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20 Outdated Car & Truck Models Still On Sale Today

Cameron Eittreim October 18, 2019

Automotive manufacturers are known for holding onto vehicle platforms for around five years or so. In between that time, there are usually advances in technology. Most vehicles will be redesigned, but there are also times where a carmaker will hold onto a popular make or model.

The Ford Crown Victoria was one such car that was sold on the same platform for over 20 years with minimal upgrades. Whether you chose a 1998 Crown Vic or a 2016 model, the car was always the same. This has been the case with quite a few model lines that have stayed around for a good deal of time. Oftentimes a carmaker will badge engineer a certain automotive line across multiple brands. An outdated vehicle line could be kept around for several reasons, whether it be sales or brand loyalty. The cars and trucks that have remained on the market for over ten years have had minimal updates over that time.

We are going to take a look at some of the most well-known car models which have been on the market for quite some time. Although new technology might be important there are quite a few car makers that have kept the old designs around. Read on below as we take a look at these outdated gems of the automotive world via Motor1.

Aston Martin Rapide Via Motor Trend — Aston Martin Rapide via Motor Trend

20. Aston Martin Rapide

Where do we start with the Aston Martin brand? The cars are famous for being driven by James Bond and various celebrities. But the big sedan has been around in its current form since 2010. In that time, Bentley has released an SUV, Maserati has redesigned their lineup, and the automotive world is changing. The Rapide has not had a substantial upgrade in that timeframe. Aston Martin seems content to keep the car on the market in its current form.

Although the Rapide is not a bad car by any means, there’ve been a lot of upgrades in the last nine years and this car is getting a little behind on the times. But the outdated design is good news for buyers who want a budget-friendly exotic. The Rapide is still a reputable performer with a signature exhaust note.

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Taurus Via Motor Trend — Taurus via Motor Trend

19. Ford Taurus

During the 80ss, Ford was in bad shape, suffering from quality issues to reliability that was lackluster. But there was a car that saved the brand, and that was the Taurus. The Taurus has lived a long life through a lot of changes, and for some reason, Ford keeps it around. Even as consumer interest shifts toward crossovers, the large Taurus is still sitting on dealership lots. The current generation of Taurus was introduced in 2010, and there have been minimal upgrades since. The top-of-the-rung SHO is sure to be a collector’s item, but the rest of the lineup has not aged well since the start of the decade.

The Taurus is still a large sedan value in the family car category. Although the design is outdated, it still provides a roomy interior and some decent features. Large family sedan buyers will have trouble finding an alternative in this price range. We have to wonder what Ford has been thinking. But the company has stated that they will be shifting exclusively to crossover vehicles after the 2020 model year. If you want a Taurus, this might be the last year you can get your hands on one.

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Lexus GX Via Motor Trend — Lexus GX via Motor Trend

18. Lexus GX

Another outdated vehicle is surprisingly the Lexus GX. The big SUV has been on the market since 2010 and is one of the last body-on-frame SUVs around. The Lexus GX has all of the bells and whistles that you’d come to expect in a Lexus, and a V8 engine. But the overall design of the SUV is outdated at best. Buyers can tell that there hasn’t been anything new in over a decade, and the GX is the lowest-selling vehicle in the lineup. If you want a body-on-frame SUV that boasts luxury features, the GX is one of the few.

The GX is not a bad SUV by any means. It offers the usual Lexus refinement and luxury that you’ve come to expect all wrapped up in a rugged package. The GX has never been a volume seller for the Lexus brand, which might be why there has been no upgrade. The V8 engine is still smooth after all this time, and the drive train is versatile enough to tow a boat or a trailer. Unfortunately, there are newer offerings on the market and the Lexus GX is just too outdated compared to those. Sure, you get the luxury features of a newer SUV, but the outdated design is just flat.

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Lotus Evora Via Motor Trend — Lotus Evora via Motor Trend

17. Lotus Evora

Exotic sports cars are a market that tends to get upgraded often. But the Lotus Evora has been around since 2010 and not much has changed for the lightweight sports car. The 3.5L V6 is sourced from Toyota, but it’s also been around since 2010. In terms of new technology, the Lotus Evora is well behind the competition, which is a little surprising considering the price tag of the sports car. The GT430 version of the car is the most potent of the product line, boasting 430 HP.

The Lotus brand has always been a special mixture of refinement and driving pleasure. The Lotus lineup has become stagnant in recent years, but Evora still provides a fun driving experience. But in this price range, you can find a more updated vehicle in the Evora’s competition. The exotic car market is an ever-expanding race of new and improved vehicles and Evora is an old competitor. The Lotus Evora could be a great sports car with an upgrade, but Lotus seems to be dead set on keeping the Evora on the market in its current design.

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Rolls Royce Ghost Via Motor Trend — Rolls Royce Ghost via Motor Trend

16. Rolls Royce Ghost

The Ghost is an expensive car, so much so that it has an umbrella in the passenger door jam. But the Ghost is also a car that has been around in its current form since 2009 with minimal upgrades. With Rolls Royce focusing the brand’s attention on other models, the Ghost has fallen to the wayside. The Ghost has a standout design that seems to be timeless, but for the price, the technology is on the lackluster side. Sure, you get a powerful V12 engine, one of the best in the industry. Still, some upgrades would make the Ghost a better all-around exotic.

The Ghost added a lot of unique features to the Rolls Royce lineup. If you were looking for a high-end exotic vehicle, the Ghost has been the staple of wealth and opulence for the last few years. Luxury car buyers are always looking for new and updated features, which the Ghost is a little bit outdated on. For the price and the features, the Rolls Royce Ghost is outdated compared to other luxury cars on the market in this price range. Rolls Royce doesn’t seem to be enthusiastic about redesigning the Ghost, so we have to wonder what the future holds for it.

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4Runner Via Motor Trend — 4Runner via Motor Trend

15. Toyota 4Runner

Toyota is known for keeping a product on the market for a long period. The original Toyota truck was on the market for around 20 years before being redesigned into the Tacoma. The current version of the 4Runner is an exceptional off-road vehicle with a capable design that can go just about anywhere. But the 4Runner is outdated and the current version hit the market in 2010. Toyota hasn’t come out and said there’s a redesign of the 4Runner coming, so it would appear at the moment that the 4Runner is going to remain in its current form.

Over time the 4Runner has become one of the most iconic mid-size SUV models on the road. Toyota has built a reputation of off-road quality and even the outdated 4Runner still offers value. Sure, the vehicle has been around since 2010, but Toyota is hoping to revamp the line by the 2020 model year. In the meantime, the TRD-Pro is a high-performance off-road version that provides a substantial upgrade. Whether you want to go off-roading or just fishing for the weekend, the 4Runner is still capable enough to handle it. Hopefully, Toyota will find some way to inject some life into the outdated product line.

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Journey Via Chrysler Fiat — Journey via Chrysler Fiat

14. Dodge Journey

The Journey has been around in its current form since 2007. The Journey has been through the housing boom, the recession, and two presidents. So what makes this outdated crossover worth keeping around? Well, nothing. Chrysler just needs an affordable crossover and Journey sales have remained stable since the vehicle’s inception. Nothing much has changed on the Journey except for a slight redesign for the 2011 model year. The Journey is a gas efficient crossover, but the technology needs an upgrade.

Dodge Journey Interior Via Car And Driver — Dodge Journey Interior via Car And Driver

The Journey offers buyers a welcoming exterior and a seemingly well-appointed base package. Still, crossover buyers are starting to notice the Dodge lineup is becoming rather stale. The Journey has been around for a long time and new updated models are coming out right and left. Since the Journey’s debut, even brands like Buick have jumped into the fray with affordable offerings. Dodge is going to keep the Journey around for the foreseeable future in the current form, and we have to wonder when the Journey is going to finally get an upgrade.

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Ford Flex Via Motor Trend — Ford Flex via Motor Trend

13. Ford Flex

The crossover has changed the way that we drive, offering a stylish and gas efficient family hauler. The Flex is the last of the Mohicans when it comes to retro-themed vehicles. Introduced in 2009, the Flex has a unique look that’s unlike anything else on the road. In addition to the unique styling of the Flex, it also offers full three-row seating, giving you the best of both worlds. The Flex does still manage to offer a unique exterior style, but the lack of upgrades has made the vehicle outdated.

Ford Flex via Motor Trend

We’re not sure why Ford has hung onto the Flex as they have, but the overall platform is becoming outdated. The Flex received minor exterior upgrades over time but the final result is still an outdated crossover that’s lost its initial buzz. In terms of quality, the Flex has a lot to offer consumers with seven-passenger seating and the unique exterior. But the vehicle has been on the block for a long time now with no real change or a substantial investment. A lot of what the Flex has to offer is the technology that was around in 2008, and as such, the car has lost its luster. We don’t expect to see a replacement for the Flex once it finally rides off into the sunset.

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370Z Via Motor Trend — 370Z via Motor Trend

12. Nissan 370Z

Nissan has been a part of the sports car world for some time now, and the Z is a legend in the car industry. The original Nissan Z was an affordable sports car that incorporated a rear-wheel-drive design and spacious interior. The Nissan 370Z was introduced in 2009 as an upgrade to the Nissan 350Z, and the car made some improvements over the original. But now the car has been around for the last 10 years and nothing has changed for the 370Z. 2019 marks the last year of the roadster model, but the coupe stays in production with no changes.

The Nissan 370Z has many attributes that have made it a great sports car over the last decade. But when it comes to the world of sports cars, there’s a time for an upgrade, and that time is past due for the 370Z. Nissan as a brand has innovated the sports car segment for decades, with the original Z car being a pioneer in rear-wheel drive. It’s a shame that the 370Z has gone through such minimal upgrades during its lifespan because it could be one of the top sports cars in the industry. Still, the 370Z offers a great value if you want a Nissan-powered sports car that is fun to drive and semi-affordable.

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11. Nissan GT-R

Nissan made huge buzz in 2009 when the GT-R was brought over to America. The GT-R is a legendary sports car overseas and up until 2009, you could only import one. It features a good deal of horsepower from the factory. The Nismo and Track Editions offer a real race car that is street legal. Although the car provides a fun driving experience, the overall design has become outdated. There are new sports car models that are going to be entering the market, including the new NSX.

The distinct advantage of the GT-R is that the car is a legend in the performance industry. Nissan has built the GT-R brand to be a dominant force in the drifting industry, and this is one reason why the GT-R is still highly regarded. The main competition for the GT-R is the Acura NSX, which also just recently got a revision. Still, the GT-R is going to need some type of update soon, and Nissan knows it. Indeed, it would seem both of Nissan’s sports cars have been without updates for some time now, as well as the Frontier pickup truck. Only time will tell what kind of upgrade Nissan adds to the GT-R.

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Dodge Challenger Via Motor Trend — Dodge Challenger via Motor Trend

10. Dodge Challenger

The third wheel in the current crop of pony cars and the last one with no updates is the Challenger. In its current form since 2008, the Challenger has been around the block a time or two and continues to sell like hotcakes. 66,000 of these bad boys were sold for 2018, which means that not even consumers care about the outdated platform. But the Challenger has been largely unchanged save for a few special packages such as the Hellcat and the Demon. It’s unclear what kind of changes Chrysler will make to the car in the future.

The LX platform has been one of the most popular platforms to come out of a Chrysler factory. The customer base for the Challenger is incredibly loyal, and the car continues to get revisions to the platform. But after a while, the customer base is going to want something new to hit the market, and all the packages in the world aren’t going to help. The current Challenger has been panned by critics for its heavy weight compared to other pony cars on the market. But somehow the car continues to generate interest with enthusiasts and new car shoppers alike.

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Toyota Land Cruiser via Motor Trend

9. Toyota Land Cruiser

Another big Toyota that hasn’t had a substantial upgrade in 10 years or more, the Land Cruiser remains largely unchanged. Built on the same platform as the Lexus GX, the Land Cruiser has seen minimal upgrades in its time on the market. The generations before this current Land Cruiser also saw minimal upgrades, and it would seem that Toyota doesn’t do much to the Land Cruiser line. Still, for what it’s worth, the Toyota Land Cruiser is the last capable full-size SUV on the market.

Toyota Land Cruiser Via Motor Trend — Toyota Land Cruiser via Motor Trend

You can take this thing everywhere, and in addition to the ruggedness, it’s also built for comfort. It’s hard to find a full-size SUV like the Land Cruiser that offers true off-road capability in addition to luxury. Building on its reputation for off-road quality, the Land Cruiser is purchased by a select customer base. This is the reason that Toyota might be hesitant to rapidly change the Land Cruiser with each new generation. Still, the Land Cruiser is riding on an outdated platform when you compare it to other large SUV models on the market. We can only wonder what the future holds for the Land Cruiser, and what kind of changes Toyota has in mind.

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Toyota Sequoia Via Toyota — Toyota Sequoia via Toyota

8. Toyota Sequoia

The Sequoia is another big SUV that’s been around the block a time or two. Its current form has been around since 2008. That means that the Sequoia has been through two presidential administrations and a recession yet still remains unchanged. The Sequoia is not a bad SUV by any stretch, it just lacks the more modern upgrades that its competition has. A recent TRD-Pro package was added to the Sequoia lineup. This package added a skid plate and some other unique features that made the Sequoia more durable off-road.

Toyota has spent a good deal of time revamping its SUV lineup since the 90s, but the Sequoia and the Tundra are both on an outdated platform. Consumers have been model updates across the entire SUV category and Toyota is at a standstill with its products. It’s unclear when Toyota is planning on revamping its large SUV line. So for now, the Sequoia will go on largely unchanged. And for some Sequoia loyalists, that’s quite alright, because the truck still provides big value.

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Dodge Caravan Via Edmunds — Dodge Caravan via Edmunds

7. Dodge Grand Caravan

Dodge has quite the outdated product line if you look at when each vehicle was released, and the Grand Caravan is no exception. Released in 2007 the Grand Caravan has remained the same since. Subtle improvements along the way have included a revised grille and a new Pentastar V6 engine. Aside from that, the Grand Caravan is the same vehicle that it might have been brand new in 2007, but it continues to sell well. The Grand Caravan will soldier on through the 2020 model year, and we can only wonder when it will be revamped.

Dodge changed the game with the original Caravan, introducing the world to a functional family hauler. But over time, the competition has become fierce and the Caravan has not kept up with the times. The current generation is long overdue for a redesign, and we have to say that the Caravan could use a facelift. The Grand Caravan is not a bad vehicle by any means, and features such as stop-n-go seating make the van a great value for families. But in the scheme of things, you can get a much more updated van from its competition.

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Tundra Via Motor Trend — Tundra via Motor Trend

6. Toyota Tundra

The Tundra has been around in the current form since 2006, at which time the truck was given a major overhaul. At the time of the redesign, the Tundra became one of the biggest trucks on the market in terms of size. Nowadays every other major automaker has updated its truck except for Toyota, and the company promises a new one after the 2021 model year. The current Tundra is not a bad truck by any means, the 1974 package is a rugged off-road variation. While the TRD-Pro offers an alternative to the Raptor and Titan 4X.

Where the Tundra is strong is the reputation for Toyota’s reliability. Time and time again the Tundra is one of the most reliable pickup trucks on the road. Still, reliability isn’t everything and the Tundra is in dire need of an overhaul. In the long run, the Tundra is still an outdated truck. Whether you drive a 2007 or a 2019 version it’s all the same truck, so it’s time for an upgrade.

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Lexus LX Via Motor Trend — Lexus LX via Motor Trend

5. Lexus LX

Similar to its corporate cousin the Land Cruiser, the Lexus LX is a dinosaur in the SUV world. The LX offers nothing new from its debut in 2007, in fact, even the exterior pretty much looks the same. Lexus sells very few of these every year, generally to dedicated buyers that have driven an LX for years. While it offers capable off-road power and a roomy interior, you can’t help but notice the 2007 technology that flows throughout the SUV. If you want to take a ride in a time machine, the Lexus LX will take you there, although expensively of course.

Lexus is still a brand that’s equated with quality, but the LX needs to be updated to compete with the likes of the Lincoln Navigator and the Cadillac Escalade. Toyota is set to revamp their full-size truck lines after 2021 and we can only wonder if the Lexus LX is going to get a redesign. With stiff new competition from Lincoln and Cadillac, it’s only a matter of time until Lexus loses what’s left of their full-size customers.

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Maserati Via Motor Trend — Maserati via Motor Trend

4. Maserati GranTurismo

Another highly expensive sports car that has made its way onto the list is the Maserati GranTurismo. Introduced in 2008 the GranTurismo has seen minimal updates over its lifespan and continues to be the focal point of the Maserati lineup. While other automakers have upgraded their product lines, the GranTurismo soldiers on as one of the oldest cars on the market. What it does offer is a potent V8 engine and lots of styles, but when you compare it to other offerings on the market, it doesn’t offer anything unique.

The Maserati brand, in general, is known for creating innovative vehicles that are fun to drive. The Bi-Turbo of the eighties was one of the best sports cars of the eighties, and the brand needs to get back to that innovation. The GranTurismo is perhaps one of the best-known exotics on the market right now, generally due to low resale value. We have to wonder when the GranTurismo is going to be upgraded because the 2008 technology has worn out its welcome for a lot of exotic car shoppers.

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Nissan Frontier Via Motor Trend — Nissan Frontier via Motor Trend

3. Nissan Frontier

Another outdated vehicle on the list is the Nissan Frontier, which ironically has been around in the same form since 2005. The Frontier has seen minimal updates in that time, as well as a slew of competition from other mid-size pickup trucks. There are new offerings from Ford, Toyota, and even GM. Yet Nissan has kept the Frontier in its same form while the Titan was finally upgraded. The Frontier is not a bad truck by any means, but when you take a seat inside of it you’re stepping into a time capsule. The Frontier still retains all of its early 2000s charms that were in most Nissan vehicles at the time.

Nissan has been in the truck business for a long time, and the Frontier has been a success. But the design is far outpaced by its competitors in the current midsize truck market. There are some cool features, but for the most part, the truck is stuck in 2005. The Nissan Frontier will be getting an upgrade in a year or so, but for most shoppers, it can’t come soon enough. The Nissan truck brand has a loyal following, many of whom have been disappointed by the Frontier.

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Chevrolet Express Via GM — Chevrolet Express via GM

2. Chevrolet Express

Want to take a ride in a real time capsule? The Chevrolet Express has been on sale in the same form since the 1995 model year. The van is big, loud, and you see them just about everywhere. But what has made the Express last so long? Well, these vans are reliable and they have the room that most contractors need to get the work done. Ford discontinued their Econoline van a few years back and this left the Express as the only V8 powered full-size van on the market. The current Chevrolet Express still has some updates such as a backup camera and a navigation system.

Chevrolet has been in the large van business for a long time. The Chevrolet and GMC products are well-built and have a reputation for being reliable. But for the most part, the Chevrolet Express is the same van that you might have seen back in the 90s. Nothing has changed and GM looks to keep the large van in production for the foreseeable future.

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Ford E-Series Via Ford — Ford E-Series via Ford

1. Ford E-Series

There’s one vehicle that has been on the market since 1992 in the current form, but you probably have never driven one. It’s the Ford E-Series, which is a chassis cab for commercial trucks. The E-Series is big and strong, with an optional V-10 engine. But for the most part, this platform has remained unchanged. You might see the E-Series as a delivery truck, or even a tow truck depending on what the commercial application for the truck is. The E-Series will get the job done, and get it done right.

Ford has been in the large truck business for decades, and you see commercial Ford trucks just about everywhere. We have to wonder how long Ford is going to keep the outdated platform in production. At this rate, the E-Series platform could go on longer than the Volkswagen Beetle did.

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20 Outdated Car & Truck Models Still On Sale Today

20. Aston Martin Rapide

19. Ford Taurus

18. Lexus GX

17. Lotus Evora

16. Rolls Royce Ghost

15. Toyota 4Runner

14. Dodge Journey

13. Ford Flex

12. Nissan 370Z

11. Nissan GT-R

10. Dodge Challenger

9. Toyota Land Cruiser

8. Toyota Sequoia

7. Dodge Grand Caravan

6. Toyota Tundra

5. Lexus LX

4. Maserati GranTurismo

3. Nissan Frontier

2. Chevrolet Express

1. Ford E-Series

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