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10 Once-Popular Cars That Nobody Wants To Drive Anymore (We Loved #5)

Find out why these cars have become relics of a bygone era.

Driver hands on steering wheel
Updated Dec. 17, 2024
Fact checked

Is there a car you wanted a decade ago that has quietly disappeared from your wish list?

If so, you're not alone. Several models aren’t as popular as they used to be. Some have seen sales dip, while others have been discontinued.

If you were hoping that any of these cars would help you save money on insurance or gas, you might want to think again. Their popularity is fading fast.

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Chevrolet Volt

art_zzz/Adobe chevrolet volt

At one time, the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid was perhaps a car ahead of its time. However, Chevrolet ended production of the hybrid in 2019 as the manufacturer focused on SUVs, crossovers, and trucks.

The good news is more car manufacturers are now producing plug-in hybrid options, which have both a gas engine and an electric engine.

Toyota Land Cruiser

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The Toyota Land Cruiser was a great off-roading option for drivers who wanted a rugged SUV.

Unfortunately, the Toyota also had a starting price of more than $76,000, which might have been off-putting to some drivers. Toyota discontinued the model in 2021.

However, the Land Cruiser has made a return. Toyota announced in August that it will bring back the vehicle to the U.S. market as a hybrid, and after a three year hiatus, Toyota released the all-new 2024 Land Cruiser.

Audi R8

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The Audi R8 was a unique luxury sports car that could turn heads. That's one reason it may have been chosen as Tony Stark’s car in the Iron Man movie franchise.

The car was discontinued, with its 2023 models being the last for Audi enthusiasts. Reports say the company is determined to trim its lineup of vehicles.

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Jaguar F-Type

Konstantin/Adobe jaguar f-type s coupe

The Jaguar F-Type is a sporty two-door sedan with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $73,400.

If you're one of the few who can afford to drive the F-Type, you’ll have to be quick about buying it. Jaguar has announced that the F-Type coupe and convertible versions won’t last long, with 2024 being the last model year.

Ford Focus

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The Ford Focus was a zippy compact car that attracted fans who enjoyed its driveability or liked personalizing it with individual flair.

The company has already discontinued the Focus in the U.S. European markets and will also see the model discontinued in 2025.

The move came as Ford works to get a stronger foothold in the electric vehicle market.

BMW Z4

Moose/Adobe bmw z4 at the train station

The BMW Z4 is a beautiful two-seat roadster that makes heads turn. Unfortunately, buyers who wanted to drive one didn’t turn out.

BMW has announced that the 2025 Z4 will be the last off the line. So, consider getting one now or another option if you’re in the market for a roadster.

Acura NSX

Vova/Adobe acura nsx

The Acura NSX was another sleek two-seater but succumbed to the same fate as the BMW Z4. Acura announced it would discontinue the car after the 2023 model year.

The NSX — which Acura launched in 1991 — was not profitable for the company.

Hummer H2

art_zzz/Adobe hummer h2

The Hummer H2 was well-known for its unusual design and large frame. But its enormous size made it a cumbersome vehicle to drive and park. It also had issues with fuel economy.

The vehicle brand was discontinued by its owner, General Motors, in 2010.

But fear not if you’re a Hummer fan: GM has resurrected the brand as an all-electric version with the 2024 GMC Hummer EV Pickup. The new version includes the unique Crabwalk feature that allows you to drive diagonally.

You also can get an estimated 303 miles per charge on the Hummer EV 2.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

artographer34/Adobe mercedes-benz a-class

Mercedes-Benz has several letter-classed vehicles, such as the C-Class, E-Class, and S-Class. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class was once part of the company’s lineup before getting the ax.

The A-Class served as an entry-level sedan to get buyers interested in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. However, lack of sales pushed the German automaker to cut it from production.

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Chevrolet Impala

Joseph Creamer/Adobe 2019 chevy impala

The Chevrolet Impala has been through several different and distinct designs over the years, but you cannot find any of them on a new car lot.

General Motors — Chevy’s parent company — discontinued the model in 2020. It was the third time the model had been discontinued.

The car’s run came to an end as General Motors started its shift away from sedans so it could focus on electric vehicles.

Bottom line

Dragana Gordic/Adobe woman driving her new car at sunset

Some cars are not as popular as they used to be. Others have disappeared from dealer lots altogether.

If you are trying to build up your savings to buy one of these cars, know that they might be tougher to find today. Some may be almost impossible to locate.

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