Six Cars That Have Lived Past Their Due Dates

"Blake Noble" (blake-noble) 05/19/2015 at 18:00 • Filed to: None

3

71

Like clockwork, automakers usually discontinue and replace their existing models with new ones every four to five years. However, a few cars occasionally escape the clutches of obsolescence, living on to be comically long-in-the-tooth and arthritic. These six cars are among the oldest currently on sale.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

6.) Scion xB

The second-generation Scion xB was introduced in 2007 for the 2008 model year. And boy, oh boy, does it show. Now, the xB wasn’t exactly the fittest or trimmest subcompact on the scene when it came out. The bulldog athleticism of the first-generation model had sadly given way to a pudgy pug face and shar pei skin folds. And after a facelift in 2011, it only grew more flabby and fugly.

2015 is supposed to be its last year on sale. The end can’t come soon enough.

Photo credit: Scion

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

5.) Chevrolet Cruze

The Chevrolet Cruze has a replacement just over the horizon, but it should’ve been here, like, yesterday. The current Cruze has been on sale since 2010 in America, 2008 if you live in a place called Europe. That’s old . And let’s be honest, it hasn’t exactly aged like fine bourbon, either. Just look at its frowny, flabby old man face. Ain’t enough Botox in the world to fix that.

Photo credit: General Motors

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

4.) Nissan Armada

Are you considering a Chevrolet Tahoe or — Heaven forbid — a Toyota Sequoia as your next purchase? Well, Nissan had rather you buy an Armada instead. Except you’re not going to do that because it was originally introduced for the 2004 model year and it felt dated even back then.

It was last updated for 2008. And by updated I mean, not really changed at all. Nissan says a replacement based on the new 2004 F-150 — err, excuse me, sorry — Titan should be out in the near future.

Photo credit: Nissan

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

3.) Dodge Journey

You remember the Dodge Avenger, right? Yeah, sorry. Anyway, the Journey is pretty much a wagon version of that.

Huh? What’s that? Yes, it comes in brown. Yes, it comes with a diesel and a manual, if you live in Europe and like Fiat badges. Wait... are you seriously saying you like the idea of a Dodge Avenger wagon with Fiat badges ? Uh, OK then. Whatever you want, hoss. I’ll sit in the corner then.

On sale in the US since 2009, the Journey is Dodge’s last holdout from its diabolical Daimler days alongside the dying Grand Caravan. It was last updated for the 2011 model year. There’s no official word on when or how it’ll be replaced, although rumors suggest that the Journey and Grand Caravan will merge into a single model someday.

Photo credit: Dodge

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

2.) SEAT Altea

There’s this thing Volkswagen’s been building in Europe called the SEAT Altea. It’s like a minivan basically. Now, of course, we Yanks haven’t really heard of it, much less seen one in person. But I’m sure that Europeans are sick and tired of looking at it, considering it’s been on sale there since 2004 .

Yeah, really, 2004. And it’s never received any real updates. This is an 11-year old design, and it’s also based on the same old VW Jetta that’s hauled countless Revlon-huffing sorority girls and pilsner-swilling jock meatheads to and from back-alleyway abortions and kegerator parties and sleepyheaded Econ 101 classes here in the US.

Photo credit: SEAT

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

1.) Toyota Sequoia

Fun fact: I almost forgot that Toyota still builds this stupid ass thing, and I had to shoehorn it in on this list at the last minute. The Toyota Sequoia has been on sale since 2008, remaining largely unchanged since then. And Toyota, it seems, has grown addicted to building it. They said 2014 would be the last year for production. Then they just kept going for 2015, and there’s no official word if the end is still in sight. Maybe someone in Tokyo needs to setup an intervention.

Photo credit: Toyota

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Hi! I’m Blake Noble and I think writing about myself in the third person is awkward. So instead, I’ll just depreciate myself in the first person. I am a writer studying journalism, and I once spent half a year blogging !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . I also !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! once that pissed off the entire Chrysler 2.2 fanclub. I drive a Dodge Dart because I was told its really an Alfa Romeo. You can follow me on Twitter !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and reach me via email !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

Alex B > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 18:05

3

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Cue Nibby rant

traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 18:05

9

Nissan has three faces:

Neglected (These two and the Armada)

Mundane (Altima, Maxima, Murano)

Crazy (Juke Nismo, GT-R Nismo)

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 18:07

0

Huehuehuehuehue...

50 years later, still going strong.

Brickman > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 05/19/2015 at 18:07

0

I think it’s the last year of the Xterra :(

Blake Noble > Alex B 05/19/2015 at 18:09

3

(... I think.)

dogisbadob > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 18:09

0

they should just sell us the passenger version of the Doblo/Promaster City with third row seats and rear windows (currently not available on the US City)

Birddog > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 18:10

0

“I also wrote an article once that pissed off the entire Chrysler 2.2 fanclub.”

I forgot all about that.

Jerk!

Blake Noble > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 05/19/2015 at 18:11

0

Yeah, gotta say, the Xterra, Armada and Frontier all look depressed and old.

Blake Noble > Birddog 05/19/2015 at 18:12

1

Not really a moment I’m proud of, to be honest. But I’ll own it all the same.

DoYouEvenShift > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 18:12

7

What about entire brands.

HammerheadFistpunch > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 18:13

4

200 series land cruiser has been in production since 2007, predating the sequoia. Should be getting ready for a new model pretty soon though, its usually about 10 years.

dogisbadob > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 18:13

7

The Mercedes G-wagon from 1980 is still being made, and Ford just finally killed the E-series which dates back to 1975.

There’s also the Chevy Express from 1996, with sealed beams too!

The JDM Toyota Century was last updated 20 years ago, a slight rework of something from the 60s.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 18:16

0

Also, every Mitsubishi and the current Maxima.

Birddog > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 18:17

0

2.2 guys can be a bit sensitive. I’m just messing with you.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 18:17

1

Wait. They still make the Armada? Wow.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 05/19/2015 at 18:23

0

I might give that Frontier a pass. Look at the trailer!

Vicente Esteve > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 18:24

1

The Aveo is still sold here in Mexico. It’s the sales leader in the country.

MultiplaOrgasms > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 18:25

3

If any VW deserves a mention its this one

They say its new but it really is just the 2nd facelift to the 12-year old T5. And knowing VW bus lifecycles they are going to make it for another 12 years.

Cherry_man1 > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 05/19/2015 at 18:26

0

I could say the 370Z is neglected as well.

Blake Noble > DoYouEvenShift 05/19/2015 at 18:28

2

Holy geez! I forgot about the Lancer! That’s ancient too. Whoops.

Blake Noble > Birddog 05/19/2015 at 18:31

1

Phew! Ha! I was starting to have angry mob flashbacks there.

Kate's Dirty Sister > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 18:32

3

Wait, no Volvo S80 ?

Blake Noble > Vicente Esteve 05/19/2015 at 18:36

5

Um. Wow. Sales leader?

I have no words.

Vicente Esteve > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 18:38

1

I know of 5 people who have bought one since 2014.

Blake Noble > Kate's Dirty Sister 05/19/2015 at 18:39

1

Another worthy name for that list that I missed.

traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 05/19/2015 at 18:48

0

Wow I failed to realize that.

Blake Noble > Vicente Esteve 05/19/2015 at 18:49

0

Uh, yeah... uh...

AM > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 18:56

0

Ford Expedition hasn’t had any major changes since it came out in 2007 besides switching to the 3.5 EB. 2017 is when the new expedition comes out so nearly a 10 year run for this gen.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 19:00

0

How about the Lexus LX? It’s a overglorified Land Cruiser. It has a engine that’s thirsty, and doesn’t come close to the V6 EcoBoost. It’s been selling since 2007.

boxrocket > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 19:03

0

You mention the xB but not the xD, or the tC? Granted the tC has had cosmetic updates, but they’re all old corollas underneath. Of course, the current corolla os also an old corolla underneath. Most of Toyota’s offerings are pretty well past their prime, but for “reliability” and because folks still buy them, they keep making them.

Sam > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 19:07

2

Seriously though, why hope for them to stop making body-on-frame SUVs? Do we want more 5,000 pound Camries?

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > MultiplaOrgasms 05/19/2015 at 19:24

0

Hey now.. The Transporter/Caravelle/Multivan/whateveryoucallit may be “old” but it works, it does just what it says on the package... don’t you go demanding they scrap it mate :)

 > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 19:33

0

You missed the most important one. They made this until 2011.

dogisbadob > Vicente Esteve 05/19/2015 at 19:44

0

Really? It’s more popular than the Tsuru?

 V8 Rustler > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 19:56

0

No Mitsubishi Lancer? Been sold since 2008 without any facelifts or anything.

SlabSheetrock > Kate's Dirty Sister 05/19/2015 at 20:08

1

They’ve got to keep making those...otherwise the best CPO bargain on the market will be no more!

Seriously, a three year old S80 is a steaming value-for-dollar proposition.

In a Mini; let them mock me as My Mini Countryman is higher than you > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 05/19/2015 at 21:04

1

You mean XAXAXAXAXAXAXAXAAXZXAXA

I TRICK YUO POLAN

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 21:11

0

You could say the same thing about all of Toyota and Nissan’s truck lineup. Xterra/Frontier have been basically unchanged since 2005. The ‘16 Titan is the first real update since 2004. The current Tundra — basis of the Sequoia — has been around in its current form since 2007. But when it works, keep it up. Besides, the Sequoia is an also-ran compared to the GM full-size SUVs

Vicente Esteve > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 21:37

0

Exactly....

Vicente Esteve > dogisbadob 05/19/2015 at 21:40

1

Tsuru is on its way out. It is around 8th place in the top ten.

The newcomer is the Polo Sedan which in a couple of months climbed up to second place. I REALLY hope it takes the Aveo off its place.

dogisbadob > Vicente Esteve 05/19/2015 at 21:59

0

They’re getting rid of the Tsuru? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO :(

Is the Polo really any better than the Aveo though? I know VW doesn’t make good cars, and Daewoos can’t possibly cost more to fix!

Vicente Esteve > dogisbadob 05/19/2015 at 22:18

1

The Polo sedan is called the Vento here, and it’s de-contented. It does offer two 1.6 engines gas and diesel. The diesel has 184 lb. ft. of torque, and they all can be mated to a 5 speed manual. Its engine is as robust as it gets, so I would call it better than the Aveo in EVERY way.

Joel Grey > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 22:25

0

No matter what you purchase, don’t get ripped off. I sold cars for years and now I help folks save money the next time they buy / lease their next vehicle..”I Never Wore Plaid” Insider secrets from a former car salesperson. Joel Grey

Nibby > Alex B 05/19/2015 at 22:27

2

Ain’t even mad. I don’t take heavily opinionated writing seriously.

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 22:31

1

I hate to be that guy, but the xB really shouldn’t get so much vitriol from dumb comments. It actually kind of makes sense, since it’s that one baseline car without the dumb EX, SX, S trim levels, and you could get it for cheap, dealer markup be damned.

That, and one of the few Toyotas built and/or having parts content in Japan, not in Kentucky.

Irvin > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 23:20

0

For us we take god care of our old vehicles so they do last longer.

kmacbailey > Blake Noble 05/19/2015 at 23:46

0

Any car that looks like it used to hold shoes in my closet should be on this list.

AM > Vicente Esteve 05/20/2015 at 00:17

1

I actually think this looks pretty good.

Textured Soy Protein > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 05/20/2015 at 00:23

0

The new Maxima and Murano have crossed over into the crazy category.

Textured Soy Protein > Blake Noble 05/20/2015 at 00:31

0

2007 Lexus LS

2015 Lexus LS - same thing, now with more Predator grille

SafeDrunkDriving > dogisbadob 05/20/2015 at 00:59

1

Yeah but it still looks good.

SafeDrunkDriving > Blake Noble 05/20/2015 at 01:05

0

I like the Charger, but has Dodge have made anything new from the ground up? The new Charger, Challenger and Chrysler 300 is still using a Mercedes Benz E class chassis back in 2005. I think the Viper is still the same and the Dart and the Chrysler 200 is using a chassis from Alfa Romeo.

HammerheadFistpunch > MultiplaOrgasms 05/20/2015 at 01:10

1

I just realized how much that just looks like a chevy astro with a passat face. Uncanny.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Alex B 05/20/2015 at 01:28

0

I like the Sequoia...

greasemonkey235097 > Blake Noble 05/20/2015 at 02:38

0

That is nothing, some vehicles in Colombia go two decades without any changes

Renault 4 1971-1992

Land Cruiser fj70 series 1984-2008

Hoccy > Blake Noble 05/20/2015 at 03:09

0

Not as dated as the cars on the list though. Together with the V70 it still has quite good sales in some markets. The new V90 (?) is due in 2017 though, with a new sedan to follow I guess.

MultiplaOrgasms > HammerheadFistpunch 05/20/2015 at 04:57

0

Introducing the 2016 Volkswagen Astro

pip bip - choose Corrour > Blake Noble 05/20/2015 at 07:19

0

no mention of Chevrolet/Holden Captiva been on sale since 2006 , only update was 2011.

Vicente Esteve > AM 05/20/2015 at 07:31

1

It’s not a bad looking thing for 11K USD!

thebigbossyboss > Blake Noble 05/20/2015 at 07:45

0

Wow. When this thing came out I couldn’t even drive. I am nearly 30 now!!

Phlegminglib > Blake Noble 05/20/2015 at 09:43

0

What about the VW Santana they built a gazillion of in China?

MIATAAAA > Blake Noble 05/20/2015 at 09:51

0

This deserves to be listed. I CANNOT believe the Q40 still looks like this.

Matthew Phillips > Blake Noble 05/20/2015 at 10:27

0

I like the Journey, I had a neighbor and they had one and named their Daughter after the band... they thought it was cute. I thought it was funny. I got to ride around in it once, and I was impressed for what it was. Having driven its minivan brother for a few hundred miles I can’t imagine how horrible this thing probably drives.

Kornatoski > Blake Noble 05/20/2015 at 10:56

1

And let’s not forget this same concept applies to journalists and the stupid articles they write ...

Blake Noble > Kornatoski 05/20/2015 at 11:38

1

Tell me how you really feel. :)

AisforApple > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 05/20/2015 at 11:48

0

Geez... I forgot about the Xterra. I did not know they still sell them. It looks the same as when they first started selling them.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Blake Noble 05/20/2015 at 16:23

0

I assume you’re referring to vehicles that are long in tooth that you can buy new in 2015.

The xB is fine. It’s a roomy wagon that you can get with a manual.

And the Dodge Journey is very popular in Canada. And it should be noted that the Dodge Grand Caravan isn’t dying due to lack of popularity. It’s very popular... especially in Canada. The only reason why it’s going away is because FCA wants Dodge to be a sporty car brand.

Though I think it’s a mistake for them to kill the Caravan. They can always just make the Caravan more sporty when it’s redesigned.

One vehicle that deserves to be on the list... the current Lincoln Navigator. It got the Ecoboost engine not long ago. But the rest of the vehicle is very long in tooth.

slippedclutch > Blake Noble 05/20/2015 at 22:01

0

How can the Lexus LS not be on this list? It’s a dinosaur.

marshknute > Blake Noble 05/20/2015 at 23:43

0

There’s one very good reason why the Sequoia is still the best body-on-frame SUV on the market: it has a roll down rear window.

Tundra version pictured b/c I couldn’t find a photo of the Sequoia’s window.

TulsaMtnBiker (OkieRising) > Blake Noble 05/20/2015 at 23:54

0

Flamesuit On: Poor man’s Land Cruiser.

Tyrell > Blake Noble 08/30/2015 at 21:19

0

Whoever had written this article, should replace the Seat Altea, because this is the US, no foreign cars should have been up there, The Seat Altea should have been replace with the Buick Enclave, that really need to get a redesign, that has been on sale since 2007 for the 2008 year!!!