March 29, 2024
Used Cadillac CTS for Sale

5 Discontinued Cars We Wish Were Back in Showrooms

Good-byes are rarely easy, and when automakers stop making our favorite models, it stings. Here are five discontinued cars we wish hadn’t been. Here’s hoping they return one day, maybe even as EVs.

Fiat 124 Spider: Where Have All the Roadsters Gone?

2021 Was a challenging year all around. But it seems it was especially tough on cars named for arachnids. Alfa Romeo nixed the 4C Spider, and Fiat pulled the plug on the 124 Spider. Of course, there are plenty of roadsters still available, but we loved the Fiat 124 Spider because it hit the sweet spot: more refined than the Mazda MX-5 Miata and more affordable than the Alfa Romeo and most of the other European roadsters.

Acura ZDX: The Trendsetting Crossover Coupe

It was a “crossover coupe” ahead of its time. The Acura ZDX took design cues from SUVs, sports coupes, and hatchbacks to create a crossover that was pretty darn sexy. But not everyone appreciated the wedge-shaped crossover, despite its luxurious interior and a 300-horsepower engine.

Acura stopped making the ZDX in 2013 to concentrate its resources on better-selling models like the RDX. And now, nearly a decade later, crossover coupes like the Ford Mustang Mach-e are lighting up the pre-order lines. Maybe it’s time for Acura to reimagine the ZDX as an EV.

Nissan Xterra: A New Model Could Be a Bronco Buster

When it came to super cool, super-capable SUVs, the Nissan Xterra topped a lot of Best-Of lists. It could climb and crawl with the Jeep Wrangler and was loaded with modern amenities and creature comforts that added enjoyment to every adventure. After its hugely popular debut, sales began to wane, and Nissan discontinued the Xterra after the 2015 model year.

But with the rebirth of the Ford Bronco and the continued popularity of the Wrangler, a new Xterra could certainly lay its claim to the title King of the Mountain. Considering that rumors about its return won’t go away, maybe it’s time for Nissan to reconsider and bring back the Xterra.

Cadillac CTS: The Sedan with All the Boss Moves

Sporty, sleek, and sophisticated, the Cadillac CTS ushered in a new era of touring sedans. It rode like a cloud and handled like a sports car (earlier models even came with an optional manual transmission). Loaded with premium features and luxury appointments like leather seats, plus a beefy V6 engine, the CTS (and the even more powerful CTS-V) was an affordable alternative to pricier European sedans.

The Cadillac CTS was a favorite among critics and luxury car drivers through its first two generations. Sales of the third generation tailed off, and the model was axed in 2019. But if you long for an affordable, comfortable commuter sedan, you can find some great deals on a used Cadillac CTS for sale.

Ford Flex: The Car That Couldn’t be Pigeonholed

Either you loved the Ford Flex, or you hated it. We loved it because it had a throwback quality reminiscent of the old woodie wagons. It refused to be typecast as either an SUV or a station wagon. The Flex was versatile, roomy, and you didn’t need to hop up to get in. Alas, its design was too quirky to please the masses. Fans of the Flex snapped them up when Ford announced it was ending production, increasing its sales by more than 4,000 in its final year.

We Can Dream, Can’t We?

There you have it. The 5 cars we would love to watch make their triumphant return to showrooms. Which discontinued models would you like to see make a comeback?

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