2010s Cars Drivers Were More Than Sad To Lose

2. Chrysler PT Cruiser

Even though most people regarded the PT Cruiser as a sub-standard model in terms of power and technology, it was an immensely successful sales model. Chrysler managed to sell 1.35 million PT Cruisers in just 10 years, making it one of the last big sales hits for Chrysler. The PT Cruiser’s appeal was its faux-retro design and affordable price.

Sadly, although it was reminiscent of custom cars from the past, drivers found nothing special under the hood. The PT Cruiser shared most of its mechanicals as well as its engine with the lethargic Chrysler/Plymouth Neon. While the PT Cruiser wasn’t particularly engaging to drive, it was an interesting and quirky little car.

3. Pontiac G8

Pontiac thought a rear-wheel-drive sedan like the G8 would help them fight their European competitors. The G8 was a good idea, and with a redesign and small-block V8 engine, it was a capable performance sedan, too. The base engine was a reliable 3.5-liter V6 producing 256 HP, but the real deal was the G8 GXP 6.2-liter V8 that pumped out 415 HP. Unfortunately, the G8 came too late. Most car customers weren’t ready to accept a performance sedan that could beat overpriced European models.

After years of anemic models, front-wheel-drive economy cars, and the minivans of the ’90s, Pontiac lost its performance image. Only a handful of buyers remembered what the company was famous for back in the day. When they finally presented a car capable of reclaiming the title of this performance brand, Pontiac had run out of time. In two years of production, Pontiac sold just over 30,000 G8s.

4. Hummer H3

After the sales success of the Hummer H2, General Motors decided to introduce the H3. It was a smaller but equally tough-looking SUV. Unfortunately, the car buyers didn’t accept the H3 like they did its predecessor. Unfortunately, the H3 failed to sell in significant numbers. Also, the H3 didn’t handle well off-road despite its rugged look and big wheels.

The Hummer H3 only made this list because it was the last Hummer model before GM killed this brand. It all started with the military-grade H1 and moved to the big and expensive H2. The Hummer line ended with the H3, which only looked tough. Unfortunately, it was just a GMC Canyon underneath the distinctive bodywork.

5. Dodge Dakota

As one of the top industry leaders, Dodge noticed that the full-size truck buyers didn’t always need all that power and space. They also noticed that some compact-size truck buyers didn’t always require more power and usability. So, the solution was a model of smaller dimensions than a full-size Dodge Ram that would feature an optional all-wheel drive. It would come with ample towing capacity and payload as well.

Dodge got it right, so in 1987, sales spiked significantly after they introduced the Dakota. It was the first mid-size truck on the market that was both affordable and usable. Also, it had better fuel economy than the bigger models. The Dakota wasn’t the only model on the market, but it was the most successful. However, Dodge retired it in 2011 without a replacement.

6. Chevrolet Avalanche

Many car buyers liked the Chevrolet Avalanche. For those who don’t know, it was a cool mix of a full-size SUV and a pickup truck. Chevrolet based it on the Suburban/Tahoe range. The Avalanche featured the same front end and passenger area, but the truck bed was in the back with a classic tailgate.

Although it came with the same payload and tow capacity as the Suburban, the Avalanche could carry tough-to-fit items in the back due to the open bed area. It was a practical vehicle for people with active hobbies, like those who wanted to carry dirt bikes in the back. It’s too bad that Chevy killed the Avalanche in 2013.

7. Mercedes R-Class

Mercedes wanted to cash in on the short-lived crossover craze, so in 2006, the R-Class debuted. It was a full-size luxury crossover with a somewhat controversial van styling. However, it featured all the characteristic design elements as well as the engines ranging from six-cylinder all the way to the powerful AMG V8.

However, the R-Class never really hit the mark because it was too strange for the average Mercedes buyer. Yet, it was too expensive for the average crossover customer. Undoubtedly luxurious and comfortable, the R-Class disappeared in 2013. Many Mercedes fans still miss the stupidly fast R63 AMG version.

8. Mitsubishi Eclipse

The car tuner’s favorite, most capable and affordable sports car was the Mitsubishi Eclipse. They presented it in 1990 and discontinued it in 2012. During those 22 years on the market, it was a common sight on the roads as well as one of the last cool cars Mitsubishi produced.

Unfortunately, just like the Toyota Celica or Hyundai Tiburon, the market for affordable coupes was too small. Also, the introduction of the next generation was too expensive for Mitsubishi, so the Eclipse was left for dead.

9. Ford Mustang Boss 302

Ford unveiled the Boss 302 in 1969 as a racing car homologation special for the Trans-Am races. But 43 years later, Ford revived the Boss 302 with a new 5.0-liter Coyote V8 that delivered 444 HP and 380 lb-ft of torque. Again, this was almost a pure racing car without any back seats. It had a factory-installed roll cage and a host of other external and internal modifications.

As you would expect, the performance was better than a regular Mustang GT. The 2012 Boss 302 could accelerate to 60 mph in 3.97 seconds and top 155 mph. Until there is a future version of the Boss 302, the 2012 and 2013 models are some of the coolest Mustangs of all time and definitely deserve a place on this list.

10. Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

The Cadillac CTS-V is a popular performance sedan and one of the fastest GM models ever. However, the wagon body style was something Cadillac buyers never expected. The second-generation CTS-V model they produced between 2008 and 2014 had a wagon option, which was the rarest of the three body styles Cadillac offered.

Even though the car was a blast to drive and extremely fast, the majority of customers were choosing sedans or coupes. Some buyers weren’t even aware that the wagon option existed. That is why the CTS-V Wagon is a rare but somewhat forgotten model and a future collectible.

11. Toyota FJ Cruiser

With a Land Cruiser Prado underneath the cool retro-futuristic body, the Toyota FJ Cruiser was a big hit among off-road buyers. It was a capable all-terrain SUV with an exciting design, a big V6 engine and a decent list of available equipment.

However, the American sales numbers experienced a sharp decline in recent years, so Toyota discontinued it for the North American market in 2018. However, the FJ Cruiser is still available in other parts of the world.

12. Lamborghini Gallardo

Produced for 10 years, the Lamborghini Gallardo was an immensely important model for this company. Designed with the help of Audi and powered by a V10 engine they shared with the Audi R8, the Gallardo was an affordable Lamborghini. It came with brutal performance and a true supercar design.

It was also a sports car with everyday usability and decent comfort, which made it a favorite with well-to-do customers all over the world. Even though the last one rolled off the production line in 2014, most drivers believe this car is cooler than the new Lamborghini Huracan.

13. Jaguar XKR

The proper GT cars are almost extinct, and that is why fans miss the coolest one of them all: the Jaguar XKR. Although there is the Jaguar F-Type, the XKR was a more mature and elegant proposition.

However, it was equally fast thanks to the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine. Jaguar presented the last generation XKR in 2009, selling it through 2014. So, if you want to buy one, do it fast since prices will go up soon.

14. Ford Flex

Although the Flex didn’t sell as well as Ford hoped it would, it is still a great crossover station wagon. It features retro styling and an enormous interior space with nice features as well as powerful engines, and even an optional all-wheel-drive system.

Also, the Flex has a recognizable boxy shape with loads of usable space. It comes with an excellent option list and two-tone exterior. For all the lovers of the station wagon form, this is one of the last true vehicles of this kind.

15. Chevrolet SS

With a 6.2-liter V8, 412 HP, precise steering and neutral handling, the Chevrolet SS rival Europe’s finest sports sedans. But what most people don’t know is that they rebadged the Holden from Australia as a Chevrolet and fine-tuned it for U.S. customers.

The performance numbers are respectable since a 0 to 60 mph sprint is possible in just 4.7 seconds. With a top speed of over 150 mph, the Chevrolet SS is for people who need a practical sedan, but who also want a sports car. Although they discontinued the SS, most people would love to see it come back.

16. Mini Coupe/Roadster

The initial success of the Mini inspired BMW to try some new variants to widen the appeal of the car. However, not all Mini models proved to be as successful as the original one and the Mini Coupe/Roadster is a perfect example.

They phased out the combo after just a couple of years on the market because it was not universally accepted. Still, many people miss these strange cars because they were unusual, cool and unique.

17. Nissan Xterra

When everybody was buying pseudo-off-roaders and comfortable SUV models, Nissan was offering a true all-terrain model in the form of the Xterra. This rugged SUV debuted in the late ’90s and Nissan offered it until 2015.

The Xterra didn’t come with attractive looks or an especially long list of standard features. Still, it provided great off-road usability, as well as affordable and dependable transportation for those customers who liked to use their SUVs in the mud and snow.

18. Dodge Viper

There’s no need to explain this one. The Viper is the quintessential American sports car with tons of power and fantastic design and performance. And as such, its demise has truly affected many Viper enthusiasts globally.

A comeback is possible since Chrysler can produce it. They just need to find a financially stable model since most people think the car industry is a boring mess without the Viper.

19. Aston Martin DB9

The Aston Martin DB9 is one of those legendary GT models most drivers will always miss. It came with a 5.9-liter naturally-aspirated V12 engine and gorgeous looks and swift performance.

Even though today’s Astons are faster, the DB9 is still the pinnacle of classic Aston engineering and design. You will be amazed that you can still find one at a relatively inexpensive price, so by all means, buy it before it is too late.

20. Alfa Romeo 4C

In 2013, Alfa Romeo introduced the 4C, but nobody expected such a car from the company. The 4C was a “junior supercar” with a carbon-fiber tub, lightweight construction, a cramped interior, and a four-cylinder turbocharged engine.

The heart of the 4C was a tiny, 1.8-liter engine with a turbocharger sending 238 HP to the rear wheels. Unfortunately, due to slow sales, Alfa discontinued the car. That left consumers wanting another affordable but still immensely capable Italian sports car.

21. Cadillac ATS

The BMW 3-Series might be a benchmark model in the compact executive class, but Cadillac managed to beat it with the ATS in 2013. The ATS-V performance model was even more impressive with its twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 464 HP and 445 lb-ft of torque.

Unfortunately, compact sedans have declined in popularity, so Cadillac discontinued this fantastic car in 2019.

22. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo

One of the best lessons on how to transform an ordinary car into a performance machine is the Lancer Evolution series. For decades, Mitsubishi produced fantastic rally cars they based on the dead-boring Lancer sedan.

However, when the Mitsubishi engineers installed a turbocharged engine, stiffer suspension, and capable all-wheel-drive system, the bland Lancer became the Evolution, outrunning much more expensive machines. The latest generation produced almost 300 HP and 0 to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds.

23. Volkswagen Beetle

It was one of the most excellent examples of retro design when Volkswagen presented the new Beetle in 1998. It came with cool looks, but sadly, just ordinary Golf mechanics. The model was a popular lifestyle car for younger people.

However, it achieved maturity with the second generation that Volkswagen launched in 2011. But despite the stable sales, a big fanbase, and cool features, Volkswagen still decided to kill the Beetle in favor of other more profitable cars in 2019.

24. BMW 6 Series/Gran Coupe

If you wanted to have the performance and driving dynamics of the thoroughbred GT model but still needed four doors, the choices were somewhat limited. However, there was the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe, which was probably the best-looking BMW produced in recent years.

BMW presented the 6-Series Gran Coupe in 2012 and discontinued it in 2018. It was an elegant alternative to the classic sedan but still sporty looking enough to pass as a regular coupe. However, even if they have discontinued the 6-Series Gran Coupe, the 8-Series Gran Coupe will soon be available.

25. Fiat 500 Abarth

The ordinary Fiat 500 may look cute, but it is nothing more than a stylish microcar delivering poor performance and a terrible ride. However, its evil twin, the Abarth 500, is an entirely different story. Even though the 500 Abarth delivers only 160 HP from its tiny turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, it is a seriously fast little car.

What makes it fun to drive is its low weight and compact dimensions. For those reasons, many Fiat 500 Abarth fans were devastated to find out that the FCA won’t offer any Abarths anymore.

These are the coolest cars from the 2010s we will miss. Which one will you miss the most?