The last Ford Ranger rolled off the assembly line last week, but it's not the only model that's going to fade into automotive history after 2012.
And there could be more to come: It's looking a lot like the whole Saab line will be gone as well. Josh Max, reporting for the New York Daily News, has put together this list, to which we elaborate:
BMW Active Hybrid X6. After championing diesels, BMW is increasingly going electric. But this one just didn't work out.
Buick Lucerne. General Motors is putting a huge amount of effort into updating the Buick line, but its efforts have focused more on smaller, fully featured cars aimed at young professionals. Lucerne was apparently just too dowdy.
Cadillac DTS and STS. They're both going away, but the new XTS will fill the bill for midsize to large cars. Caddy is also hinting broadly that it has a new land yacht in the works as well.
Chevrolet HHR. Created as an answer to the Plymouth, later Chrysler, PT Cruiser, the HHR was small and stylish. It accidently wandered into a hot segment, small crossovers, but GM has since come up with better ones, and there's no need for this retro look.
Dodge Dakota. Just as Ford gave up with the Ranger, Chrysler, er, Ram is throwing in the towel with small pickups.
Ford Crown Victoria. Probably the most significant model of all those going away, it's the last, great, rear-wheel drive American really full-size car. Shed a tear.
Honda Element. Originally designed for surfers, the Element became a favorite of everyone who needed an economical hauler. We think its death is premature.
Mazda RX-8. The last rotary-engine-powered car is disappearing. But Mazda hints that the Wankel engine may live on in some new form.
Mazda Tribute. This Ford Escape clone is a victim of Ford's shedding of Mazda.
Mitsubishi Eclipse and Endeavor. Both have been eclipsed as Mitsu looks to focus on electric and smaller vehicles. We'll miss the Eclipse, a fun sports car.
Nissan Altima Hybrid. It was developed using Toyota technology. Now Nissan has its own hybrid system and plans much better models.
Volvo S40 and V50. Bye-bye.
