As we welcome in a new batch of wonderful and exciting cars for 2017, we have to look back and remember all the cars we lost in 2016.
This year we said farewell to a lot of cars, some of which were a surprise to many car lovers. Others are being replaced by new models, while some were questionable when they headed to production in the first place. We even had to say goodbye to an entire automaker in 2016.
SEE ALSO: AutoGuide.com Car Reviews
Below is a list of cars that we will no longer be seeing at dealerships next year.
Audi R8 e-tron
It never seemed like all-electric supercars had a place in today’s market. Some would argue they’re ahead of their time, but others will just say they don’t belong. The truth is, when someone lays eyes on something like an Audi R8, they expect it to sound as good as it looks. The problem with the Audi R8 e-tron was that it sounded just like a Nissan Leaf, which is just about the least exciting thing out there.
There was also the issue of the $1.1 million price tag, which surely scared many buyers away.
Learn more: All-Electric Audi R8 E-Tron Has Been Quietly Discontinued Again
BMW Z4
The BMW Z4’s production came to an end this year as the German automaker gets ready to produce the new Z5. The upcoming sports car will ride on a platform co-developed with Toyota and will serve as a successor to the Z4.
Toyota’s sports car from the partnership is widely believed to be a successor to the Supra. Both companies have said that the two vehicles from their partnership won’t compete with one another, as the Supra will be a coupe while the BMW will be convertible only.
Learn more: BMW Z4 Production Quietly Comes to an End
Buick Verano
Like so many other automakers, Buick has decided to focus on crossovers and SUVs and will be dumping its Verano sedan next year, at least in the U.S. The model continues to be successful in Europe so the nameplate will live on in other parts of the world.
Learn more: Buick Verano to be Axed Next Year
Cadillac ELR
Even for a car that was designed to be low volume, the Cadillac ELR didn’t meet anyone’s expectations. And that’s because it was basically an $80,000 Chevrolet Volt with a dressed up interior and exterior sporting Cadillac badges. This is one of the least surprising cars on the list and we’re actually surprised it lasted as long as it did.
Learn more: Cadillac ELR Production Comes to an End
Chrysler 200
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is focusing on boosting production of its Jeep and Ram products, which means something has to be sacrificed. In fact, two cars are being axed as a result with the Chrysler 200 sedan being one of them. Despite its attractive styling and a real good attempt at capturing the midsize sedan market, the 200 failed to put up a fight against the segment’s heavyweights like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Learn more: Chrysler 200, Dodge Dart Getting Axed Under New FCA Plan
Chrysler Town & Country
Yes, minivans are a dying breed and now the Chrysler Town & Country has become extinct. But that’s only because Chrysler replaced it with the all-new Pacifica that is doing well in the market despite the crossover and SUV boom.
Learn more: Town and Country is Dead: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Reinvents the Minivan
Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart joins the Chrysler 200 as part of FCA’s plan of diverting its attention to Jeep SUVs and Ram pickup trucks. The compact sedan did its part to attract a younger generation of buyers, but like the 200, faced plenty of stiff competition without offering something too compelling.
Learn more: Chrysler 200, Dodge Dart Getting Axed Under New FCA Plan
Dodge Viper
Probably the biggest surprise on the list is the Dodge Viper getting killed off. The sports car has become so iconic over the years that it was believed Dodge would keep it around just to keep it around, even if it was low volume and made-to-order. Unfortunately the latest model failed to grab traction in the market but rumors do suggest the American automaker is working on a successor. Just don’t expect to see it anytime soon.
Learn more: The Dodge Viper is Dead
Honda CR-Z
It was supposed to be a worthy replacement for the Honda CR-X, but the CR-Z just failed to capture the hearts of even the most hardcore Honda enthusiasts. The hybrid powertrain wasn’t fuel efficient or sporty enough, producing just 130 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. The only thing the CR-Z really had going for it was the fact that it was the only hybrid to offer a manual transmission.
Learn more: Honda CR-Z Finally Discontinued
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
With Hyundai creating the Genesis luxury sub-brand, the Genesis Coupe no longer has a place in the Korean automaker’s lineup. For now, the model will be killed off while Genesis works on a successor that likely won’t arrive for another few years.
Learn more: Hyundai Genesis Coupe Discontinued
Land Rover Defender
Production of the Land Rover Defender as we know it has ended. The company celebrated 68 years of history as the last unit rolled off the assembly line in January. Currently Land Rover is designing and engineering a new Defender model that is rumored to debut in 2018. There’s also a possibility the new Defender will be sold in the U.S.
Learn more: Production of the Current Land Rover Defender has Ended
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
While other automakers are adding hybrid variants to existing cars in their lineups, Subaru is killing one off. The Crosstrek Hybrid got the axe this year due to poor sales, likely because it demanded a $4,800 premium over the standard Crosstrek. But what made the model all the more strange was that it didn’t have a huge mpg advantage over the standard Crosstrek, which delivers 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Crosstrek Hybrid returned 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, not exactly figures that get people excited about buying a hybrid.
Learn more: Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Axed Due to Poor Sales
Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
And like Subaru, Volkswagen has killed off its Jetta Hybrid variant, which accounted for less than one percent of total Jetta sales in the U.S. The move also comes at a time when gasoline prices are dropping in the U.S., and as a result, shoppers are turning towards crossovers and SUVs instead of fuel-sipping sedans. Still, Volkswagen is investing heavily into electrification as a result of its massive diesel scandal, so expect to see more hybrids and EVs from the brand soon.
Learn more: Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid Axed in the US
Scion
This year, Toyota decided to kill off its youth-oriented Scion brand, but several of its models will live on and will be sold with Toyota badges. But still, the disappearance of Scion leaves behind plenty of memories for those that were passionate about the brand and all it stood for. It had its place with the aftermarket tuners and we’re sad to see it go.
Learn more: The Scion Brand is Dead
