Many cars were loved when they were first produced worldwide, but sales decreased as the market moved and consumer tastes shifted. Yes, car reviewers also praised these models, and they were popular choices nationwide, but today these cars on our list, for many reasons, aren’t sought after anymore.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
The PT Cruiser debuted with much fanfare in 2000 and was famous for its unique retro design. However, interest waned as the market trended towards more versatile and fuel-efficient vehicles, and the model ended production in 2010. Still, the car was once a popular choice and was MotorTrend’s car of the year in 2001.
Mercury Grand Marquis
Produced by Mercury from 1975 to 2001, the Grand Marquis was a fixture in the full-size sedan market, with 2.7 million produced. Mercury struggled to differentiate itself from Ford and Lincoln as a brand and was eventually phased out as Ford struggled during the financial crisis of 2008.
Hummer H2
Popular in the early 2000s, the H2 became emblematic of the decade’s excess with its large size and gas-guzzler status. The model was criticized for being environmentally unfriendly, leading to declining sales until the brand was discontinued in 2010. Today, Hummer has been revived as an electric pickup truck.
Ford Taurus
The Taurus, with a sleek, futuristic look, was hugely popular in the 1980s and 1990s. But sales declined in the 2000s, with Slash Gear noting it was a combination of factors: “increased competition from Japanese midsize sedans,” consumers beginning to favor SUVs and trucks, and Ford focusing on “more in-demand vehicle categories.”
Dodge Neon
The Neon was launched in 1995 as a compact, affordable option for young buyers. The car was popular but struggled with engine misfires, cooling fan malfunctions, and a musty smell originating in the HVAC system. Production ended in 2005, but it was rebadged in 2016 for the Mexican market.
Pontiac Grand Am
Produced from 1973 to 2005, the Grand Am was Pontiac’s best-selling model through the 1980s and 1990s, known for its sporty design. But as HotCars notes, the Great Recession of 2008 saw General Motors discontinue their poorest-selling cars, including the Pontiac.
Chevrolet Impala
This classic American sedan first debuted in the late 1950s and was an icon during the 1950s and 1960s. However, the model struggled to maintain relevance in the 21st century as the market shifted towards SUVs and trucks, and production ceased in 2020.
Ford Crown Victoria
The Crown Vic was known for its durability and widespread use in taxi and police fleets nationwide. Produced from 1991 to 2011, the Vic’s consumer sales eventually declined due to its outdated design and lack of modern features, notably electronic stability control.
Pontiac Firebird
This iconic muscle car saw its popularity peak in the 1970s and 1980s, but sales later declined due to increased emission standards after the Malaise era and shifting consumer tastes. Pontiac was discontinued in 2010 after being unprofitable for years, marking the end of the Firebird.
Chevrolet HHR
The HHR launched in 2005, inspired by the 1940s Chevrolet Suburban design, and instantly appealed to retro car lovers. However, the HHR failed to sustain its initial interest and was discontinued in 2011 as GM streamlined its product lineup.
Dodge Magnum
The Dodge Magnum combined a wagon’s functionality with a muscle car’s performance. The 2005 model was popular, featuring on Car and Driver’s 2005 Ten Best list. But despite the initial interest, low sales couldn’t justify its continuation, and production ended in 2000, with only 113 units sold the following year.
Ford Ranger (Compact Version)
The Ranger was a popular choice for a compact pickup truck for 20 years. But Ford discontinued the Ranger in 2011 amid a shifting market focus towards full-size trucks. The nameplate returned in 2019 as a midsize pickup.
Chrysler Sebring
Chrysler produced this midsize sedan from 1994 to 2010, and it was popular with fans of the brand for its handsome styling. However, the model was criticized for its lackluster performance, with Consumer Reports writing it was “never a very good car.” The Sebring was rebranded as the Chrysler 200 in 2010 but was ultimately discontinued in 2017.
Pontiac Solstice
This compact sports car was introduced in 2006 and was praised for its design and driving dynamics. However, the celebrated model was discontinued in 2010, when Pontiac was shut down. Today, the Solstice is remembered more for its potential than its sales success.
Mercury Sable
This mid-size sedan was essentially an upscale version of the Ford Taurus and faced the same challenges as its counterpart, struggling to compete in a changing market. Over 2 million units were produced during its 24-year run, but the Mercury brand was discontinued in 2011.