Car models come and go every year depending on consumer trends. Some are around for many years with minor variations and others are done away with completely when their popularity isn’t what the manufacturers had hoped for. Some are seen as classic by car enthusiasts because of the body style or are coveted for some other reasons, such as horsepower and engine, and are sought after long past the time the last model rolled out of the factory. The majority of these automobiles were at the top of the food chain when they were first introduced. But, time moves on, and so do car builders, to newer designs and better features. So, here are 10 car models that are being discontinued in 2020.
10 Audi TT
The Audi TT was first seen as at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show as a concept car and was available at dealers starting in 1998. This is a sleek 2-door sport coupe with sweeping lines and a low profile and came as a two-seater or a 2 + 2 with small back seats. It was available with Quattro four-wheel drive or front-wheel drive and MacPherson struts in the independent suspension. The Audi TT RS Coupe could accelerate from a dead stop to 60 mph is just 4.7 seconds. Multiple engine configurations were available throughout the model’s run, ranging from 168 hp all the way to 355 hp and even a diesel. While this gas model is going away, it is said that it is being replaced by an all-electric model.
9 BMW 3 Series Gran Tourismo
The BMW 3 Gran Tourismo, also known as the F34 is one of the few BMWs with five doors, known as a fastback, or hatchback design. The F34 has a longer wheelbase than the other F models and allowed for a full-sized rear seat that could accommodate three adults. Introduced in 2013 at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show, it was available with either a straight-6, inline-4 turbocharged diesel, or gas engine, as well as all-wheel drive. The Gran Tourismo has been taking a beating from the glut of SUVs on the market and the odd combination of wagon and sedan didn’t fit that well with the BMW aesthetic.
8 Buick Cascada
After a 25-year hiatus, Buick decided to introduce a new convertible to their lineup in 2016 with the Cascada (the previous convertible was the Buick Reatta in 1991). The Cascada is a soft-top convertible 2 + 2 and powered by a 1.6-L turbocharged engine creating 200 hp to the front-wheel-drive vehicle. While the top is lowered or raised in a quick 17 to 19 seconds, many reviewers complained about the lack of interior space and difficulty reaching the 7-inch touchscreen and other controls. As there doesn’t appear to be much of a market for convertibles at the moment, the Cascada’s last production model will be 2019.
7 Buick LaCrosse
The Buick LaCrosse first appeared in the American market in 2005 as the brand’s new flagship model, replacing the Regal and Century. It is a large, mid-sized 4-door sedan with many of the bells and whistles of a comfortable, larger car. The model was totally redesigned in 2017 and was only available with a 3.6-L 310 hp V6 engine and an 8-speed transmission. It came standard with front-wheel drive but was available with all-wheel drive. As a large sedan it is roomy and comfortable, with extra-plush seating, a smooth ride, and quiet interior, but not for those looking to get a sporty, feel-of-the-road driver. Along with a few other models, the LaCrosse stopped production in 2018.
6 Jaguar XJ
This Jaguar model has been the company’s full-sized luxury 4-door flagship since 1970 and is the last sedan to have input from the company’s founder, Sir William Lyons. It has been in production since 1968 (51 years!). The XJ (X351) is the current iteration and has been on the market since 2009, but the model has been through four generations. The 2019 model offers all-wheel drive and a standard supercharged 340 hp, 3L V6 engine. A luxurious interior sports standard cooled and heated seats (all four), panoramic sunroof, touchscreen infotainment with GPS, and a Meridian audio system with 20 speakers. This model is being replaced with a new luxury sedan toward the end of 2019 that is all-electric.
5 Cadillac XTS
When folks with the money wanted an American-made, full-size luxury sedan, they have usually turned to Cadillac. Cadillac has long been seen as the epitome of American-made, high-class luxury cars and over the years their vehicles have not failed to impress buyers. The XTS is a full-size, large four-door sedan that is swathed in luxury. It was introduced in June of 2013 as a replacement and update of the classic Cadillac DeVille, STS and DTS. It came with three engine options and tons of interior perks. In 2013 Cadillac introduced a hybrid version of the XTS. Looking to replace the XTS is likely to be a CT model.
4 Chevrolet Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze is one of those cars that has had a pretty good run amongst all who own one. The Cruze came in to replace the Cobalt and is a compact car for mid-market buyers. Not really expensive, but not skimping on some of the niceties either. It was introduced to the U.S. in 2008 as the Chevy Cruze, but elsewhere around the world under other names and under the Daewoo brand. The Cruze has a sleek design that has attracted many buyers and also came in a hatchback. With a nice list of standard features and acceptable gas mileage, we are sorry to see it go.
3 Chevrolet Impala
Another Chevrolet model to get the axe, the Impala has been a staple of the Chevy lineup for quite some time. The Impala was first put into production in 1957, was discontinued in 1985, brought back in 1994, discontinued in 1996, and then brought back a third time in 1999 and has continued until now. The Impala is a full size, 4-door sedan for those who love a big, comfortable car. However, along with the other Chevy models on this list, Chevrolet is cutting models that are no longer profitable in the U.S. market. Sales of SUVs, crossovers, and pickup trucks are outpacing those of passenger cars.
2 Chevrolet Volt
Another Chevy car that consumers will miss is the Chevrolet Volt. When it was first introduced in 2010 as the car of the century it was just that. It was introduced as a concept car at the North American International Auto Show in January of 2007, making it the first plug-in series concept from a major automobile manufacturer. The car runs on its battery until it runs out and only then does it begin to use the gasoline engine. This has made it attractive to those hoping to create a smaller carbon footprint. However, with big cost-cutting taking place at Chevy, they appear to be going all the way and are working toward an all-electric vehicle, rather than half way.
1 Smart EQ ForTwo
If you’ve ever seen this car on the road, it’s a sure bet that you did a double-take. This tiny car looks as though someone left the rear portion at home. However, the Smart EQ Fortwo is tiny on purpose, with the idea that it is perfect for zipping around heavy downtown traffic and difficult to find parking spaces. With an 80-hp electric engine and a range of 57 miles, it is perfect for gadding about town, but not long trips. Unfortunately, it seems to appear that on American highways, folks just haven’t felt safe in these little cars, no matter how efficient they are. Thus, 2020 will be it’s last year in the U.S.