10 Cars You May Have Forgotten About

Today, we’re exploring vehicles from the past 10 to 15 years that didn’t become staples on American roads. While many demonstrated impressive qualities, they are no longer in production. Most of these vehicles are cars, rather than trucks or SUVs, reflecting the American consumer’s shift away from the former. Some were initially developed for a different market, while others were simply the right car at the wrong time. 

1) Chevy SS (2014 to 2017)

Kicking off the list is the Chevy SS, which was available in the US for only four model years. Based on the Australian-market Holden Commodore, the SS served as the de facto replacement for the Pontiac G8 (2008-2009). It derives its name from Chevy’s legendary SS (Super Sport) option package and is the only model to carry “SS” as a badge rather than as a trim level.

Powered by the 415-hp 6.2-liter V8 from the C6 Corvette, the SS provided the performance of a sports car wrapped in the body of a full-size 4-door sedan. Not only could it accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, but it also came with modern safety features such as Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Warning as standard equipment.

Only available loaded in the US, the SS was initially priced in the mid-$40K range. Due to its limited production, uniqueness, and critical acclaim, the SS commands used prices between $30K and $ 50K. If you’re seeking a fun, practical, and fast car with modern safety features, the SS occupies a special automotive niche.

2) Dodge Dart (2013 to 2016)

The Dodge Dart revitalized a historic nameplate and gave the then Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA) group its first competitive entry-level sedan in years. Slightly larger than its competitors, the sharp-looking Dart boasted a significantly improved interior compared to its Caliber hatchback predecessor. However, FCA responded to consumer preferences for crossovers and SUVs by discontinuing most of its sedans in the US market. As a result, the Dart ended production after only four model years.

In 2017, then-FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne stated, “Both the Chrysler 200 and the Dodge Dart, as great products as they were, were the least financially rewarding enterprises that we've carried out inside FCA in the last eight years. I don't know one investment that was as bad as these two were."

Fun fact about the Dart: Despite ending production over eight years ago, Dodge sold a “new” Dart in September. Oddly enough, Stellantis has sold a few Darts each year dating back to 2018. The lengthy time needed to move a Dart from the dealer lot further validated Marchionne’s decision to cancel it.

3) Infiniti QX30 (2017 to 2019)

Shifting gears to Japan, Infiniti has discontinued several vehicles in recent years, including the QX30 crossover. Nissan’s luxury division produced the striking QX30 for only three model years. Based on the Mercedes GLA, the QX30 was a way for Infiniti to fast-track a new model to compete with the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The UK-built QX30 was powered by a Mercedes-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and featured Mercedes switchgear inside. In Europe, Infiniti also sold the Q30 – essentially a slightly lower hatchback version of the same vehicle. Ultimately, the QX30’s discontinuation coincided with the brand’s departure from the European market.

4) Lexus HS 250h (2010 to 2012)

Lexus has had a lot of hits, with the RX, it defined the luxury crossover segment, and with the LS luxury sedan, it put the Germans on notice. Thanks to Toyota, Lexus has also had a leg up on other automakers with its efficient hybrid systems. All signs should have pointed to its hybrid-only HS 250h sedan being a success; however, it only lasted three model years. Meanwhile, the similarly priced yet more versatile hybrid-only CT 200h that Lexus introduced a year later achieved stronger sales and lasted seven model years. The HS was initially popular in Japan but never found success in the US market. With a lower fuel economy rating than the more affordable Prius, the HS sold in limited numbers.

5) Toyota Yaris iA (2016 to 2020)

Toyota’s subcompact Yaris iA earned the title for having the most names within just five model years. Initially called the Scion iA (for 2016 only), it then became the Toyota Yaris iA (2017-2018), and finally simplified to just the Toyota Yaris (2019-2020). This sedan was based on the Mazda2, a logical partnership that provided Toyota with a competitive entry in the subcompact segment.

The Yaris iA followed the larger Mazda 3 by offering a more premium experience than its competitors. With the Yaris iA, Toyota provided buyers the opportunity to acquire a well-equipped new car in a segment traditionally known for punishing econoboxes. Despite being well-received by critics, the subcompact segment was dying out, and the Yaris iA ultimately became another one of its casualties.

6) Mazda 5 (2006 to 2015)

Speaking of Mazda, the brand has carved its niche by typically offering a more driver-focused experience and style than its competitors. While known for delivering a fun factor that goes well beyond its iconic Miata roadster, Mazdas can also be practical; nowhere is this better demonstrated than in the Mazda 5.

Unlike most others on this list, the Mazda 5 was produced for two generations. Based on the compact Mazda 3 and sharing the same footprint, the 5 was a small minivan. It featured dual sliding doors, upright styling, excellent handling, large windows, and six seats. However, unlike other 3-row vehicles on the market, the efficient design of the 5 made it as easy to park as a compact car. These smaller-sized vans have been popular in Europe for years but have never taken off in the US, where the mentality is often "bigger is better."

Produced from 2006 to 2010 for the first generation and from 2012 to 2015 for the second, Mazda sadly discontinued the 5 to focus on crossovers. It’s such a logically designed vehicle; it is a shame this segment didn’t gain traction stateside.

7) Subaru B9 Tribeca (2006 to 2014)

By the mid-2000s, the 3-row midsize crossover race started to heat up with the Honda Pilot and upscale Acura MDX. While the Outback and Forester grew larger with each generation, Subaru found itself without an entry in this rapidly growing segment. So, for 2006, the brand launched the B9 Tribeca. Its name was as unappealing as its design. Despite a rushed mid-cycle refresh in 2008 and dropping the “B9” from its name, sales continued to decline. To compound the issue, by 2008, Mazda debuted the CX-9, and Toyota unveiled a redesigned Highlander.

The Tribeca received praise for its handling capabilities and powerful engine. However, its first impression seemed to alienate buyers significantly, ultimately making it the 7th worst-selling vehicle in 2013. Subaru discontinued it after 2014, before starting over again with the Ascent in 2019.

Subaru sold 76,774 Tribecas in its entire model run (9 years), whereas they sold 81,958 Ascents in 2019 alone. It looks like Subaru made the right call.

8) Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive (2014-2017)

Long before their all-electric EQ lineup made its way to our shores, Mercedes sold the B-Class Electric Drive. With an upright van-like shape similar to the aforementioned Mazda 5, the B-Class accommodated two rows of passengers in its spacious greenhouse. Unlike anything else on the road, especially among premium vehicles, the B-Class was further distinguished by its all-electric powertrain. It launched at around $ 40,000, well ahead of the Tesla Model 3 and other sub-$50,000 premium electric cars that later entered the market.

Although the B-Class had an EPA-rated electric range of 87 miles, it featured a Tesla-derived Extended Range Plus mode that could fully charge the 36-kWh battery, extending the range to over 100 miles.

A low driving range and looks that were not appreciated in crossover-dominated America eventually sealed the B-Class’s fate. Production ended in 2017 after only 3,651 models were sold.

9) Mercedes CLS – Final Generation (2019-2023)

Upon its debut, the CLS-Class garnered significant attention for its “4-door coupe” shape. It became one of the most influential cars of the last few decades, shifting design toward a sleeker profile. Soon, the traditional 3-box sedan became less desirable, and the coupe-like silhouette was in vogue. With the BMW X6, this trend extended beyond cars and was adapted to crossovers known as “SUV coupes.”

The CLS was the four-door coupe version of the E-Class sedan on which all three CLS generations were based. Eventually, Mercedes expanded on this concept by introducing the CLA-Class as the four-door coupe variant of the A-Class sedan, along with the GLC and GLE Coupes. BMW followed a similar trajectory with its 2-Series, 4-Series, 6-Series, and 8-Series Gran Coupes, as well as the X2, X4, and X6 coupe SUVs.

As influential as the CLS was, both internally and externally to Mercedes-Benz, it belonged to a premium segment that has experienced volatility in recent decades. While the CLS is unforgettable in many ways, the third generation, which was truly stunning, served as its swan song.

10) Audi A3 Sportback e-tron (2016-2018)

Audi’s e-tron all-electric sub-brand has gradually expanded throughout the German marque’s lineup. Most are familiar with the Audi e-tron, now known as the Q8 e-tron, which was Audi’s first all-electric SUV. However, the e-tron moniker was originally applied to a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of Audi’s A3 5-door hatchback, referred to as the A3 Sportback e-tron.

Based on the second-generation A3 offered in the US, the Sportback e-tron blended hatchback versatility with hybrid efficiency. Although the hatch accelerated to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, its 17-mile electric-only range limited its appeal, and it was phased out after only a few years on the market. Priced from about $40K to $48K, the A3 occupied a niche segment.

Closing

The sheer number of models produced in recent years makes it easier to forget one of these ten vehicles. Fortunately, many enthusiasts will recognize their uniqueness and give them a well-deserved second act. Given the rapidly changing market, it will be intriguing to see which current models will appear on a similar list in the future.