyota discontinued the Supra in 2002 due to declining sales and a shift in market demand. Although Toyota revived the Supra nameplate in 2019, many purists argue that the new model lacks the charm and raw performance of the beloved A80.
4. Mazda RX-7
The Mazda RX-7, a lightweight sports car with a unique rotary engine, first appeared in 1978. Throughout its three generations, the RX-7 garnered a devoted following thanks to its exceptional handling and distinctive engine note.
Mazda ceased production of the RX-7 in 2002 due to stricter emissions regulations and declining sales. Despite several attempts to revive the rotary engine, Mazda has yet to introduce a successor to this iconic sports car.
5. Nissan 300ZX
The Nissan 300ZX, produced from 1989 to 2000, was a sleek and powerful sports car that exemplified the best of Japanese engineering. Its aerodynamic design and advanced technology, including a twin-turbocharged V6 engine, made it a formidable competitor in its class.
Nissan discontinued the 300ZX in 2000 due to declining sales and a shift towards more practical vehicles. Although Nissan has since introduced newer Z models, many still hold the 300ZX in high regard for its performance and timeless design.
6. Acura Integra
The Acura Integra, a sporty compact car produced from 1985 to 2006, was renowned for its engaging driving dynamics and affordability. It quickly became a favorite among young enthusiasts and tuners, thanks to its responsive handling and potential for modification.
Acura replaced the Integra with the RSX in 2002, which was later discontinued in 2006.
7. BMW M Coupe
The BMW M Coupe, based on the Z3 roadster, was a quirky yet powerful sports car produced from 1998 to 2002. Its unique “clown shoe” design and potent inline-six engine made it a standout in BMW’s lineup.
Despite its cult following, BMW discontinued the M Coupe due to low sales volumes. Today, the M Coupe remains a sought-after collector’s item, with enthusiasts praising its distinctive style and impressive performance.
8. Chevrolet SS
The Chevrolet SS, a high-performance sedan produced from 2014 to 2017, was a sleeper hit among enthusiasts. Powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine and available with a manual transmission, the SS offered the perfect blend of practicality and performance.
Unfortunately, low sales numbers led Chevrolet to discontinue the SS after just four years. Its demise left a void in the market for affordable, high-performance sedans with a manual gearbox.
9. Honda S2000
The Honda S2000, a lightweight roadster produced from 1999 to 2009, was a testament to Honda’s engineering prowess. Its high-revving 2.0-liter inline-four engine and precise handling made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
Honda discontinued the S2000 in 2009 due to declining sales and a shift towards more fuel-efficient vehicles. Even though it had a relatively short production run, the S2000 remains a beloved classic, with many owners cherishing its raw driving experience.
10. Lancia Delta Integrale
The Lancia Delta Integrale, a high-performance hatchback produced from 1979 to 1994, dominated the World Rally Championship, winning six consecutive constructors’ titles. Its all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged engine made it a formidable competitor both on and off the track.
Lancia discontinued the Delta Integrale in 1994 due to changing market demands and financial difficulties within the company. Today, the Delta Integrale is a highly sought-after collector’s item.
11. Mazda RX-8
The Mazda RX-8, produced from 2003 to 2012, was the last production car to feature a Wankel rotary engine. Its unique four-door coupe design and high-revving engine made it stand out in the sports car market.
The RX-8 faced challenges due to the rotary engine’s high fuel consumption and emissions. Mazda discontinued the RX-8 in 2012, marking the end of an era for rotary-powered sports cars.
12. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, affectionately known as the “Evo,” was a high-performance sedan produced from 1992 to 2016. Its rally-inspired all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged engine made it a favorite among enthusiasts and competitive drivers.
Mitsubishi discontinued the Lancer Evolution in 2016 due to shifting market demands and a focus on more eco-friendly vehicles. The Evo’s departure left a void in the market for affordable, rally-bred performance cars.
13. Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO, often credited with starting the muscle car era, was produced from 1964 to 1974 and briefly revived from 2004 to 2006. Its powerful V8 engine and aggressive styling made it an instant classic.
Pontiac struggled to recapture the magic of the original GTO during its brief revival. The brand’s discontinuation in 2010 marked the end of the GTO’s legacy.
14. Subaru Baja
The Subaru Baja, a unique combination of a compact pickup truck and a station wagon, was produced from 2003 to 2006. Its all-wheel-drive system and versatile design made it an attractive option for outdoor enthusiasts.
Despite its niche appeal, the Baja failed to gain widespread popularity, leading Subaru to discontinue the model after just four years. Today, the Baja remains a quirky and beloved vehicle among Subaru fans.
15. Toyota MR2
The Toyota MR2, a mid-engine sports car produced from 1984 to 2007, offered an affordable and engaging driving experience. Its lightweight design and responsive handling made it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Toyota discontinued the MR2 in 2007 due to declining sales and a shift towards more practical vehicles. Despite its absence from the market, the MR2 remains a beloved classic, with many still enjoying its balanced performance and unique mid-engine layout.
These vehicles represent the passion, innovation, and craftsmanship that define the very best of the industry. While we may never see these exact models roll off the assembly line again, their legacy lives on.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
