Cars from around the globe are leaving the U.S. market and we’re breaking down the most important ones that aren’t going to be available.
Each year brings a new slew of automotive models and trims to dive into but at the same time, a few fade into history. Today, we’re going to take a look at several that are about to go out of production or are recently gone. If one of these has been on your shortlist, the time to buy is now.
It’s hard to overstate just how important the R8 has been for Audi. It elevated the brand in the eyes of so many to a level that few other flagship cars have. Originally available with a V8 back in 2006, the final version packed with a Lamborghini-designed V10 won’t return for the 2024 model year. It exits as Audi continues to press forward toward an all-electric future. Don’t be too sad though, the RS6 Avant continues to live on with over 650 horsepower.
Speaking of the R8, the TT largely represented the poor-man’s R8 and it’s also gone for the global market after the 2023 model year. It leaves after 25 years of production with models ranging from simple four-cylinder front-wheel drive runabouts to five-cylinder Quattro-enhanced track toys. The good news is that it appears as though Audi has some desire to bring it back but with an all-electric drivetrain in the future.
The Chrysler 300 represented half of the entire brand’s lineup and now it’s gone. It exits with a special 485 hp version featuring a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 available in limited numbers. Over its lifetime it went from a promising flagship to far too long in the tooth. As it goes, Chrysler has unveiled its Halcyon concept that could begin a new positive era for the brand that now only sells minivans. Of course, it’ll need to happen fast if it’s going to debut next year as Chrysler promises.
Along with the Chrysler 300, Dodge is axing the Charger and Challenger after a similarly lengthy lifespan. As they exit, they leave mixed feelings behind. It was no secret that both were comically old but they were also very charming. Along with their exit, the Hellcat engines also go the way of the Dodo. On a positive note, each is sort of getting a replacement as the Charger is returning for 2025 in a new form that happens to be a two-door coupe.
Much like the Charger and Challenger, the Durango leaves after the 2024 model year. That’s over a decade on this single platform after its introduction in 2011. With it, it takes the HEMI V8 out of the entire Dodge family. Just as the Charger and Challenger left with a “Last Call” series, the Durango will do the same and we expect some truly remarkable versions before it goes.
The F8 is a special car but the Tributo will go down in history as the very last non-electrified entry-level V8 Ferrari coupe. It almost didn’t make this list though because in reality, Ferrari ended 2023 model production after building only a single example and delivered it relatively early during that same year. That said, the Spider drop-top version is still widely available for those who want to splash a lot of cash on a prancing horse.
Another brand that could use more models in its lineup is Fiat and in 2024, the 500X goes away in favor of the new 500e. The 500X was heavily focused on the midsize crossover segment. The 500e is all about persuading those interested in an electric vehicle to give Fiat a shot. Will that be enough to save the brand in the USA? We sure hope so.
Ten years ago, the Cherokee returned to production after an absence. Now, it’s dead again as Jeep focuses on the Grand Cherokee and the upcoming Recon. In general, the brand is mostly headed upmarket and the Wagoneer S is another good indicator of that. Now that Stellantis has a new president in the North American market, things could change too.
The Renegade is going away as well which makes the Compass the lone Jeep on offer for less than $30,000. Frankly, the Renegade wasn’t exactly a value-oriented model anyway. The Trailhawk trim was objectively more interesting than much of the competition but beyond that, it was hard to justify its price and cheap interior quality.
The MX-30 is such a strange little vehicle that we’re honestly a bit surprised that it ever made it to production. It drives great, feels really nice in the cabin, and looks fun too. Sadly, it offers such short battery range, just 100 miles, and costs so much, some $34,645 before options, that it never made a lot of sense. Hopefully, Mazda’s latest foray into electrification, its plug-in hybrid the CX-90 turns out to be a smash hit that finances the next all-electric Mazda.
There was some hope last year that the Maxima might not leave production but instead that it would end up as a hybrid or an EV for the 2025 model year. For whatever reason, Nissan hasn’t gone that route. It appears that Nissan might have truly missed the boat when it comes to EV and hybrid sales though. As Honda and Toyota had big fourth-quarter sales, Nissan lagged far behind. Perhaps this is the time when they reevaluate and bring us the RWD electrified Maxima that we’ve craved for years.