Discontinued cars can provide an even greater used car value than your typical used vehicle because the term “discontinued” can be misunderstood. Sometimes, good things just don’t last, and that includes cars that are discontinued. Being discontinued doesn’t necessarily mean a model wasn’t a good one.
Some of the most popular and iconic car models, like the Toyota Land Cruiser, have been discontinued because of declining sales. Other models are discontinued because the manufacturer is heading in a new direction. A prime example is how Ford has phased out the Mustang to focus on its truck brands.
The point is that you don’t have to be afraid of buying a discontinued car. Most cars discontinued and manufactured in the last decade or two can be as reliable as any other used car. You also get the added benefit of getting more bang for your buck. From the price tag to the other financial advantages of buying used, discontinued models are an opportunity for savvy buyers.
Top 5 Discontinued Cars
New technology and the demand for alternative vehicles are changing auto manufacturing faster than ever. Keeping up with what cars are no longer going to be made can be challenging, so we’ve put together this short discontinued car list to get you started.
1. Chevrolet Cruze
It May be hard to believe, but Chevrolet only produced this popular compact four-door sedan for eight years. The Chevy Cruze resulted from the manufacturer’s commitment to building an affordable, fun-to-drive, and safe compact car. Drivers could choose from the modern-looking sedan or the sporty hatchback, both of which offer exceptional fuel economy and comfort.
Because sedans, especially compact ones, began to fall out of favor, in 2019, Chevrolet discontinued the popular Cruze. For drivers looking for a reliable and enjoyable compact with excellent gas mileage and a pretty spiffy infotainment system, the Cruze still offers a good value.
2. Ford Focus
When Ford unveiled their Ford Focus in 1999, the economy car quickly became known as the “world car” because it was produced for a global market. Featuring the latest styling, impressive suspension, and light weight, the compact was a big hit right away.
Until the Focus was discontinued in 2018, the lineup included sedans, wagons, hatchbacks, and even hybrid- and performance-models. Ford’s commitment to phasing out nearly all cars in favor of trucks and the decline in demand for compacts ended the model’s nearly two-decade run.
3. Honda Insight
Yes, even Honda discontinues models now and then, including the well-made and innovative Insight. Not to be mistaken for the current Insight that looks very much like a Prius, the Honda Insight in its first incarnation made quite a splash. The original hybrid electric two-seater rolled out in 1999 and offered the best fuel-efficiency of any gasoline-powered model in the U.S.
Like many great designs, the Insight was the first hybrid vehicle to be sold in the United States, but it wouldn’t become the most popular. Honda built other incarnations of the Insight until the last generation stopped production in 2014. The Honda Insight isn’t the easiest discontinued car to find, but it’s well worth a look.
4. Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent features sporty looks and it’s dependable, affordable, and good on gas. From the beginning in 2002 until this past year, the Accent has enjoyed a good run and may be one of the most affordable discontinued cars. Interestingly enough, the 2021 Accent was named the best subcompact car for the money by U.S. news. So why did the Accent get the axe?
Hyundai says the Accent has been discontinued due to an expanded SUV lineup, including models like the Venue. The company still produces sedan models that offer
affordability and plenty of options, such as the Elantra. An excellent alternative to the Accent, the Hyundai Elantra offers more horsepower, comfort, and a slightly larger body.
5. Jeep Liberty
Okay, it’s not a sedan, but the Jeep Liberty has been a wildly popular model often used like a sedan! The Liberty made its debut in 2002 and had the unenviable role of trying to dethrone the ever-popular Cherokee. Modern looks and a more comfortable ride were just part of Jeep’s innovations with the new model, but it’s hard to follow one of the most beloved vehicles ever.
Plenty of Jeep fans bought the Liberty over its decade-long run and found a practical and fun alternative to the family car. Because the model can’t compete with the resale value of the Cherokee or Wrangler, finding a deal on a well-maintained Liberty is pretty easy.
So which discontinued used car makes you want to take a test drive? Whether you stop by Car Time Supercenter to find a discontinued car deal or check our inventory, you can count on quality used cars at affordable prices. Call 520-750-0505 for the latest lineup and the best service in Tucson.
There are good reasons people will buy their next used car in Tucson from Car Time Supercenter. But I think we are one of the most trusted used car dealerships mainly because we treat everyone like family. My family has provided quality, dependable local used cars to Tucson customers since 1984, and I’m proud to be a part of our continued success.
Like many family-owned businesses, I grew up going to work with my dad. Falling in love with cars was natural because of my father’s passion, and eventually, I came to love the car business just like him. I officially joined the Car Time Supercenter team in 2012, starting in the finance department. Over the past decade, I’ve learned the used car business and how to treat customers from my family and industry resources.
Today, I oversee marketing, social media, inventory, and reconditioning, so I play an essential role in delivering local Tucson used car buyers the best experience possible. I also help our family business keep up with the times while providing old-fashioned customer service. From attending NADA classes to becoming Allstate certified for back-end products, I continue to learn and add skills to serve our customers better.
