Seeing a late model Toyota Camry, Ford F-150, or Honda CRV on the road is common – but what about their contemporaries that didn’t top the sales charts? Sometimes, it is less about spotting a Lamborghini Aventador on the street and more about noticing a model whose rarity is less tied to its prestige or exoticism.
Today, we’re exploring vehicles from the recent past that didn’t become staples on American roads. While many exhibited impressive qualities, they are no longer produced.
Most of these vehicles are cars, not trucks or SUVs reflecting the American consumer’s shift away from the former. Some were originally developed for another market while others were the right car at the wrong time.
1) Chevy SS (2014 to 2017)
Starting off the list is the Chevy SS which was produced as a single generation in the US for just 4 model years. Based on the Australian-market Holden Commodore, the SS was the de facto replacement for the Pontiac G8 (2008-2009). Receiving its name from Chevy’s legendary SS (Super Sport) option package, it was the first model to simply be badged as “SS.”
Powered by the C6 Corvette’s 415-hp 6.2-liter V8, the SS produced sports car power in the body of a full-size 4-door sedan. Not only could the SS reach 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, but it came standard with modern safety features such as Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Warning.
Only available loaded in the US, the SS was priced in the mid-$40K range when new. Given its limited production run, uniqueness, and critical acclaim, the SS commands used list prices from $30K to 50K. If you’re looking for a fun, practical, fast car with modern safety features, the SS fills a special automotive niche.
2) Dodge Dart (2013 to 2016)
The Dodge Dart revitalized a historic nameplate and gave the then Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA) group its first competitive entry-level sedan in years. Sized slightly larger than the competition, the sharp-looking Dart boasted a much-improved interior over its Caliber hatchback predecessor. However, FCA responded to consumer preference towards crossovers and SUVs by discontinuing most of their sedans for the US market. This resulted in the Dart ending production after only 4 model years.
In 2017, then-FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne said “Both the Chrysler 200 and the Dodge Dart, as great products as they were, were the least financially rewarding enterprises that we've carried out inside FCA in the last eight years. I don't know one investment that was as bad as these two were."
Fun fact about the Dart: Despite ending production over 8 years ago, Dodge sold a “new” Dart in September. Oddly enough, Stellantis has sold a few Darts a year dating back to 2018. Taking this many years to move a Dart off the dealer lot more than validated Marchionne’s decision to cancel it.
3) Infiniti QX30 (2017 to 2019)
Shifting gears to Japan, Infiniti discontinued several vehicles in recent years, including their QX30 crossover. Nissan’s luxury division produced the striking QX30 for only three model years. Based on the Mercedes-GLA, the QX30 was a way for Infiniti to fast-track a new model to compete with the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The UK-built QX30 was powered by a Mercedes-sourced 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and featured Mercedes switchgear inside. In Europe, Infiniti also sold the Q30 – essentially a slightly lower hatchback version of the same vehicle. Ultimately, the QX30’s discontinuation coincided with the brand’s departure from the European market.
4) Lexus HS 250h (2010 to 2012)
Lexus has had a lot of hits, with the RX it defined the luxury crossover segment and with the LS luxury sedan, it put the Germans on notice. Thanks to Toyota, Lexus also has a leg up on other automakers with its efficient hybrid systems. All signs should have pointed to its hybrid-only HS 250h sedan being a success. However, it only lasted 3 model years. Meanwhile, the similarly-priced, but more versatile hybrid-only CT 200h that Lexus introduced a year later had stronger sales and lasted 7 model years. The HS was initially popular in Japan, but never took off in the US. With lower fuel economy than the cheaper Prius, but without its hatchback practicality, the HS sold in small numbers.
5) Toyota Yaris iA (2016 to 2020)
Toyota’s subcompact Yaris iA won for having the most names in only 5 model years. Originally, the Scion iA (for 2016 only), then the Toyota Yaris iA (2017-2018), and finally just the Toyota Yaris (2019-2020), this sedan was based on the Mazda2. A logical partnership, it gave Toyota a competitive entry in the subcompact segment.
The Yaris iA followed the larger Mazda 3 by providing a more premium experience than its competitors. With the Yaris iA, Toyota offered buyers the opportunity to acquire a well-equipped new car in a segment historically known for punishing econoboxes. Despite being well-received by critics, the subcompact segment had been dying out and the Yaris iA eventually became another one of its casualties.
6) Mazda 5 (2006 to 2015)
Speaking of Mazda, the brand has carved out its niche – typically offering a more driver-focused experience and style than the competition. Mazda is known for delivering a fun factor that extends well beyond its iconic Miata roadster.
However, Mazdas also can be practical and nowhere was that better demonstrated than the Mazda 5. Unlike most others on this list, the 5 was produced for two generations. Based on the compact Mazda 3 and sharing the same footprint, the 5 was a small minivan.
It featured dual sliding doors, upright styling, great handling, large windows, and six seats. However, unlike the other 3-row vehicles on the market, the 5’s efficient design made it as easy to park as a compact car. These smaller-sized vans have been popular in Europe for years but never took off in the US, where there’s a “bigger is better” mentality.
Produced from 2006-2010 for the first generation and from 2012 to 2015 for the second, Mazda sadly discontinued the 5 to focus on crossovers. It’s such a logically designed vehicle it is a shame this segment didn’t gain traction stateside.
7) Subaru B9 Tribeca (2006 to 2014)
By the mid-2000s, the 3-row midsize crossover race started to heat up with the Honda Pilot and upscale Acura MDX. While the Outback and Forester grew larger with each subsequent generation, Subaru was left without an entrant in the fast-growing 3-row segment. So for 2006, the marque launched the B9 Tribeca. Its name was as unattractive as its design. Despite an expedited mid-cycle 2008 refresh and dropping the “B9” from the name, sales continued to drop off. Making matters worse, by 2008, Mazda launched the CX-9 and Toyota redesigned the Highlander.
The Tribeca was praised for its handling capabilities and powerful engine. However, its original first impression seemed to have alienated buyers too much and it eventually became the 7th worst-selling vehicle in 2013. Subaru discontinued it after 2014 before starting over again with the Ascent in 2019.
Subaru sold 76,774 Tribecas in its entire model run (10 years) whereas they sold 81,958 Ascents in 2019 alone. Looks like the Subaru made the right call.
8) Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive (2014-2017)
Long before their all-electric EQ lineup made its way to our shores, Mercedes sold the B-Class Electric Drive. With an upright van-like shape similar to the aforementioned Mazda 5, the B-Class accommodated 2-rows of passengers in its spacious greenhouse. Unlike anything else on the road, especially in the premium segment, the B-Class was further differentiated by its all-electric powertrain. It launched at about $40K, long before the Tesla Model 3 and other sub-$50K premium electric cars entered the market.
Although the B-Class had an EPA-rated electric range of 87 miles, it came with a Tesla-derived extended Range Plus mode that could charge to the full 36-kWh capacity, which extended the range to over 100 miles.
A low range and looks that were not appreciated in crossover-dominated America eventually sealed the B-Class’s fate. It ended production in 2017 after just 3,651 models were sold.
9) Mercedes CLS – Final Generation (2019-2023)
Upon its debut, the CLS-Class received a lot of attention for its “4-door coupe” shape. It became one of the most influential cars of the last few decades as it pivoted design towards a sleeker shape. The traditional 3-box sedan soon became less desirable, and the coupe-like silhouette was in vogue. With the BMW X6, this theme extended beyond cars and was adapted to crossovers in the so-called “SUV coupe”.
All 3-generations of the CLS were based on the E-Class. Eventually, Mercedes added the CLA-Class as the 4-door coupe version of the A-Class sedan along with GLC and GLE Coupes. BMW continued following a similar trajectory with its X2 and X4 coupe SUVs.
As influential as the CLS was – both internally and externally to Mercedes-Benz, it was part of a premium segment that’s seen volatility in recent decades. While the CLS is unforgettable in many ways, the third generation – which was quite stunning – was its swan song.
10) Audi A3 Sportback e-tron (2016-2018)
Audi’s e-tron all-electric sub-brand has slowly spread throughout the German marque’s lineup. Most are familiar with the Audi e-tron which is now the Q8 e-tron as Audi’s first all-electric SUV. However, the e-tron moniker was originally applied to a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of Audi’s A3 5-door hatchback known as the A3 Sportback e-tron.
Based on the second-generation A3 offered in the US, the Sportback e-tron mixed hatchback versatility with hybrid efficiency. The hatch launched to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Its 17 miles of electric-only range and hatchback body style combined to limit its appeal and it was phased out after only a few years on the market. Priced from about $40K to $48K, the A3 occupied a niche segment.
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