2014 has been a great year in the
automotive world, with many new innovations in technology, safety, performance,
styling, and more, and for 2015, it just keeps getting better. Unfortunately, though,
2015 is also a year that we pay homage to some of the models that are getting
their swan song. Here is a list of all the vehicles that are being axed for
2015:
Acura TL and
TSX: For 2015, Acura is discontinuing three models, two of which are four-door
sedans (the TL and TSX), and one of which is a five-door wagon (the TSX). While
the TL is now in its fourth generation, and the TSX is now in its second
generation, it is finally time to say goodbye to Acura’s well-priced midsized
luxury sedans (and wagon). Fear not, though: Acura has introduced an all-new
four-door midsized luxury sedan for 2015: the TLX. Combining the best features
of both of its predecessors, the all-new TLX offers both four-cylinder and
six-cylinder power, and two automatic transmissions. Front and all-wheel-drive
will be available.
Chrysler 200
Convertible: Even though its four-door sedan sibling was redesigned for 2015,
the Chrysler 200 Convertible has seen a decline in sales over the past few
years, with most of its sales going to rental fleets. Americans just don’t see
the need for a sedan-based two-door front-wheel-drive convertible like it used
to in the late 1990s to mid-2000s. The 200 Convertible is one of a dying breed.
Dodge
Avenger: Despite its Chrysler 200 Sedan sibling being fully redesigned for
2015, the Dodge Avenger unfortunately does not make it into 2015. The 2015
Chrysler 200 offers the same features and new improvements for about the same
price. Dodge could possibly introduce a midsized rear-wheel-drive coupe with
the Avenger nameplate in the next few years, paying homage to the Mitsubishi
Eclipse-based Dodge Avenger coupe that was manufactured between 1995 and 2000.
The Dodge Avenger won’t really be missed, and the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200
Sedan picks up right where it left off.
Ford
E-Series: The Ford E-Series has been a very popular seller ever since it was
first introduced as the Econoline in the early 1960s. Unfortunately, though,
there comes a time when things get old, as the current-generation E-Series has stuck
around since 1992 virtually unchanged, despite revised styling in recent years.
For 2015, Ford introduces its Transit series, which has been a popular seller
in Europe, as much as the E-Series ever was. The new Transit series offers new
technology, performance, and safety features (i.e. the industry-first four-row
side curtain airbags), and offers more refinement than its predecessor. So will
the Transit be as popular a seller in the U.S. as it has always been in Europe?
We think so.
Honda
Insight: Ah, the Honda Insight. Before the Toyota Prius, it was America’s first
hybrid gasoline/electric vehicle that was mass-marketed. The first generation
Insight, sold from 1999 to 2006, was a two-seater, front-wheel-drive car that
featured a controversial design. In 2010, Honda decided to reintroduce the
Insight for a second generation after a four-year hiatus, offering a five-seat,
front-wheel-drive car that offered aerodynamic styling without being too
controversial. Unfortunately, though, demand for the Insight has seen a
downfall in the past few years, and Honda decided to retire the Insight earlier
this year. Worry not, though: there are still plenty of hybrid offerings in
Honda’s growing lineup: the Civic, Accord, and CR-Z all offer excellent fuel
economy and plenty of space for American consumers.
Honda Fit
EV: While its non-electric sibling gets fully redesigned for 2015, the
Honda Fit EV, which only saw a production run of about one year, is being retired.
Only available in California and Oregon, the next generation Fit EV will debut
when pigs start flying.
Jaguar XK:
When it was first introduced in the mid-1990s, the Jaguar XK was quite a car.
In the 2000s, a close competitor, the Lexus SC430, was introduced. Since the
SC430 was discontinued, the market for a premium, four-seat British coupe and
convertible has seen a decline. The F-Type will pick up where the XK will leave
off.
McLaren MP412-C: With the
introduction of its 650S sports coupe and roadster, McLaren has decided to
discontinue its MP412-C coupe and roadster. The 650S will take the MP412-C’s
place.
Mercedes-Benz
SLS AMG: Mercedes-Benz caused quite a stir when it introduced the successor to
its SLR McLaren, offering both a coupe and a roadster, and this time offering
gull-wing doors. Mercedes-Benz is beginning to plan for the introduction of yet
another successor, and therefore, we say “so long” to the SLS AMG.
Mini
Clubman: Introduced as a Mini Cooper with an extra door and barn-style rear
doors, the Mini Clubman is being replaced by a four-door sibling to the all-new
Mini Cooper Hardtop. The rear third door was awkward, and didn’t improve rear
seat access, unfortunately. We look forward to the Clubman’s successor.
Mitsubishi
Evolution: A souped-up performance version of the Lancer, the Mitsubishi Lancer
Evolution, later called the Evolution, competed with the likes of the Subaru
(Impreza) WRX and WRX STi. Due to its high base price, this four-door sedan has
sold in little numbers in the past few years. The Evolution, or “Evo”, as it’s
affectionately referred to, is being dropped for 2015.
Nissan Cube:
Originally introduced as a competitor for the Kia Soul and Scion xB, demand for
the Nissan Cube has declined in recent years due to the asymmetrical styling
and retro-like styling. While some may miss the Cube, others may not.
Nissan
Murano CrossCabriolet: When Nissan first announced that it would chop the top
off its Murano four-door crossover SUV in 2011, everyone thought it was only an
April fool’s joke. But that was only until it actually happened: Nissan DID
actually chop the top off the Murano. Nobody asked for it, yet Nissan still
delivered it. The CrossCabriolet, with its expensive base price and little
options, has been dropped from Nissan’s lineup.
Scion xD: When it was introduced, the Scion xD was only as
popular as its xA predecessor. Yet, the xD still stuck around. With the xB
still in its lineup, Scion has decided to drop the xD for 2015.
Subaru Tribeca: Originally called the B9 Tribeca, the Subaru
Tribeca has proven not to be a popular seller due to its bubble-like styling
and ancient four-speed automatic transmission. The Tribeca has (quietly) slipped
out of Subaru’s lineup for 2015, due to the introduction of an all-new 2015
Outback wagon.
Toyota FJ Cruiser: The Toyota FJ Cruiser was introduced in
2007 to pay homage to the classic Land Cruisers of yesteryear. Now in its eighth model year, the FJ Cruiser
has run its course, and is ready to be retired. While we’ll miss its off-road
ability and ruggedness, as well as its retro styling, and while Toyota still
offers its classic 4Runner, and we’ll (sadly) watch it ride off into the
sunset.
While the following vehicles aren’t being discontinued,
their manufacturers have decided to skip over the 2015 model year in preparation
for all-new models to be introduced for 2016 and beyond. The vehicles are as
follows:
-Cadillac CTS-V
-Mazda2
-Nissan Maxima
-Vincent D., Vincent’s Auto Reviews
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