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The death list: Cars that aren't coming back for 2013
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The only thing truly constant, it’s said, is change. With the possible exceptions of the Porsche 911 and every model built by the Morgan Motor Company, nowhere is this adage more true than in the automotive industry.
We said goodbye to a fair number of cars in 2012, including some that were one-time favorites and others that, frankly, we’re glad to see go. Some went out with a flourish, while others simple went gently into that good night of automotive oblivion.
The following is an obituary for 14 models that will be signing off in 2012 or 2013. Bow your head respectfully, and read on.
Tesla Roadster
Proving that the wealthy can have an environmentally sensitive side, too, Tesla managed to sell every $100k-plus Roadster it built. Impractical as anything other than a sunny-day toy, the demise of the Lotus Elise in the U.S. signaled the end of Tesla Roadster production.
Chevrolet Avalanche / Cadillac Escalade EXT
Part truck, part SUV, the Chevy Avalanche helped to create the market for crew-cab pickup trucks. Ironically, the growth in crew-cab sales came at the expense of the Avalanche, which has seen declining sales in recent years. Whether or not the Cadillac Escalade EXT (a badge engineered Avalanche) was a success depends upon your perspective: it never sold in large quantities, but it did out-live the Lincoln Blackwood luxury pickup. Both models are going away in the 2013 model year.
Chevrolet Aveo
There’s one reason and one reason only to buy a Chevy Aveo: it’s inexpensive, and you need basic transportation. A prime example of why domestic automakers have been losing ground to import brands, the Aveo should have been killed off years ago. It’s replacement, the Sonic (which, ironically is built on the same platform), is a superior car in every way.
Ford Escape Hybrid
If ever there was an automotive “Little Engine That Could,” it was the Ford Escape Hybrid. Doubt that hybrids can be as reliable as conventionally powered cars? Tell that to the thousands of trouble-free Escape Hybrids that plowed the streets of New York City as yellow cabs, delivering fuel economy up to 34 mpg. While the 2013 Escape promises to be better in every way (except city fuel economy), it’s got some big shoes to fill.
Lexus HS 250h
We’re still not sure if re-bodying a Prius, upping the luxury content and adding $13k to the sticker was sheer genius or pure desperation on Lexus’ part, but consumers voted with their wallets when the more affordable Lexus CT 200h hybrid was released. Sales of the HS 250h fell off a cliff in 2011, and they’re looking even worse in 2012. We’re not surprised that Lexus pulled the plug without so much as a simple goodbye.
