In the last several years, Americans’ choices for cars have changed a lot. Many automobile types that used to be popular are no longer popular because people are increasingly interested in fuel economy, high-tech amenities, and crossover SUVs. The automobiles aren’t always horrible, but they often don’t suit the changing needs of today’s drivers. People today care more about things like fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, style, and general practicality than they do about brand loyalty or legacy.
Also, the emergence of electric cars and powerful driver-assistance systems has made some older models useless. In this article, we examine more closely at twelve cars that used to be popular but that many Americans are now bored of. These automobiles aren’t as appealing as they used to be because of antiquated designs, poor performance, or low resale value. Read on to discover if one of your old favorites is on the list of cars that are losing their popularity.
1. Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 used to be a symbol of American elegance and strength, with its prominent grille and strong V6 or V8 engines. But its big size and old technology haven’t held up well in a market that prizes sleek looks and fuel economy more and more. The Chrysler 300 was quite popular at first, but today it has a hard time competing with newer sedans and SUVs that have better infotainment systems and get better gas efficiency. People are also moving away from full-size cars and instead choosing midsize SUVs or crossovers because they are more useful.
Chrysler hasn’t made many changes to the car over the years, which makes it feel like it’s from a different time than its competitors. Even fans who have been with the company for a long time are starting to hunt for better deals with other companies. The 300 isn’t as appealing because it doesn’t have all-wheel drive on base versions and has limited storage room. Because of this, dealerships typically have a hard time selling this once-popular automobile in today’s fast-changing market.
2. Ford Fiesta
People used to love the Ford Fiesta because it was little, cheap, and fun to drive. But more and more American drivers are choosing crossovers and SUVs over small cars. The Fiesta’s tiny cabin and limited cargo room don’t match the expectations of current buyers who want little cars that can do a lot of things. The Fiesta has good gas mileage and handles well, but it doesn’t stand out in a market where bigger, more useful vehicles are more popular. Ford’s decision to quit selling the Fiesta in the U.S. shows that it is becoming less popular.
Also, worries about the quality of the build and problems with the gearbox, especially with the dual-clutch automatic, have hurt the Fiesta’s image. The Fiesta has fallen behind because other companies make subcompacts that are more dependable and better equipped. The Fiesta used to be a favorite, but now it’s a reminder of a time when cars were smaller and less focused on SUVs in American automotive history.
3. Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala used to be a popular car for family excursions and road trips in the United States, but it has progressively gone from memory. The Impala was a popular choice for people who cared more about comfort than style since it had a lot of space and a comfortable ride. But full-size sedans like the Impala are having a hard time staying popular because SUVs are becoming more popular. GM’s choice to stop making the vehicle in 2020 shows that demand for it is falling and that the company is moving toward more profitable SUV and crossover sectors.
The Impala had a good V6 engine and handled well, but it didn’t have the current technologies and fuel economy that people today care about. Also, younger customers aren’t as interested in big sedans because they think they’re old-fashioned or boring. The Impala is an example of how quickly shifting tastes can leave even well-known models behind without substantial redesigns or tech updates. Its departure signals the end of a chapter in American car history.
4. Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris used to be a good choice for those on a budget who wanted a car that was both useful and fuel-efficient. It was especially popular with city people who wanted a simple car because it was tiny and worked efficiently. But the Yaris has been pushed to the side as people become more interested in crossovers and small SUVs. Drivers today anticipate greater adaptability and performance from budget automobiles, thus its little engine power and restricted cargo room don’t match those needs.
The fact that Toyota is taking the Yaris off the U.S. market in 2020 shows that people are losing interest in small cars in general. Also, the development of hybrid and electric cars in the same price range has made the Yaris less appealing. The model was known for being reliable, but it wasn’t very exciting and didn’t have any new features like updated safety systems. In the end, Americans have moved on from the simple, fuel-efficient formula that once made the Yaris a popular choice. They are now looking for better deals.
5. Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart was brought back in 2013 with the hopes of taking over the compact sedan market, but it never really took off. People were interested in the Dart at first because of its athletic look and aggressive style, but it didn’t live up to its promises of long-term durability and good interior quality. People rapidly figured out that other models offered better overall value, such greater gas mileage and easier-to-use tech features. Also, Dodge’s choice to leave the compact vehicle market for good sealed the Dart’s demise.
The model’s lack of polish, low resale value, and uneven build quality all made things worse. Drivers thought the Dart didn’t perform very well, especially when compared to cars like the Honda Civic or Mazda3. The Dart is currently considered as a forgotten part of Dodge’s inventory because the company is focusing more on performance cars and SUVs. The Dart just couldn’t keep up with the changing needs of American drivers in the competitive small vehicle market.
6. Nissan Juke
When it initially came out, the Nissan Juke made a big splash because of its unique look and turbocharged performance. Younger drivers who wanted something new liked the Juke at first, but its strange style soon became its biggest problem. Its unusual design didn’t hold up well over time, and it turned off more traditional purchasers who liked cleaner, more modern styles. Also, the Juke’s small back seats and limited cargo room didn’t satisfy practical demands. Nissan stopped making the Juke in the U.S. and replaced it with the more popular Kicks.
This meant that the Juke was no longer popular. The automobile had a lot of enthusiasts, but it was hard to get a lot of others to like it. Other automakers started making tiny crossovers with greater technology, more room, and better looks. In the end, the Juke’s unique appeal wasn’t enough to keep it going in a market that was getting more and more competitive. Its departure shows how design decisions that are too contentious may hurt long-term success in the American automotive industry, which is always changing.
7. Volkswagen Passat
American shoppers have lost interest in the Volkswagen Passat, which used to be renowned for its European style and roomy interior. One important reason is that more people are choosing SUVs and crossovers, which has made the midsize car market much smaller. The Passat was a good car to drive and ride in, but it didn’t keep up with newer, more advanced competition. The vehicle also didn’t have the latest safety and entertainment amenities that are now typical in its class. Volkswagen’s choice to stop making the Passat in the U.S. after the 2022 model year also reveals that it no longer fits with the brand’s plans for the future.
American consumers increasingly want cars that are not only comfortable, but also have cutting-edge technology and can be changed to fit their demands. The Passat was just outclassed since its design was old and it hadn’t been updated much in the last few years. The fact that it is no longer popular shows how even well-made automobiles need to change to be competitive in today’s tough market.
8. Buick Regal
The Buick Regal used to be a good choice for a high-end midsize sedan. It was popular with drivers who sought high-end amenities without paying luxury-brand costs. But people are less interested in sedans now, and the Regal has been battered the worst. Its elegant look and quite good performance weren’t enough to stop sales from going down. Buick’s choice to stop making sedans and focus on SUVs is in line with what is happening in the market as a whole. The inside of the Regal was pleasant, but it didn’t have the high-end features that luxury purchasers demand these days.
Young drivers also didn’t like the model because of its conservative style and brand image. Even consumers who had always bought Buicks switched to the more useful crossovers like the Encore and Enclave. As demand fell, it became evident that the Regal didn’t belong in the lineup. Its demise shows how changing customer tastes and a lack of unique features can kill even well-known car brands.
9. Honda Fit
People liked the Honda Fit because it was well-designed, had good gas mileage, and made great use of the space inside. Even with these virtues, its compact size and simple design don’t fit with what American car buyers want nowadays. Now, the market is more interested in small SUVs that offer the same benefits but have greater space and higher driving positions. Honda stopped making the Fit in the U.S. after the 2020 model year because sales were going down as more people bought bigger cars.
The Fit was still a popular choice for those who lived in cities and people who were buying their first car, but it couldn’t compete with newer models that had more technology and looked better. Its useful “Magic Seat” setup and easy handling were eclipsed by its simple interiors and lack of power. The Fit’s death shows that even well-made, useful cars can lose popularity in a market that values image, comfort, and crossover usefulness. This marks the end of a once-popular small hatchback.
10. Lincoln MKZ
The Lincoln MKZ was meant to be a high-end alternative to regular midsize sedans, but it never really lived up to that goal. The MKZ had a comfortable ride and a lot of different trim levels, but it didn’t have as good of an interior or technology as the Lexus ES or Audi A4. Buyers looking for a truly luxury experience found it hard to ignore its Ford-based foundations. Lincoln discreetly stopped making the MKZ in 2020 as the company shifted its attention to SUVs and crossovers.
The model’s old infotainment system, boring design, and low resale value all led to its demise. Also, the brand had trouble getting younger customers since they thought it was old-fashioned. The MKZ didn’t cut it at a time when luxury consumers seek the latest technology and eye-catching design. Its end shows how hard it is for traditional sedans to compete in a premium market that is now mostly made up of SUVs.
11. Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage has been renowned for a long time as a cheap and fuel-efficient car, which makes it a good choice for people who want to save money. But many people have decided not to buy it because of its simple interior, weak engine, and low safety ratings. Even while its cheap price is still enticing, drivers today demand more from even the most basic cars. The Mirage looks old and unimpressive in a market full with high-tech choices and strong safety measures. Also, its poor acceleration and loud interior don’t assist its cause.
The Mirage is hard to justify because it isn’t very comfortable or refined, and used cars or certified pre-owned choices are often better deals. It still sells a few copies, but its importance is continuously going down. The Mirage is an example of how just being cheap isn’t enough to get American shoppers to buy a car anymore. They now care more about how well it drives and how reliable it is.
12. Scion tC
The sporty design and low price of the Scion tC made it popular with young drivers. It was a way for them to get into the Toyota family. But as preferences changed and competition intensified, its attraction eroded. The tC’s performance was just okay, and even though it had a sleek coupe shape, it wasn’t really useful. As SUVs and crossovers became more fashionable, two-door hatchbacks like the tC went out of favor. Scion, Toyota’s sub-brand for young people, was shut down in 2016, and the tC was one of the cars that went out of business.
Even though it had a lot of fans, the model’s lack of polish, simple interior, and boring driving experience couldn’t keep it going. Also, more flexible and better-equipped options started to take over the market. The tC’s departure is part of a wider trend of fewer coupe sales in favor of more useful vehicle categories. The tC used to be great, but it doesn’t match what American shoppers want now.
Last Thought
As the American vehicle market changes, even the most popular models might become less popular. These twelve automobiles don’t appeal to today’s drivers anymore, whether it’s because of changing consumer expectations, new technology, or changing lifestyle necessities.
To be relevant, manufacturers have to continuously changing, and cars that don’t keep up will eventually go gone. It’s still evident that being flexible, coming up with new ideas, and knowing how buyers act are all very important in the competitive car market today. If an automobile doesn’t suit these needs, no amount of nostalgia can save it from eventually going down.
FAQs
Why are sedans becoming less popular in America?
Because most Americans now prefer SUVs and crossovers, which offer more space, higher driving positions, and greater versatility.
What factors cause a car model to be discontinued?
Low sales, outdated design, poor fuel economy, and lack of innovation often lead automakers to discontinue a car.
Are compact cars completely going away?
Not entirely, but they are becoming less common as crossovers take over the role of small, affordable, and efficient vehicles.
Is resale value a reason why people avoid certain cars?
Yes, poor resale value can discourage buyers, especially if the car has a history of reliability or depreciation issues.