As 2012 wakes, stretches and yawns, one thing is certain: Lots of models got the old heave-ho in 2011. In some cases, the parting was a sorrowful one. We'll mourn the loss of the super-versatile Honda Element, and Volvo's S40 and V50 will surely be missed.
In other cases, however, the guillotine couldn't have been dropped quickly enough.
The models listed below all got the boot last year. Let's just say we weren't exactly sad to see them go.
1: Chevrolet Aveo
The Aveo was a throwback to the days when mediocre was good enough in the compact-car segment. It offered some of the things that buyers in this segment prize, such as high fuel economy and a dirt-cheap price. Overall, it was an okay package, but the problem is that these days, most of the picks in this segment are more than merely okay -- they're excellent. Of course, the fact that Chevy has replaced the Aveo with the supremely impressive Sonic indicates that the manufacturer got that memo.
2: BMW ActiveHybrid X6
Frankly, the ActiveHybrid X6 was more confusing than anything else. Yes, it had a hybrid powertrain, but this powertrain brought only the most negligible fuel-economy benefits; you got a gain of just 1 mpg over the gas-only X6. For this mileage improvement, the ActiveHybrid X6 commanded a price premium of over $30,000 relative to its gas-only sibling. Try as we might, we couldn't see how this purchase could ever make any sense. The smartest decision that BMW ever made with this model was the decision to pull the plug.
3: Ford Ranger
Dated, dated, dated -- that just about sums up the Ford Ranger in a word or three. The compact pickup hadn't been redesigned in more than a decade, and believe us, it showed. A number of notable features offered on other Fords -- such as Sync -- weren't available on the Ranger; handling and performance trailed that of rival models by a pretty noticeable margin, as well. The truck got the boot just in time for its 30th birthday; a rather disappointing end for a truck that certainly shone in its heyday.
The list of models that got voted off the island in 2011 also includes the Cadillac STS, Cadillac DTS, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Mazda Tribute, Ram Dakota, Tesla Roadster, Mazda RX-8, Lincoln Town Car, and Lotus Exige. And of course, the entire Mercury brand also bit the dust, and none of its models will be making it into 2012.
Which models were you happiest to see go? Are there any that you wish could get a second chance?
litewerk says:
04:14 AM, 01/ 1/12
In the early years of the Dodge Dakota, it was a just-right size utility vehicle for those not needing a full-sized pick-up. Originally available with a 4 or a 6 with a stick or automatic, it later got a V-8. Over the years it seemed to grow in size and weight. And, the price grew too, so that there wasn't a very compelling reason to get one over a base model Ram. What will be most missed will be the 1st and 2nd generation models.
litewerk says:
04:22 AM, 01/ 1/12
In the early years of the Dodge Dakota, it was a just-right size utility vehicle for those not needing a full-sized pick-up. Originally available with a 4 or a 6 with a stick or automatic, it later got a V-8. Over the years it seemed to grow in size and weight. And, the price grew too, so that there wasn't a very compelling reason to get one over a base model Ram. What will be most missed will be the 1st and 2nd generation models.
transpower says:
07:19 AM, 01/ 1/12
Ford Motor Company needs to bring back the Mercury brand, but make it noticeably more upscale than the corresponding Ford models; it really should be "Lincoln, Jr." Buick is doing very well in China; Mercury should be going up against Buick in China and all around the world, just as Ford goes up against Chevrolet. Lincoln also needs to be upgraded, as well.
hondacura4 says:
09:17 AM, 01/ 1/12
The Mercury brand needed to be axed long ago as all of its offerings were based on badge engineering. As of now, Ford has moved their own products up the price ladder to take place of the Mercury brand. Smart move on Fords part.
moparbad says:
10:05 AM, 01/ 1/12
98,337 Rangers built in Twin Cities Assembly in 2011 before the last one was built on December 16th.
Ford Ranger is right sized. Not too big, not too little. 27 mpg highway for dated truck with it's dated four cylinder with 5 speed manual. 2012 Tacoma can't manage better than 25 mpg with all it's modern attributes.
Single cab Ranger with 7 foot bed makes sense to keep in Ford lineup. There is a market for compact trucks and I say the sales of the Ranger prove it.
Automotive executives, press and the public too often point to low sales numbers for midsize trucks to demonstrate the failure of the compact truck market. Midsize trucks are too close in size to full size in price and capability. All it proves is that supersizing compact trucks sells full size trucks.
I'd like to see the performance numbers compared for four cylinder single cab Ranger compared to four cylinder single cab Tacoma. Ranger I suspect is better than it is portrayed.
Ranger deserves a second chance. It won't get one, at least not at Twin Cities.
Extended cab 4WD or 2WD models with 4.0L engine I'm glad to see gone as there are better alternatives.
cr_driver says:
11:48 AM, 01/ 1/12
"Of course, the fact that Chevy has replaced the Aveo with the supremely impressive Sonic indicates that the manufacturer got that memo."
Well, too bad their factory workers didn`t get the memo to install the rear pads to their cars.
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2012-chevy-sonic-brake-pad-recall/
firstwagon says:
05:17 PM, 01/ 1/12
"The Aveo was a throwback to the days when mediocre was good enough in the compact-car segment. It offered some of the things that buyers in this segment prize, such as high fuel economy and a dirt-cheap price"
Even those things weren't good enough for the market. The Aveo had real trouble getting it's mpg numbers (unlike the Fit and Yaris) and you could get the crude but still much better Accent for the same price as the Aveo. It really was a car bought only by people who didn't test drive anything else. An embrassing moment for the worlds largest car company.
don_g says:
06:31 PM, 01/ 1/12
Why show a Picture of a Chevy Sonic?????????
How about a picture of a F150 or a activehybrid 5 series...
Would make just as much sense...
firstwagon says:
06:53 PM, 01/ 1/12
don_g
The Sonic is an Aveo, it's just the next generation (and a new name which is a GM tradition when a car flops).
They should have shown a previous gen picture though.
se_riously says:
01:56 AM, 01/ 2/12
Mitsubishi Eclipse. Originally started as a lightweight, high-powered, reasonably priced AWD turbo model that kicked butt in its class.
wallabyguy says:
04:29 AM, 01/ 2/12
You are wrong on the Lotus being axed. The Elise was discontinued for the US but still is alove and well in other markets. The Exige had a major make-over including the replacement of the Toyota 2ZZ 4 banger with the 3.5L Supercharged V6 used in the Evora. While not yet announced for North America, the car is likely bound here in at least "off-road" form before mid year.
three40duster says:
06:23 AM, 01/ 2/12
I will miss the Dakota, having owned 4 of them. Unfortunately, like was said, they made them too expensive. To get a Dakota optioned the same as my 11 Ram, it would have cost the same, gotten worse fuel mileage, and still not did what I needed my new truck to do. My 2005 though was great. I got it as a stripped down V8/auto for about $5k less than a Ram would have been. Too bad they screwed that all up for 2006+.
As far as the Aveo is concerned. Trash it.
The S40 had a good chance to be nice, but the back seat was utterly useless. I'm only 5'10 (30" inseam) and when sitting in driving position, nobody could sit in the back seat behind me.
charleytampa says:
06:27 AM, 01/ 2/12
I'm somewhat sad at the Ranger's passing. My father in law just purchased a late model Ranger and I was fairly impressed with it. It got 20 something mpg in ordinary driving, was fairly comfortable, inexpensive, easy to maintain and fix yourself, and it was the perfect size. I know, I have a full size Tundra with 22 inch wheels, but in the Ranger I don't have to three-point turn every time I'm trying to park the thing. The truck just hearkens back to a day before all the modern excesses (and yes, I know the Tundra has them, but the decision to purchase it was based upon tax incentives and the "image" I'm afraid my job demands).
Whoever said Mitsu lost its way with the Eclipse is absolutely dead on. When that, and the Laser, came out in what....93 or so? It was one bad ass little puppy. Cheap, quick, and fun to drive, it's become a two door Galant. Yech.
tourian says:
07:45 AM, 01/ 2/12
"Why show a Picture of a Chevy Sonic?????????"
Agreed. It is very disinegenious and ironic since they go on to say how good the Sonic is (and it is selling very well.)
"The Sonic is an Aveo, it's just the next generation (and a new name which is a GM tradition when a car flops)."
But using the picture implies it was one of the 3 cars that flopped and had been axed.
" it's become a two door Galant."
Technically, Eclipses (and Talons and Lasers) have ALWAYS beeen 2-door Galants. They are all built on the Chrysler D platform which is a chopped version of Mitsubishi's Galant platform specifically built in Normal, IL. The Galant grew and spawned the Endeavor so the Eclipse grew with it.
greenpony says:
08:25 AM, 01/ 2/12
I guess Ford didn't want to invest in updating the Ranger, which is sad. There is demand for a compact pickup with good fuel economy. Yeah, the F-150 might be rated at 23 highway in a certain configuration, but the Ranger topped out at an estimated 27 highway. They could have offered the 2.0 from the Focus instead of the 2.3, and dropped the 2.0T in there instead of the boat anchor 4.0. Add modern transmissions and maybe a styling makeover, and voila! More power, more style, better fuel economy, more sales. Sadly, the desire to keep the "F series" in the #1 sales slot probably helped kill the chance of an updated Ranger.
kshankar says:
03:17 PM, 01/ 2/12
Firstwagon, you are right. Also Cruze, Verano, Spark are all Daewoo designed and/or built.
tempesting says:
04:21 PM, 01/ 2/12
Cadillac STS? that car just needed a bit of update or refresh :(
wjtinatl says:
04:26 PM, 01/ 2/12
What will Orkin technicians and Cable TV installers everywhere drive if the Ranger goes away?
moparbad says:
08:49 AM, 01/ 3/12
Ancient Ranger obtains 29% better mpg city than F150 comparing highest mpg configuration of both trucks. That is a very significant difference.
Sure, Ford expects F150 to replace Ranger sales since F150 is one of the highest profit per unit model sold in North America.
What will really happen is Ford will lose customers to Toyota, Nissan and GM.
dougnash2009 says:
09:08 AM, 01/ 3/12
moparbad - None of those details are important, at the bottom line. One of my oldest friends is a Ford company exec. He told me that the Ranger line was a complete loss-leader for the company. They lose money on every one that leaves a dealer. For that period of time, it was fine because they would get a massive number of those buyers back to eventually buy a high-profit F150.
Times have changed, and that business model isn't relevant for Ford any longer. So, laters, Ranger.
viss1 says:
09:40 AM, 01/ 3/12
I would like to hear more about how the Ranger was a money-loser for Ford. Any tooling costs must have been amortized out at least a decade ago.
Personally, I'm still a big fan of the Ranger. Compare it back-to-back with a Colorado/Canyon and it still holds its own. Even though the interior hasn't been updated in 15 years, it still looks as good as the GM twins.' And that ancient 4.0L equals GM's 5-cylinder in fuel economy, if not in power.
A fullsize truck is no substitute for me. If you regularly drive in urban areas, the width of a fullsize (and length, if you drive anything other than a regular cab) gets pretty ridiculous. An extended-cab compact is still manageable downtown.
moparbad says:
09:51 AM, 01/ 3/12
re dougnash
Ford Ranger is and was profitable, it is not a loss leader. There were two reasons the plant remained open after Ford announced it was closing in 2006, most important reason is the Ranger continued to generate sales numbers beyond Fords expectations and the line was profitable to the very end, second reason was labor relations with UAW. Continued sales above 50,000 units year over year surpassed Fords predictions and the investment and tooling was paid for with minimal investments as the Ranger aged. Ranger was low profit, it was profitable.
Yes times have changed, and the Ranger did not. Efficiency and cost are more important today and going forward than they have been for the past 15 years. Lighter, smaller, fuel efficient trucks will play a greater role to meet the needs of the public and cafe requirements for manufacturers. The age of supersized SUV and pickup trucks being driven by suburbanites for no reason other than "just because" has reached it's peak. Times have changed.
Full size trucks are slow to change, they will change.
csubowtie says:
12:02 PM, 01/ 3/12
I will miss the Ranger. It did need a serious update, I mean really, it's hasn't seen major updates for more than half my life. But, I will miss the line, and along with the GM twins and the Dakota, I will miss the domestic small truck.
rmartinez007 says:
02:40 PM, 01/ 3/12
As we can see from the above comments, THERE IS A MARKET FOR MID-SIZE PICKUPS! Ford will regret giving the axe to the Ranger. GM was about to give the axe to the Colorado, but ran back to the drawing board when they found out that the Ranger was gonna be no more. GM has now decided to bring the new Colorado to the states also. Give me a Mid size crew-cab long bed pickup (such as the Tacoma) that'll give me at least 25 mpg in that configuration and I'll trade in my Sierra!
ptcdawg says:
05:32 PM, 01/ 3/12
dumb dumb move, Ford axing the Ranger.
mikey85 says:
06:45 PM, 01/ 3/12
Where is the Dodge Caliber on this list? Fail from the get go..... @ least the Dodge dart looks like it finally nails what is needed in the compact segment for Chrysler/Fiat Corp.
moparbad says:
11:12 AM, 01/ 4/12
Ranger outsold the Mustang for 2011.
Ranger outsold the Fiesta for 2011.
Ford says there is no market for the Ranger.
northsparrow says:
08:26 AM, 01/ 5/12
moparbad
Thanks for your thorough and intelligent defense of the Ranger.
The Ranger sold very well up here in Canada where fuel mileage is a more important factor in purchase decisions.
I suspect Ford thinks the Transit Connect will fill in some of the gap created by the departure of the Ranger but sadly that vehicle is made in Turkey so the folks in Minnesota are now unemployed.
It would not be surprising to see a new Ranger imported from Asia if another suicidal free trade deal is reached with whichever country makes it.