The Great Trunks We Left Behind
There was a time when the traditional four-door sedan ruled the American driveway, serving as the undisputed king of family road trips, grocery runs, and daily commutes. Before massive crossovers and boxy SUVs completely took over the suburban landscape, these low-slung passenger cars were the backbone of the automotive industry. However, changing consumer tastes and a sudden industry-wide shift toward larger utility vehicles pushed dozens of iconic nameplates straight into early retirement.
1. Ford Taurus
The best-selling car in America traded its boxy shape for something much different when it debuted in the mid-'80s. Rounded lines gave it an aggressive aerodynamic look that caused competitors to abandon their mesh grille designs. Tauruses roamed every suburban driveway for years until they became too big and expensive for Ford.
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2. Pontiac Grand Am
If you grew up anywhere in the suburban United States during the late nineties, you couldn't look anywhere without seeing these plastic-clad commuter cars. Drivers absolutely loved the aggressive strakes on the lower body panels, which gave an otherwise sensible compact car a distinct, sporty attitude. It was the quintessential first vehicle for countless college students.
3. Chevrolet Impala
Dating all the way back to the golden age of American highway cruisers, this massive full-size sedan was once the ultimate symbol of working-class luxury. Later generations transitioned into dependable, spacious front-wheel-drive cruisers that became incredibly popular with taxi fleets and police departments across the country. The final versions offered a surprisingly quiet, premium cabin.
4. Chrysler 200
Years after the Taurus changed shape, Chrysler tried to win back drivers with this sleek sedan. They pumped billions into developing a swoopy exterior and high-tech cabin. Back-seat space and fierce Japanese competition were just a few reasons why it flopped.
5. Dodge Dart
Reviving a classic muscle-car nameplate for a modern, Alfa Romeo-based compact sedan seemed like an absolute stroke of marketing genius on paper. It featured a distinct, full-width LED racetrack taillight array that made it look incredibly cool when cruising down the highway at night. Drivers could choose from a massive variety of bright paint colors and customizable interior trim options to make the car stand out.
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6. Oldsmobile Alero
As the last car ever produced by Oldsmobile, the Alero did everything it could to save its brand. Sleek headlights and modern shapes gave it some charm, though its beauty was lost on car buyers. Some considered the car to be an everyday Chevy Cruze before production came to an end.
7. Buick Regal
While early versions of this nameplate were famous for their plush, sofa-like velvet seating, the modern iterations transformed into sophisticated, Euro-centric sports sedans. Developed by GM's German Opel branch, these hidden gems offered an incredibly firm ride and sharp handling that caught many traditional buyers completely off guard. The final variants even featured a clever hatchback design disguised as a traditional trunk lid.
8. Mercury Sable
The brother to Ford's Taurus can easily be recognized by its single wide headlight. Sales dwindled years after Mercury disappeared, but for a while Sables were a common sight. Smooth rides and lounge-like back seats made the Sable a daily workhorse.
9. Mitsubishi Galant
For a long time, this Japanese mid-size entry was a highly respected alternative to the wildly popular Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. It offered sharp, chiseled styling and a surprisingly sporty driving experience that appealed to consumers who wanted something a bit different. Certain performance trims even featured potent V6 engines that could easily outrun standard family haulers of the era.
10. Saturn S-Series
Saturn cars were made by the hippie division of GM and featured kick-proof sides. Not only were the cars cool to look at, but buying one was pleasant too. Saturn dealers took the haggle out of purchasing a car, making buying one stress-free.
11. Mazda 6
This gorgeous mid-size machine was widely considered the absolute best-handling car in its segment, offering a genuine athletic experience for everyday families. It possessed a stunning, flowing exterior design language that made it look far more expensive than its actual budget-friendly price tag. Inside, the premium materials and minimalist dashboard layout gave off serious German luxury vehicle vibes.
12. Volkswagen Passat
Tailor-made specifically for the unique tastes of American drivers, this massive German cruiser offered an incredible amount of rear legroom that put full-sized trucks to shame. It was built in a dedicated, state-of-the-art facility in Tennessee and featured a clean, conservative design that aged remarkably well over the years. The car specialized in effortless, high-speed highway cruising while delivering excellent fuel economy.
13. Hyundai Azera
Hidden between the mainstream Sonata and flashy Genesis line, the Azera impressed drivers with upscale goodies. Features typical of luxury cars, like power sunshades and heated wheels, were all standard on this sedan. A smooth V6 engine gave passengers quiet rides on the highway.
14. Suzuki Verona
When a bargain-hunting Japanese motorcycle company partnered with a Korean manufacturer to build a mid-size family vehicle, the result was this short-lived curiosity. It stood out from the competitive pack by offering a unique, ultra-smooth inline-six engine mounted sideways under the hood. While the sleek Italian-designed body looked surprisingly modern, the car suffered from underwhelming acceleration.
15. Saab 9-5
Saabs are nothing short of a passion project built by car enthusiasts with airplane backgrounds. They even moved the ignition to the center console as a result. Interactive head restraints and darkened dashboard modes were just some of the quirky technologies inside.
Vitali Adutskevich on Unsplash
16. Toyota Avalon
Serving as the ultimate, unpretentious luxury cruiser for decades, this large car offered a ride quality that felt like floating along on a fluffy cloud. It was engineered strictly for maximum comfort, featuring massive, sofa-like leather seats and a whisper-quiet cabin that completely blocked out the noisy outside world. Toyota eventually retired the respected nameplate to introduce a taller, high-riding sedan hybrid called the Crown.
17. Nissan Maxima
The Maxima was sold as a hardcore sports car disguised as a sedan. Nissan equipped these cars with juicy V6 engines and tuned suspensions for extra fun. Maximas always had cool bodywork with swirling character lines and sporty bumpers.
18. Kia Cadenza
This handsome, sophisticated passenger car proved that the Korean brand could build an elegant luxury vehicle capable of competing with the European elite. It featured a striking concave front grille and an incredibly rich interior lined with real wood accents and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The car offered a remarkably composed, quiet highway ride.
19. Subaru Legacy
Legacy sedans were the standard pick for AWD fans in colder climates. Boxy body shapes and durable mechanics made these sedans great highway cruisers. Then Subaru introduced the Subaru Outback wagon, and sales dropped.
20. Lincoln Continental
The final generation of this historic American flagship tried to revive old-school glamour by offering elegant, touch-sensitive electronic door handles mounted directly on the window chrome. It could be ordered with an ultra-exclusive package that included thirty-way adjustable massage seats and coach-style rear passenger doors. This gorgeous cruiser represented a bold, final stand for traditional American luxury design.
