3 Cars That Were Gone Too Soon

With a few exceptions, every model gets discontinued eventually. Only one of these 3 cars that were gone too soon is easy to find at a used car dealer.

However, all three remain at the top of the public’s imagination, albeit for different reasons.

These Popular Rides Are Gone But Not Forgotten

Anyone who pays attention to what’s going on in the automotive world can easily call up examples of unexceptional vehicles that have been in production for decades. Head to a local car dealer, and there will be plenty of Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys, and Nissan Sentras.

To be clear, there’s nothing wrong with these old stand-bys. The problem is that many automakers stick to what’s familiar while simultaneously giving potentially more exciting cars the boot. You can find three of the most egregious examples of cars with great potential pulled from production before their time below.

The BMW 1M Coupe Captured Hearts in Just One Year

Released in 2011, the BMW 1M Coupe appealed to drivers who preferred small, lightweight cars with plenty of get-up-and-go. The 1M featured a 3.0L, 6-cyl twin-turbo engine borrowed from the Z4 sDrive 35iS coupled with rear-wheel drive and a limited-slip differential for perfect handling, plus enough power to achieve 62 mph in under 5 seconds.

In a world where BMW M series vehicles are only getting bigger, heavier, and less fun to drive, the 1M stands out. Sadly, it’s rare for this sought-after car to find its way to the showroom of any used car dealer. If you’re looking to buy, put out feelers and be prepared to wait.

The Ford Flex Was Arguably the Perfect Family Car

The Flex was never intended to be fun or flashy. What Ford accomplished with this admittedly ugly station wagon was to create arguably the perfect family car.

When the Flex came into production in 2009, families were looking for fuel-efficient vehicles that could still offer all the passenger and cargo space they needed. The Flex’s 3.5-L EcoBoost V-6 fits the bill perfectly. It could seat up to seven passengers and hold 20 to 83.2 cu-ft of cargo.

Discontinued in 2019 after a 10-year run, the Ford Flex continues to draw attention from its cult following. The problem? The last great American station wagon could not compete with the growing number of three-row SUVs.

The Short-Run Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 Hit Four-Digit HP Figures

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 was technically designed for mass production. Like its predecessor, the 2018 Demon, its production was limited to a one-year run. The new Demon 170 is an entirely different beast, though, clocking in at an astounding 1,025 HP to the original model’s 840 HP.

The Demon 170 manages this feat with a 6.2L supercharged V8 that runs on E85 fuel and produces 930 lb-ft of torque. This beauty is meant for the dragstrip, where it can achieve 60 mph in an astonishing 1.66 seconds.

Though the 2023 model was sold through Dodge dealerships, you’re unlikely to find one at your local car dealer. The good news? Whether you want a high-performance muscle car or a family-friendly SUV, there are still plenty of more accessible options available.