Alright, car enthusiasts and casual drivers alike, let’s play a little game of automotive hide-and-seek! With the sheer number of vehicles rolling off production lines and gracing our roads, it’s frankly impossible to keep track of every single one. Seriously, between all the new models, the electric wave (which, let’s be honest, had a few wipeouts like Canoo and Fisker!), and the countless nameplates that have come and gone, our brains just can’t hold it all.
So, prepare for a trip down memory lane, or perhaps, a trip into the forgotten corners of your mind! We’re not talking about those super niche, one-off concept cars that never saw the light of day. No, no. We’re digging up the common models and nameplates, the ones that were actually on sale, but somehow just… evaporated from collective consciousness. You know, those cars that make you do a double-take and mutter, “Wait, they made that?”
It’s time to jog our collective memories and shine a spotlight on some of the coolest, quirkiest, or just plain *there* cars that somehow manage to slip through the cracks of our automotive recall. Get ready to rediscover some vehicles you genuinely forgot existed, because who doesn’t love a good “I totally forgot about that!” moment?
1. **Toyota Crown Signia**Let’s kick things off with a rather recent addition to the “Where did that come from?” club: the Toyota Crown Signia. This model, which stepped in as the Venza successor, was actually introduced as recently as the fall of 2023. You’d think a brand-new Toyota would make a splash, right? Well, apparently, it prefers to operate in stealth mode, because it has largely flown under the radar since its debut.
It’s a curious case, really. We’ve yet to see one of these bad boys cruising the streets, and honestly, that’s not entirely surprising given its sales figures. Toyota only managed to sell 10,263 of them in the United States last year. Now, before you gasp, it’s worth noting that the model didn’t even arrive until the summer, meaning that number only accounts for about six months of sales. Still, it paints a picture of a car that’s having a tough time making its presence felt.
Perhaps it’s just a late bloomer, or maybe it’s designed for those who prefer their style to be subtle rather than screaming for attention. Either way, the Toyota Crown Signia is a prime example of a vehicle that, despite its lineage, has yet to carve out a memorable spot in the everyday automotive landscape. Keep an eye out, you might just spot an automotive unicorn.
Car Model Information: 2024 INFINITI QX60 Luxe
Name: Toyota Crown
Caption: 2024 Toyota Crown Sedan Z FCEV (KZSM30, Japan)
Manufacturer: Toyota
Production: 1955–present
Assembly: unbulleted list
Class: Full-size car
BodyStyle: unbulleted list
Layout: unbulleted list
Related: unbulleted list
Predecessor: Toyota RH
Successor: unbulleted list
Categories: 1960s cars, 1970s cars, 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2000s cars
Summary: The Toyota Crown (Japanese: トヨタ・クラウン, Hepburn: Toyota Kuraun) is an automobile which has been produced by Toyota in Japan since 1955. It is primarily a line of executive cars that is marketed as an upscale offering in the Toyota lineup.
In North America, the first through fourth generations were offered from 1958 through 1972, being replaced by the Corona Mark II. The Crown nameplate returned to the North American market in 2022, when the sixteenth-generation model was released. The Crown has also been partially succeeded in export markets by its closely related sibling, the Lexus GS, which since its debut in 1991 as the Toyota Aristo has always shared the Crown’s platform and powertrain options. Later models of the GS and Crown have taken on a very strong aesthetic kinship through shared design cues.
In 2022, Toyota unveiled four different Crown models to replace the fifteenth-generation model. The first model that is available is the Crossover-type Crown. The remaining three models: Sedan, Sport, and Estate, were released between 2023 and 2024 respectively, and are available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell powertrains depending on the model.
Get more information about: Toyota Crown
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Brand: Toyota Model: Crown Signia
Price: $41,679 Mileage: 3,989 mi.
Read more about: Rare Cars of the 1980s: Icons of Performance Innovation and Style
2. **Lexus IS C**Moving on to a bit of a blast from the past, we have the Lexus IS C. Remember this sleek hardtop convertible? If you’re scratching your head, don’t worry, you’re not alone! This stylish two-door made its grand entrance at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, promising open-air exhilaration with Lexus luxury. It certainly had the chops to impress, offering stateside drivers a choice of 2.5- and 3.5-liter engines, with the latter pumping out a respectable 306 hp.
Beyond its powerful engine options, the IS C boasted a retractable roof that could transform the car from a cozy coupe to a wind-in-your-hair convertible in less than 21 seconds. Pretty neat, right? Yet, despite these appealing features and its luxurious badge, the IS C struggled to leave a lasting impression. It was, as the experts put it, “not nearly as memorable as the SC.”
Perhaps it was overshadowed by its more iconic convertible sibling, or maybe the timing just wasn’t right for a hardtop convertible trying to make a big splash. Whatever the reason, the Lexus IS C has quietly faded into the background, becoming one of those cars that makes you say, “Oh yeah! I totally forgot about that one!” when you finally spot one.
Car Model Information: 2024 INFINITI QX60 Luxe
Name: Lexus IS (XE20)
Alt: Front three-quarters view of a silver sedan
Manufacturer: Toyota
Production: September 2005 – April 2013
Assembly: unbulleted list
Class: Compact executive car
BodyStyle: unbulleted list
Layout: unbulleted list
Platform: Toyota N platform
Engine: unbulleted list
Transmission: unbulleted list
Wheelbase: 2730 mm
Abbr: on (ISnbspF)
Length: unbulleted list
Width: convert
Height: convert
Weight: convert
Predecessor: Lexus IS (XE10)
Successor: unbulleted list
Categories: All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles with dead external links, Articles with dead external links from December 2017, Articles with dead external links from May 2016
Summary: The Lexus IS (XE20) is a car produced by the Japanese carmaker Toyota under its luxury division, Lexus. Classified as a compact executive car, it represented the second generation of the Lexus IS. Serving as Lexus’s entry-level sedan from 2005 until its production ended in 2013. Toyota manufactured the XE20 at the facility in Tahara, Aichi, and the Kyushu factory in Miyawaka, Fukuoka (until 2012). It was available as both a four-door sedan and a two-door coupe—the latter designated by a “C” at the end of their name (e.g., “IS 250 C”).
The development of the XE20 began in 2001 under the direction of Suguya Fukusato—chief engineer of the project. Primarily designed by Kengo Matsumoto, a pre-production version of the IS debuted at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2005. The final model debuted at the New York International Auto Show in April of the same year. Production of the IS officially began in September 2005 at both the Tahara and Miyawaka facilities. Lexus implemented a staged roll out of the XE20 models, starting with the IS 250 and IS 350 in 2005. The IS 300 and IS 220d, the latter of which marked Lexus’s first diesel model, followed in 2006. In 2010, the IS 220d was replaced by the IS 200d. Lexus also produced high-performance variants of the IS under the F marque, known as the IS F.
The XE20 shared its platform with the fourth generation of the LS and the second generation of the GS, both of which were also built at the facility in Tahara. While several minor updates have been made, the XE20 has undergone one major facelift; this update included a slightly revised front fascia, an interior refresh, and modifications to the suspension. The XE20 has been well-received by car critics, who have most praised its design and reliability. The car has received numerous accolades, including Ward’s 10 Best Engines in both 2006 and 2007 for the IS 350 and Car’s Performance Car of the Year for the IS F in 2008. Production of the XE20 ended at the Kyushu facility in 2012, while manufacture at the Tahara plant ended in the subsequent year. It was succeeded by the XE30 model, which began production in April 2013. The IS C remained in production until 2014 when it was replaced by the RC.
Get more information about: Lexus IS (XE20)
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Brand: Lexus Model: IS C
Price: $41,679 Mileage: 3,989 mi.
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3. **Mercedes B-Class**Next up, let’s talk about a Mercedes that came stateside and promptly tried to become a ghost: the B-Class. What made this particular Merc stand out (or rather, *not* stand out) was its electric powertrain, a rather forward-thinking move for 2014. Priced at a starting point of $41,450, it featured a 28 kWh battery pack and a 177 hp electric motor, even boasting connections to Tesla in its early days.
Sounds like a recipe for a memorable, if not revolutionary, vehicle, doesn’t it? Well, not so much. Despite its electric ambitions and premium badge, this hatchback is largely forgotten. And we think we know why: its “dreadful 87 mile (140 km) range.” In an era where range anxiety was already a major concern for electric vehicle adoption, a sub-100-mile range was a tough pill for consumers to swallow, even with a three-pointed star on the hood.
So, while it was an early adopter in the electric luxury hatchback space, its Achilles’ heel proved too significant to overcome. The Mercedes B-Class serves as a reminder that sometimes, even prestigious brands can produce a model that just doesn’t quite hit the mark, leading it straight into the annals of forgotten automotive history. Let’s hear it for valiant efforts, even if they end up being mostly invisible!
Read more about: Beyond Toyota and Ford: 18 Car Brands You’ve Likely Never Heard Of
4. **Chevrolet Corsica**Ah, the Chevrolet Corsica. Just the name might conjure up images of… well, not much, and that’s precisely the point! This car is the poster child for the “malaise era” vehicles that could easily populate an entire list of forgotten rides. Described as a “perfectly bland, rental fleet small sedan with an underwhelming engine and transmission,” it was the kind of car that “sort of got the job done most of the time.”
Imagine this: you’re on a business trip in Columbus, Ohio, step out of your hotel, and boom—a sea of white Corsicas in the parking lot. You spend three frustrating tries just to find your own rental. That’s the reality of the Corsica for many, as Chevy seemingly “made tons of these in rental spec white.” They were everywhere, yet nowhere, like automotive background noise.
So, where did all the Corsicas go? Seriously, one day they were ubiquitous, and now they’ve vanished without a trace. A user perfectly summed it up: “I’d say that’s too bad, but really, who cares?” The Corsica is a testament to cars that were so utterly unremarkable, they managed to erase themselves from our collective memory. A true master of automotive disappearing acts.
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5. **Mazda MX-6**Now, let’s talk about a car that was actually pretty cool, but still managed to become a rare sighting: the Mazda MX-6. This “cool little coupe” was a product of the “Ford-Mazda years,” a period some remember as “so weird.” Despite its sleek lines and sporty pretensions, it simply “didn’t sell very well,” leading to its eventual fade into obscurity.
For many of us, it’s been a solid decade since we last spotted an MX-6 in person. It’s a shame, because it represented a time when automakers were still dabbling in front-wheel-drive sports cars, a niche that, let’s be honest, “nobody will ever buy” now, but we can dream, right? Its scarcity today is a stark reminder of how market trends and sales figures can consign even appealing designs to the automotive history books.
There’s a certain charm to these forgotten coupes, a wistful longing for a time when brands experimented a bit more. The MX-6 is a prime example of a car that deserved a bit more love, or at least a bit more memory retention from the general public. Bring it back, Mazda, if only in our nostalgic daydreams!
Car Model Information: 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Club
Name: Mazda MX-6
Manufacturer: Mazda
Production: 1987–1997
Assembly: Hiroshima (Mazda factory),Flat Rock, Michigan
Class: Mid-size car,sports car
BodyStyle: coupé
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Platform: Mazda G platform
Related: Mazda Capella,Ford Probe
Predecessor: Mazda Capella#Third generation (GC; 1982–1987)
Categories: All articles needing additional references, Articles needing additional references from July 2018, Articles with short description, CS1 Indonesian-language sources (id), Cars discontinued in 1997
Summary: The Mazda MX-6 is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive coupé manufactured and marketed by Mazda from 1987 to 1997 across two generations.
Mechanically identical to the Ford Probe, the Capella/626 and its hatchback platform mate, the Ford Telstar, these cars shared the GD (1988–1992) and GE (1993–1997) platforms. The MX-6 replaced the 626 Coupé, although it continued to share the same chassis.
The MX-6, 626, and Ford Probe were manufactured at joint-venture plants either by AutoAlliance in Flat Rock, Michigan, for the North American market, and by Mazda Japan for Asian and European markets.
Get more information about: Mazda MX-6
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Brand: Mazda Model: MX-6
Price: $28,483 Mileage: 13,063 mi.
Read more about: Beyond the Legends: 11 Obscure Collector Cars Even the Hardcore Enthusiasts Might Have Missed
6. **Plymouth Sundance**Prepare for a deep dive into the land of the K-Car platform with the Plymouth Sundance and its platform mate, the Dodge Shadow. If you thought these cars had “all returned to the earth from which they sprang,” you’re probably not alone. These were the workhorses of their time, utilitarian sedans that often blended into the scenery, and as such, they’ve largely been forgotten.
However, every now and then, a glimmer of the past surfaces. Just a few weeks ago, someone spotted “a fairly nice example driving through NE Atlanta,” proving that some resilient Sundances are still out there, defying the odds. It’s a rare treat to see one in any sort of drivable condition, a testament to their robust, if unexciting, engineering.
“K Car platform supremacy forever!” declared one enthusiast, a nod to the enduring legacy of Chrysler’s platform. But let’s be real, for most people, these cars are definitively “all gone.” The Plymouth Sundance, much like the Shadow, is a true automotive ghost, rarely seen and even more rarely remembered, except by the most dedicated car historians or those who happened to own one.
Read more about: 13 Unassuming American Classics That Secretly Packed Absolute Monsters Under the Hood
7. **Mazda Millenia**Rounding out our first seven forgotten wonders is the Mazda Millenia, a car that truly embodied an identity crisis wrapped in an upscale package. This midsize luxury sedan found itself in an awkward position, competing directly against Mazda’s *other* midsize sedan. Why? Because Mazda’s ambitious planned luxury brand, which the Millenia was ostensibly meant to spearhead, unfortunately “died on the vine.” Talk about being caught in limbo!
Despite its intriguing backstory and a surprising amount of attention from dedicated automotive writers (Jalopnik apparently churned out four articles about it in four years!), the Millenia remained largely unknown to the general public. Finding someone who knew what it was without a lengthy explanation, let alone someone who knew about its “magical engine,” was a rare feat indeed. And what was that magical engine, you ask? A 2.3L supercharged Miller-cycle V6, specifically built “just for this car”!
One user perfectly encapsulated the Millenia’s quiet brilliance, recalling how they grew up thinking it was a “boring nothing car,” only to later discover the marvel under its hood. It’s a classic tale of a car with hidden depths, a technological gem that was overshadowed by market confusion and a brand’s unrealized luxury aspirations. The Mazda Millenia is proof that sometimes, even unique engineering isn’t enough to secure a lasting spot in the public consciousness.
Alright, buckle up again, because our automotive archaeology expedition isn’t over yet! We’ve unearthed seven forgotten gems, but trust us, there are plenty more lurking in the shadows of our collective memory. Get ready to have your mind jogged once more as we shine a spotlight on another batch of vehicles you probably forgot ever existed, proving that sometimes, even a premium badge or a unique design isn’t enough to secure a permanent spot in the mental garage.
Car Model Information: 1998 Mazda Millenia Base
Name: Mazda Millenia
Caption: 1998–2000 Mazda Millenia
Manufacturer: Mazda
Aka: ubl
Production: 1993–2002
Assembly: Hiroshima
Designer: Yujiro Daikoku (1990)
Class: Executive car
BodyStyle: Sedan (automobile)
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Platform: List of Mazda model codes
Engine: ubl
Powerout: ubl
Transmission: ubl
Wheelbase: 2751 mm
Abbr: on
Length: ubl
Width: 1770 mm
Height: 1394 mm
Categories: 2000s cars, Articles with short description, Cars discontinued in 2002, Cars introduced in 1993, Commons category link is on Wikidata
Summary: The Mazda Millenia (officially written as millenia) is an automobile manufactured by Mazda in Japan from 1993 to 2002. The Millenia was originally planned as one of the first models for Mazda’s proposed luxury brand Amati.
As it was targeted at a more upscale market from typical Mazda customers, the Millenia was engineered to far greater levels of perceived quality than the more mainstream Mazda cars, such as improved interior plastic quality, smaller panel gaps and a thicker, more even paint coating, thanks to a novel process of painting the body while it rotated on a massive spindle. Mazda claimed this attention to detail was intended to set “standards for at least ten years”.
At the time of its release, it was the first and only production car in the world to employ a Miller cycle engine, a design which Mazda would not use again until the second generation Mazda2 in 2008, and in modern Mazdas using the SKYACTIV engine.
Get more information about: Mazda Millenia
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Brand: Mazda Model: Millenia
Price: $4,995 Mileage: 96,561 mi.
8. **Mercedes-Benz Metris**Remember when Mercedes-Benz decided to enter the mid-size commercial van market with the Metris? If you’re drawing a blank, don’t worry, you’re in good company! This van, often spotted in ‘fleet-spec-ed’ guise, seemed to exist in a strange limbo. One moment it was there, parked (perhaps illegally, in classic Merc fashion), and the next, it was gone from your thoughts, much like its sometimes ‘unpainted bumper makes it look like all the other mid 2000s fourth hand Mercs with excessive, under-repaired body damage.’
Its very existence, as one commenter put it, felt like it was ‘designed for the one purpose of airport taxi companies being able to say they have a fleet of Mercedes-Benzes.’ Technically correct, yes, but did it inspire passion or even much recognition from the average driver? Not really. It was a utilitarian workhorse, performing its duties without much fanfare, a quiet operator in a loud world.
So, while it was a Mercedes, it definitely didn’t carry the same cachet as, say, an S-Class. The Metris is a fantastic example of a vehicle that, despite its prestigious badge, simply blended into the background, doing its job without ever quite making a memorable impact on the public consciousness. A true automotive ghost, even when it’s right in front of you.
Read more about: Is Your Car a ‘Money Pit’? 12 Vehicles That Will Cost a Fortune to Fix
9. **Ford Taurus X**Let’s talk about the Ford Taurus X, a vehicle so caught ‘betwixt and between that it was nowhere.’ This crossover SUV was a fascinating attempt by Ford to merge different automotive genres, and it left many scratching their heads. For some, it’s merely a footnote, remembered only because it came after the Ford Freestyle, a vehicle some simply refuse to ‘never forget.’
It tried to be a jack-of-all-trades: part wagon, part SUV, part minivan substitute. But in its attempt to be everything to everyone, it often felt like it was nothing definite to anyone. This identity crisis, coupled with a market that was rapidly evolving, meant the Taurus X struggled to carve out a distinct niche for itself, leading to its eventual fade from memory.
Its disappearance highlights a common theme in the automotive world: vehicles that lack a clear purpose or compelling identity often end up on the cutting room floor of our minds. The Taurus X is a prime example of an ambitious idea that, for all its efforts, just couldn’t quite find its place in the automotive firmament, becoming an accidental master of invisibility.
Car Model Information: 2024 INFINITI QX60 Luxe
Name: Ford Taurus
Caption: 2010 Ford Taurus Limited
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Production: October 1985 – October 2006,May 2007 – March 2019
ModelYears: 1986–2019 (2007 sold only to fleets)
Class: Mid-size car
Layout: Transverse engine,front-engine, front-wheel drive,Transverse engine,front-engine, all-wheel drive
Predecessor: Ford LTD (North America)
Successor: Ford Taurus X
Categories: 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles
Summary: The Ford Taurus is an automobile that was manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company in the United States from 1985 to 2019. From 1985 to 2009, Ford marketed the Taurus alongside its rebadged variant, the Mercury Sable. Four generations of the high-performance version (named the Ford Taurus SHO) were also manufactured from 1988-1999 and 2009-2019.
The original Taurus was a milestone for Ford and the American automotive industry, as the first automobile at Ford designed and manufactured using the statistical process control ideas brought to Ford by W. Edwards Deming, a prominent statistician consulted by Ford to bring a “culture of quality” to the enterprise. The Taurus had an influential design that introduced new features and innovations.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, sales of the Taurus declined as it lost market share to Japanese mid-size sedans and as Ford shifted resources towards developing SUVs. The Taurus was withdrawn after the 2007 model year, with production ending on October 27, 2006. As part of a model line revision, the Taurus and the larger Ford Crown Victoria were to be replaced with the full-size Five Hundred and mid-size Fusion sedans; the Taurus station wagon was replaced with the Ford Freestyle wagon, branded as a crossover SUV. During the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, the nameplates of the Taurus and Sable were revived, intended as 2008 mid-cycle revisions of the Five Hundred. The Freestyle was renamed the Ford Taurus X. For the 2010 model year, Ford introduced the sixth-generation Taurus, marking a more substantial model update, alongside the revival of the Taurus SHO; in 2013, the Ford Police Interceptor Sedan was introduced as a successor for its long-running Crown Victoria counterpart.
From 1985 to 2007, the Taurus was a mid-size car, offering front-wheel drive. Initially built on the DN5 platform (renamed the DN101 platform in 1995 and the D186 platform in 1999), the Taurus became a full-size car in 2007, adopting the Volvo-derived D3 platform, offering front- or all-wheel drive. The Taurus was produced as a four-door sedan through its entire production, with a five-door station wagon offered from 1986 to 2005.
All generations of the Taurus were assembled by Chicago Assembly on Chicago’s South Side. Prior to its 2006 closure, Atlanta Assembly also produced both the Taurus and Sable. From its 1985 launch to its initial withdrawal following the 2007 model year, Ford assembled 7,519,919 examples of the Taurus. The fifth best-selling Ford nameplate in North America, the Taurus has been surpassed only by the F-Series, Escort, Model T, and Mustang. Between 1992 and 1996, the Taurus was the best-selling car nameplate in the United States, overtaken by the current title holder in 1997, the Toyota Camry.
Get more information about: Ford Taurus
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Brand: Ford Model: Taurus X
Price: $41,679 Mileage: 3,989 mi.
Read more about: America’s FWD Pioneer: The Ruxton and The Century-Long Quest for Front-Wheel Drive Innovation
10. **Chrysler Aspen Hybrid**Now, if you’re looking for a car that truly, utterly slipped through the cracks, look no further than the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid. This vehicle is the answer for everyone who wants to stump their car-loving friends, because ‘fewer than 100 were made’ – yes, you read that right, *fewer than 100*! It was Chrysler’s ambitious foray into hybrid technology, their ‘first ever production hybrid,’ no less.
So why the vanishing act? Well, its story is as dramatic as it is brief. This trailblazing hybrid, along with its Dodge Durango platform mate, was ‘only in production for 2 months before the plant was shut down as part of the financial crisis in 2009.’ Talk about bad timing! It was a casualty of circumstances far beyond its control, a promising venture cut short almost immediately after it began.
It’s a genuine shame because, as many enthusiasts ponder, ‘The Aspen really could have been something.’ Imagine a world where Chrysler’s hybrid ambitions had taken root earlier! Instead, it became an incredibly rare, almost mythical creature, a tantalizing ‘what if’ in automotive history. Its spiritual successor, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, may exist now, but the Aspen Hybrid remains an almost entirely forgotten pioneer.
Car Model Information: 2024 INFINITI QX60 Luxe
Name: Dodge Durango
Manufacturer: Dodge
Production: 1997–present
Class: Mid-size,SUV
Predecessor: Dodge Ramcharger,Dodge Town Panel and Town Wagon
Related: Dodge Dakota
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,automobile layout
Caption: Dodge Durango GT 2021
ModelYears: 1998–2009,2011–present
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All accuracy disputes
Summary: The Dodge Durango is a mid-size SUV produced by Dodge starting with the 1998 model year. The first two generations were very similar in that both were based on the Dodge Dakota and Dodge Ram, both featured a body-on-frame construction and both were produced at the Newark Assembly Plant in Newark, Delaware through the 2009 model year.
The third-generation Durango began with the 2011 model year. It is built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, features unibody construction, and has been assembled at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan, since late 2010.
Each generation had options for different engine sizes and power ratings, with different transmissions also. In 2009 a hybrid variant was introduced, but ended quickly with the second generation Durango. From 2007 to 2009 the Durango was available as the Chrysler Aspen from Chrysler. Over two million Durangos have been sold since it was introduced in 1998.
Get more information about: Dodge Durango
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Brand: Chrysler Model: Aspen Hybrid
Price: $41,679 Mileage: 3,989 mi.
Read more about: Buckle Up: These 12 American Cars Looked Cool, But Were an Absolute Nightmare to Own
11. **Dodge Dakota Convertible**Okay, prepare for a true curveball! You might dimly remember the Dodge Dakota pickup truck, but did you know there was a convertible version? Seriously! One enthusiast recently ‘re-learned that the Dodge Dakota existed’ after a random video mention, and then the convertible bombshell dropped. It’s the kind of quirky, audacious idea that makes you wonder what automakers were thinking (in the best way possible).
There’s a passionate plea to ‘bring back the Dakota Convertible’ from those who appreciate its unique charm. The argument is simple: ‘All vehicles should have convertible options. It’s the best way to drive, and you cannot change my mind about it.’ Imagine the wind in your hair as you haul lumber or head out for a weekend adventure! It’s a concept that feels both practical and wildly impractical, which is probably why it’s so endearingly forgotten.
This open-air pickup truck is a testament to a bygone era of automotive experimentation, when brands weren’t afraid to try something completely different. It’s a delightful oddity that, despite its rarity and obscurity, sparks a genuine sense of nostalgia and a longing for more playful designs. The Dodge Dakota Convertible truly is a hidden gem that deserves a moment in the sun, even if it’s just in our memories.
Car Model Information: 2004 Dodge Dakota SLT Quad Cab
Name: Dodge Dakota
Manufacturer: Unbulleted list
Production: 1986–2011
ModelYears: 1987–2011
Assembly: Unbulleted list
Class: Mid-size pickup truck
Layout: Unbulleted list
Predecessor: Dodge Ram 50
Categories: 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All articles with unsourced statements
Summary: The Dodge Dakota, marketed as the Ram Dakota for the final two years of production, is a mid-size pickup truck manufactured by Chrysler and marketed by its Dodge Truck division (model years 1987-2009) and later its Ram Truck division (2009-2010) — across three generations.
The Dakota was larger than the compact pickups from Ford and Chevrolet, the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet S-10, and was smaller than full-sized pickups such as Dodge’s own Ram. It used body-on-frame construction and a leaf spring/live axle rear end and was the first mid-size pickup with an optional V8 engine. For its entire production, the Dakota was manufactured at Chrysler’s Warren Truck Assembly in Michigan.
The Dakota was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2000.
Get more information about: Dodge Dakota
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Brand: Dodge Model: Dakota
Price: $8,499 Mileage: 149,915 mi.
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12. **Acura Vigor**Here’s another one that’ll make you say, ‘Wait, that existed?’ The Acura Vigor. What made this car an instant ‘oddity from Honda/Acura’ was its rather unconventional ‘5 cylinder engine.’ In a world dominated by fours, sixes, and eights, a five-cylinder from a Japanese luxury brand was, well, vigorous in its uniqueness! Many people, upon learning of its existence, simply exclaim, ‘TIL this existed at all.’
This mid-size executive sedan, produced from 1992 to 1994, was designed to slot between the Integra and the Legend. While it aimed for European luxury sports sedan appeal, its unusual engine configuration and front-wheel-drive layout set it apart. It was a bold move by Acura to offer something truly different, showcasing their engineering prowess and willingness to experiment beyond the norm.
Despite its distinctive powertrain and premium aspirations, the Vigor never quite captured the public’s imagination like its more conventional siblings. It remains a fascinating footnote in Acura’s history, a car that’s more likely to be a trivia question answer than a common sighting. The Acura Vigor is a prime example of a car that was too unique for its own good, fading into obscurity despite its mechanical intrigue.
Read more about: Timeless Automotive Icons: 10 Cars From the 1940s That Still Command Attention Today
13. **1974 Pontiac GTO**When you hear ‘Pontiac GTO,’ you probably picture classic muscle, right? The roaring ’60s, the iconic Judge. But ‘I’ll bet you forgot that Pontiac made a GTO in 1974.’ Yes, they did, and it was… different. This particular iteration saw the mighty GTO badge ‘moved… from the mid-sized Lemans platform to the compact Ventura,’ which, to put it mildly, was essentially ‘a Chevy Nova with different grille and taillights.’ Ouch.
This shift was a product of its time, a response to changing market demands and stricter emissions regulations. But for fans of the original GTO, it was a hard pill to swallow. As one heartbroken observer dramatically put it, ‘Look how they massacred by boy!’ It struggled to live up to the legendary name it carried, a shadow of its former self, leading to its quick exit after just one model year.
The 1974 GTO is a poignant reminder that even the most iconic nameplates can have forgotten chapters. It’s a car that barely registered on the collective radar, overshadowed by its illustrious predecessors and its underwhelming performance. It’s the kind of car that makes you nod knowingly when you finally remember it, acknowledging its place in history, even if it’s not exactly a shining one.
Car Model Information: 1966 Pontiac GTO Coupe
Name: Pontiac GTO
Caption: 2005 Pontiac GTO
Manufacturer: Pontiac (automobile),Holden
Class: Mid-size car,Compact car,Mid-size car
Production: 1963–1974,2003–2006
Predecessor: Pontiac Tempest
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Categories: 1970s cars, 2000s cars, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2008
Summary: The Pontiac GTO is a front-engine, rear-drive, two-door, and four-passenger automobile manufactured and marketed by the Pontiac division of General Motors over four generations from 1963 until 1974 in the United States — with a fifth generation made by GM’s Australian subsidiary, Holden, for the 2004 through 2006 model years.
The first generation of the GTO is credited with popularizing the muscle car market segment in the 1960s. Some consider the Pontiac GTO to have started the trend with all four domestic automakers offering a variety of competing models.
For the 1964 and 1965 model years, the GTO was an optional package on the intermediate-sized Pontiac LeMans. The 1964 GTO vehicle identification number (VIN) started with 22, while the 1965 GTO VIN began with 237. The GTO was designated as a separate Pontiac model from 1966 through 1971 (VIN 242…). It became an optional package again for the 1972 and 1973 intermediate LeMans. For 1974, the GTO was an optional trim package on the compact-sized Ventura.
The GTO model was revived for the 2004 through 2006 model years as a captive import for Pontiac, a left-hand drive version of the Holden Monaro, itself a coupé variant of the Holden Commodore.
Get more information about: Pontiac GTO
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Brand: Pontiac Model: GTO
Price: $59,991 Mileage: 4,408 mi.
Read more about: 10 Dirt-Cheap Classic American Cars That Turn Heads Everywhere They Go for Under $10,000
14. **Suzuki Kizashi**And finally, rounding out our list of forgotten wonders, we have the Suzuki Kizashi. This car is a perennial favorite for the ‘I forgot about that!’ reaction. Many people encounter one in the wild and think, ‘that’s a nice looking car, what is it?’ only to be surprised when they see the Suzuki badge and realize, ‘Oh right, it’s a Kizashi!’ It’s a car that punches above its weight in terms of aesthetics.
However, for a loyal few, the Kizashi is far from forgotten. There are passionate defenders who will tell you, ‘In this household, the Kizashi is loved and respected as the cute little sporty sedan it was.’ It offered a surprisingly engaging driving experience, a comfortable interior, and distinctive styling, especially for its price point. It was, by many accounts, a genuinely good car that simply got lost in the shuffle.
Sadly, despite its merits, the Kizashi struggled with Suzuki’s broader market challenges in the U.S. and eventually faded away when the brand exited the market in 2012. It’s a bittersweet tale of a well-designed, enjoyable car that just couldn’t find its audience, becoming a beloved rarity for those in the know, and a pleasant surprise for everyone else who happens to stumble upon it. So next time you see one, give it a nod – you’re witnessing a true survivor of automotive amnesia.
Car Model Information: 2013 Suzuki Kizashi Sport SLS
Name: Suzuki Kizashi
Caption: Suzuki Kizashi 2.4
Manufacturer: Suzuki
Production: October 2009–December 2015
ModelYears: 2010–2013 (United States),2010–2014 (Canada),2010–2014 (Europe),2010–2015 (Japan),2011–2014 (India),2015–2016 (Pakistan)
Assembly: Makinohara,Shizuoka Prefecture,Japan
Class: Mid-size car
BodyStyle: sedan (automobile)
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Engine: Suzuki J engine#J24B,Straight-four engine
Transmission: manual transmission,Continuously variable transmission
Wheelbase: 106.3 in
Abbr: on
Disp: flip
Length: 183.1 in
Width: 71.7 in
Height: 58.3 in
Weight: 1470 kg
Predecessor: Daewoo Magnus
Sp: us
Categories: 2010s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2011
Summary: The Suzuki Kizashi is a mid-size car manufactured by Japanese automaker Suzuki. It was unveiled in the United States on July 30, 2009. The Kizashi went on sale in Japan on October 21, 2009, in North America on December 1, 2009, and in Australia and New Zealand on May 11, 2010. It is the first mid-size Suzuki automobile sold in the Australian market. In February 2011, the Kizashi became available to the Indian market. The car was also available in European markets.
In December 2013, Suzuki announced that the Kizashi would be gradually discontinued in global markets, and would not get a successor. Despite a good technical record, the car had suffered from poor sales because of the Great Recession and Suzuki’s withdrawal from the American and Canadian markets in 2013 and 2014, respectively. In December 2015, production of the car ceased in the Sagara plant.
Get more information about: Suzuki Kizashi
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Brand: Suzuki Model: Kizashi
Price: $8,490 Mileage: 56,545 mi.
There you have it, folks! Another incredible journey through the forgotten aisles of automotive history. It’s truly wild how many fantastic, quirky, or just plain *interesting* vehicles have graced our roads, only to gently recede into the background of our minds. But that’s the beauty of it, isn’t it? Every now and then, one of these ‘invisible’ cars rolls past, sparking a memory, a chuckle, or a conversation. So, keep your eyes peeled out there, because you never know what forgotten treasure might just pass you by, waiting to be rediscovered!
