10 Cars You Won’t Be Able to Buy After 2016

Cars come and cars go. Most of the time, it’s exciting to see new arrivals, replacements, and the steady progression and evolution of the automobile industry. On the other side of the coin, though, sometimes it’s a bit sad to see a vehicle leave production and be put down, often after years or decades on the market. While some production runs come to an end and bring sweet relief, others mark the passing of an iconic vehicle that had a magic that just can’t be replicated.
With some help from The Chicago Tribune, we’ve selected 10 vehicles that will be calling it quits for one reason or another after the 2016 model year.
This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, and some models may have been left out. Check out what will be leaving this earth for the great garage in the sky after the jump.
1. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X

It may be the oldest car on the list, but it’s also the one that’s likely to be missed the most. For years, the Evo has been an affordable all-wheel drive sedan that also happens to roast Lamborghinis in corners and dominate on the world rally circuit. But the Evo X has been on sale since 2008, and with Mitsubishi consolidating its lineup, the Evo is set to disappear without a replacement. We’re just glad Mitsu changed its mind and sent a few Final Edition cars our way.
2. Honda Crosstour

On paper, the Crosstour seemed like the perfect vehicle for Honda. Combine the utility of a full-size crossover with the popular Accord platform. But the Crosstour ended up being an answer to a question no one asked. There are plenty of three-row crossovers roughly the size of the Crosstour for not much more, and they offer a lot more interior space too. At this point, it would be a miracle if Honda sold 9,000 of them this year. With the new HR-V and Pilot augmenting the best-selling CR-V, Honda’s Crossover/SUV lineup will do just fine without it.
3. Jeep Compass

An early mid-sized crossover introduced during Jeep’s darkest days, the Compass was a rare Jeep that couldn’t hold its own even in the lightest off-roading – not that it acquitted itself much better on the pavement either. Regardless, the Compass (and the similar Patriot crossover) has proven to be a strong seller for the brand. A 2011 facelift and a “Trail Rated” designation helped some, but while Jeep has transformed itself into the best-selling brand in FCA’s lineup, the aging Compass is in dire need of a replacement.
4. Jeep Patriot

Built on the same platform as the Compass, the entry-level Patriot crossover will follow suit and be phased out in mid-2016 as the brand develops a single new model to replace the two and slot in between the compact Renegade, and mid-size Cherokee. With the Renegade proving that Jeep can do both “compact” and “off-road,” we expect the Compass/Patriot replacement to be better in virtually every way.
5. Scion xB

The compact xB seemed to begin its decline around 2007, when Scion abandoned the xB’s uniquely (in the U.S., at least) Japanese kei-car lines for a more compromised, rounded look. The second generation model never matched the first generation’s high-water sales mark of 61,306 (in 2006), and has languished on the vine for so long that it’s unlikely to crack 15,000 units this year. With competitive fresh blood like the iA and iM in its lineup, it’s time for this holdover from the original Scion lineup to be put to bed.
6. Volkswagen Eos

With the demise of the Eos, Volkswagen will be forfeiting its one convertible that’s available in the U.S. Starting at over $31,000, it’s a relatively steep proposition for a car that doesn’t boast a whole lot of practicality. Those with the money are more likely to upgrade to the Audi A3 convertible, and those looking for a more budget-friendly convertible have the Mazda MX-5 Miata to consider.
7. Volvo S80

In terms of automotive lifespans, the Volvo S80 is a fossil. The most recent refresh was given to the car in 2007, and it really hasn’t received any attention since. Set to be replaced from the ground up by the new S90, the S80 has finally — finally — outlived its usefulness for Volvo and will be put out to pasture following the 2016 model year.
8. Dodge Caravan

Having served faithfully since it essentially opened the world to the concept of the minivan, the Dodge Caravan has started showing its age in the last few years. Though the van will be back in the form of a new Town & Country under the Chrysler banner, it’s unclear what Fiat-Chrysler’s plans for a Dodge playmate will be. After starting life in its current iteration in 2008, Dodge is bidding farewell to the popular family hauler — at least for now.
9. Nissan XTerra

For off-roading and adventure enthusiasts with a serious aversion to Toyota, they could rest assured that the Nissan XTerra was there to carry the torch. Built along the school of thought that pavement is really more of a suggestion, the XTerra was purpose-built for outdoorsy individuals and as a direct challenge to Toyota’s FJ (which left production this year, sadly). Unfortunately, after years of bouldering year-to-year, the XTerra will ford its way to the great wilderness of the sky after the 2015 model year runs its course.
10. Mini Cooper Coupe

With the redundancy of Mini’s lineup, it’s amazing the Cooper Coupe made it as long as it did. It was the Hardtop minus the practicality. It wasn’t any faster or sportier; it just served as a unique option for those who didn’t feel that the normal hardtop stood out enough. It came in all flavors of Mini (S, JCW, convertible), and won’t be renewed as Mini’s new generation spreads throughout the lineup.
Like classics? It’s always Throwback Thursday somewhere.
Follow Derek on Twitter @CS_DerekS