Top 10 Cars We Said Goodbye to in 2015
The year is coming to an end, and AutoGuide.com is taking a look back at the discontinued cars we are saying goodbye to in 2015.
While some are aging models that are being replaced by new nameplates, other vehicles are just not long for this world, as the market continues to change and models are being phased out.
Here are the Top 10 cars that got axed this year.
SEE ALSO: Top 10 Cars We Said Goodbye to in 2014
Cadillac SRX
The Cadillac SRX is being replaced by the new Cadillac XT5 that made its North American debut at the 2015 L.A. Auto Show. Heading to the market as a 2017 model year vehicle, the XT5 embraces the automaker’s new nomenclature and looks to be competitive in the luxury crossover segment.
SEE ALSO: 2017 Cadillac XT5 Arrives in US, but We Have China to Thank
Honda Crosstour
The Honda Crosstour has always been an odd model in the Japanese automaker’s lineup, serving as a semi-crossover version of the Accord sedan. The slow-selling model finally got the axe this year, which makes sense, considering the Honda HR-V is now readily available and with styling that’s a lot less controversial.
SEE ALSO: Honda Crosstour Axed
Land Rover LR2
The Land Rover LR2 is giving way to the Discovery Sport as the British automaker looks to revamp its lineup. The LR2’s replacement has a bold new look with the crossover targeting a more mainstream audience. There are more rounded edges than sharp lines on the Discovery Sport, and it’s just a sign of things to come from Land Rover.
SEE ALSO: 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport Review
Mazda2 and Mazda5
This year, Mazda decided to drop the subcompact Mazda2 from its lineup in North America. Also getting axed is the Mazda5, a minivan-like model that has been replaced by the brand’s plethora of crossover and SUV offerings.
SEE ALSO: Mazda2 Dropped from US Market
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Earlier this year, we saw the introduction of the Mercedes-AMG GT, which is somewhat serving as a replacement for the outgoing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The two aren’t quite the same and the SLS AMG will always live on as a one-of-a-kind sports car, but the AMG GT has a much more affordable price tag, relatively speaking.
SEE ALSO: 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S Review
Nissan Xterra
With sales continually on the decline, Nissan chose to let go of the Xterra from its lineup. In order to keep it on the market, the automaker would have had to upgrade the SUV’s safety and emissions equipment and it appears that the investment wasn’t worth it.
SEE ALSO: Nissan Xterra Discontinued After 2015
Scion xB
With the Nissan Cube getting cut last year, it was just a matter of time before the Scion xB joined the party. The model helped pave the way for Toyota’s youth-centric brand when it was first introduced, but the boxy styling wasn’t enough to keep shoppers interested. Scion had its fair share of new introductions this year, however, with the iM and iA now available on the market. There’s also a crossover in the pipeline that was previewed with the C-HR concept at the 2015 L.A. Auto Show.
SEE ALSO: Scion xB Finally Gets the Axe
Toyota Venza
It’s perfectly understandable if you don’t recognize the Toyota Venza or knew it was even offered. The Camry-based crossover never quite caught on since its initial launch in 2009 and after one generation, it has been deemed unfit for the market. Just to give you an idea of how badly the Venza sold, it moved as many units annually as the Camry does monthly.
SEE ALSO: Toyota Venza Axed
Volkswagen Eos Convertible
Production on the Volkswagen Eos ended earlier this year as hardtop convertible models are slowly fading with consumers preferring soft-top versions or even panoramic sunroofs. Getting cut from the lineup was no secret, since Volkswagen celebrated its demise with a Final Edition model in the U.S. After nine years of production, the German automaker produced about 230,000 units.
SEE ALSO: Volkswagen Eos Production Ending in May
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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What about the Toyota Rav4 EV?
I always thought the Crosstour looked much better with bigger wheels - the standard wheels looked out of place. The Mada5 is a minivan; it is NOT minivan-like. The Venza is proof that a stupid, non-sensical name will kill a car; what in hell is a Venza? The LR2 was allowed to go too long without a re-design.