The 'Good-Bye' Cars of 2006

[Huly]

http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=4023981

Some notable and well-known nameplates disappear after 2006 as carmakers decide to stop selling nearly a dozen models.

What do all these vehicles—Hummer H1, Pontiac GTO, Acura RSX, Volkswagen Phaeton, Ford GT, Ford Taurus, Mazda MPV, Porsche Carrera GT, Honda Insight and Lincoln LS—have in common?

This mix of coupes, sedans, an ultimate sport-utility vehicle and even a gasoline-electric hybrid are this year's "good-bye cars"—models that too few people wanted to buy, so carmakers are looking to wind down their sales. Or, maybe sales weren't the only problem. Some of these vehicles just didn't fit anymore with auto officials' business strategy.

Whatever the cause, these vehicles are in their waning months or, perhaps, weeks on dealer lots. So anyone who wants one had better get shopping. In many cases, these good-bye cars also can be "good buy cars" as dealers look to unload their remaining inventory.

Photo Gallery: Good-Bye Cars of 2006

Original Civilian Hummer Rolls Into History

It's big, heavy, and if you don't have a taste for military things, you find its styling a bit ugly. It also has been the "poster vehicle" for environmental groups pushing for more Earth-friendly cars.

But the Hummer H1 holds a place in U.S. automotive history for being the first civilian version of the U.S. Army's Humvee all-terrain vehicle. The H1 is the most authentic of Hummers ever sold, with many of the same rigorous off-road crawling and rock-climbing skills that get our troops through rugged country. For example, the H1 can climb rock ledges that are 22 inches high and go up 60-degree grades that might flip other vehicles.

The problem, though, is that few people have been buying the brutish H1. Sure, former actor Arnold Schwarzenegger got a lot of press for being the first to get an H1 when they went on sale in 1992, after the Gulf War. But just 374 H1s were sold in the U.S. in calendar 2005, and sales had continued to fall in the early months of 2006.

Consumers preferred the smaller, look-alike-but-much-watered-down Hummers with lower price tags—the $52,000-plus H2 and the near-$29,000 H3 that had been introduced in recent years.

Meantime, Hummer officials had tried to move the H1 upscale in the 2005 calendar year by improving its ride and powertrain—to a strong, 300-horsepower 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 with a whopping 520 lb-ft of torque as low as 1500 rpm. They put a new badge on the H1—Alpha—and said it was the start of a new performance series for Hummer. But the price tag rose to its highest ever—more than $128,000 for a 2006 Hummer H1 Alpha, as the vehicle was called.

By May 2006 Hummer officials announced they were ending H1 production the following month, and consumers likely will find the last H1s on dealer lots for several months after.

Phaeton Too Pricey for VW Shoppers

Among the most difficult to find of the good-bye cars is a new Volkswagen Phaeton.

For one thing, not every Volkswagen dealer signed up to be a Phaeton dealership. Secondly, not many of the large luxury sedans were shipped to the U.S., and overseas shipments of the current Phaeton have already stopped.

The Phaeton, which shares high-tech components with Volkswagen AG's luxury division, Audi is a notable sedan. At 17 feet long and with luxurious appointments and four or five seats, Phaeton is the largest VW auto ever sold in the U.S. And the Phaeton's top, 6.0-liter W12 engine puts out the kind of power associated with the biggest and best luxury cars: 444 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.

But Americans just couldn't seem to get over the high starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $66,700 for the V8 Phaeton and the $96,600 starting price for the 12-cylinder model. After all, VW is more commonly known in the States for selling a "people's car."

Indeed, as VW's priciest production sedan, the Phaeton tallied fewer than 3,300 sales in the U.S. from the time it arrived here in calendar 2003. Today, only a few new Phaetons remain on dealer lots, here and there, around the country.

But VW plans to continue to sell the Phaeton in Europe.

Porsche GT Wraps Up Production

The most rare of good-bye cars—from a consumer's perspective—has to be the Porsche Carrera GT, which ended production May 6, 2006, after some 2 1/2 years.

Only about 1,270 of these 605-horsepower V10-powered, two-seat supercars were built at a Porsche factory in Leipzig, Germany, and about half were sold in North America. Funnymen Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld were among the first U.S. owners of this ultra-light, ultra-performance car that can race to 99 miles an hour in less than 7 seconds.

To be sure, the Carrera GT price was steep—$440,000. The delivery charge could add another $15,000. And Porsche officials had said all along they wouldn't extend production. They've already sold more Carrera GTs worldwide than the combined sales of Ferrari's Enzo, Mercedes' McLaren F1 and Pagani Zonda models.

Bottom line: If you didn't get on the Porsche Carrera GT buyer's list more than a year ago, you're out of luck on this one.

Heritage-Laden Ford GT Gone

Another rare GT is leaving the market, too.

The exotic-looking 500-horsepower supercharged Ford GT sports car, which went on sale in Calendar 2004, was developed as a sort of a tribute and halo car as Ford Motor Co. marked its 100th anniversary.

Thus, the GT's design drew heavily upon that of the Ford GT race cars of the 1960s that played a big part in Ford history by sweeping the top three spots at the 24 Hours of LeMans in 1966.

But modern-day development and engineering costs were high, and the GT is a low-volume car with a starting MSRP of nearly $150,000. Today, financially strapped Ford is selling out its GTs and plans to close the Wixom, Mich., assembly plant where the GT is built. So, total Ford GT sales are unlikely to top 2,300.

The Lincoln LS, Lincoln's smallest luxury sedan, also is produced at the Wixom plant outside Detroit and wrapped up production in spring 2006. But shoppers may find 2006 LS cars remaining on dealer lots. The starting MSRP on the window sticker is more than $39,000.

About 293,000 LS cars were built since calendar 1999, but by 2005, annual sales had trickled off to fewer than 20,000. Among the highlights of the LS when it debuted was the fact it was the first Lincoln in decades to offer a manual transmission. The five-speed Getrag unit was available in the LS with V6 and sport suspension.

But in later years, Lincoln officials began to restrict the LS offerings. Within a couple years, the manual was deleted, and by the 2006 model year, the only available engine for the LS was a V8 that produced as much as some V6s—280 horsepower.

Modern GTO Disappoints

Go figure. Even the storied muscle car name of "Pontiac GTO" can't draw lots of Americans to a sizable, rear-wheel-drive V8-powered coupe.

Indeed, the best year for the modern reincarnation of the GTO was in calendar 2004, but with only 13,569 GTO sales in the U.S. The modern GTO is actually a U.S. version of the Holden Monaro coupe made in an Australian factory by Pontiac's parent company, General Motors Corp. The GTO never hit the company's 18,000 annual U.S. sales target.

With no sign that the U.S. coupe market would revive, and with GTO sales going downhill, as well as new federal regulations kicking in that would add costs to the car, GM cancelled the GTO after three model years. The last cars likely will be found through summer on dealer lots.

Intriguingly, Ford's muscle car, the Mustang, continues to sell like hotcakes. But then, the Mustang has a base V6 and a starting MSRP of just under $20,000. The GTO has a gas-gulping, 400-horsepower V8 and a starting MSRP of $31,290 for the 2006 model.

Acura's Lowest-Priced Car a Goner

Acura got rid of its popular Integra in the 2002 model year. Now, after just five model years, the Integra's replacement—the RSX coupe—is getting the boot, too.

Officials said the RSX, with a starting price around $20,000, ends after the 2006 model year. With a youthful group of buyers, the RSX is Acura's lowest-priced car by some $8,000. There's speculation that Acura will replace the RSX with a coupe version of the next Acura car up in the food chain, the TSX.

Acura has been working for years to move upscale, and any RSX replacement is likely to be priced higher than the sporty, high-value RSX that has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

In addition, Acura is bringing out a compact sport-utility crossover in summer 2006 called RDX that's expected to appeal to some youthful buyers, and it will be priced lower than Acura's only current SUV, the $37,000 MDX.

Lastly, RSX sales have been declining and totaled just 6,186 for the first four months of 2006.

Mazda Gives Up on MPV Minivan

Don't look for the Mazda MPV after this year. The Japan-based automaker doesn't need the MPV minivan anymore.

Why? Because it's launching the 2007 Mazda CX-7 and CX-9 crossover sport-utility vehicles, and they're expected to be more popular than the long-running and -ignored MPV.

And if a consumer isn't impressed enough with the CX models, there's the Mazda5, a minivan-styled six-seater that's smaller than any minivan in the U.S. It's also the only vehicle in the class that offers a manual transmission. And with a starting MSRP of $17,435, the four-cylinder-powered, 2006 Mazda5 is the lowest-priced minivan around.

This is some $4,600 less than the starting price for a 2006 MPV.

Taurus Slowly Coming to an End

The Ford Taurus, America's best-selling car from 1992 to 1996, has been slowly wrapping up its sales for at least a year.

First, in fall 2004 Taurus had increased competition in Ford showrooms from the new Five Hundred, a larger sedan with a modern platform and a new interior. In the 2006 model year another new family-size sedan, the Fusion, rolled into showrooms, too.

Both cars are supposed to take the place of the long-running and aged Taurus, which basically became available only to car fleets in calendar 2006. Taurus' sibling, the Mercury Sable, has already retired.

But intriguingly, through the first four months of calendar 2006, the Taurus was having some revenge. Even with fleet-only sales, the Taurus was just ten percent below the sales of its newer Ford rivals.

But the end for Taurus looms for several reasons, including the fact that Ford officials have announced plans to close the Atlanta factory where the Taurus is built.

Time for Insight to Go?

Honda officials have tussled for years over the fate of their first gasoline-electric hybrid car for Americans.

The odd-looking, two-seat Insight with wheel skirts and a bug-like shape—all for aerodynamics, mind you—has held the fuel-efficiency record ever since it arrived here in December 1999. Today's 2006 Insight is rated at 60 miles a gallon in city driving and 66 mpg on the highway.

Yes, with record oil prices plaguing consumers in 2006, the Insight's position atop the mileage ratings can't be ignored. Indeed, through the first four months of calendar 2006, Insight sales nearly doubled from the year-earlier period.

But the problem is, the year earlier wasn't great. U.S. sales of the frugal Insight—base priced at $19,330 for a 2006 model—totaled just 55 cars on average each month during calendar 2005. So, the 2006 average monthly sales early on were still only 80.

This compares with nearly 9,000 Toyota Prius hybrid cars sold each month in the U.S. last year. The Prius is a midsize car with room for five, decent cargo space and more power than the Insight.

Remember, too, that Honda sells another, more popular hybrid car—the Honda Civic Hybrid.

So don't be surprised when Honda officials withdraw the Insight, albeit reluctantly. And consumers who want to motor around with the best mileage possible in a production car had better not wait too long to get an Insight

[Predicto]

Too bad about the Mazda MPV - one of the best and most practical minivans ever made.

[Huly]

Pez just said Saturday he wanted to look at the H1 and we had the GTO

[Teller]

GTO = great engine but exterior design waste. It's a grand am with a hood scoop from the outside. A car with such heritage deserved better.

H1 = only practical if you're going to go out in the woods and beat it up. But, it's too expensive to do that.

Ford GT = $160,000 for an American car? No thanks. (It pains me to say that.)

Carerra GT = $440,000? With that kind of money, I could've bought my house AND a Ford GT.

Mazda MVP = Kind of surprising, but Mazda's owned by Ford who will likely be "focusing" on the Escape.

Taurus = Decent car for a long time. Outlived it's usefulness.

IMO, Ford should kill the Mustang too. They're embarassing it's heritage. It looks nice, but is simply the WORST vehicle I've ever driven.

[TheREALJBird]

I'm so dissapointed about the GTO....such a great engine and the rest is just so-so...

[Huly]

The GTO was a sleeper! I loved driving it.

[TheREALJBird]

The GTO was a sleeper! I loved driving it.

They rushed production of it entirely too fast. The bodystyle leaves a lot to be desired....I believe they based it on an austrailan car, the name slips my mind. I'm with HH though, with all the history and heritage it has, it's a shame they didn't put more thought into it

[Huly]

They rushed production of it entirely too fast. The bodystyle leaves a lot to be desired....I believe they based it on an austrailan car, the name slips my mind. I'm with HH though, with all the history and heritage it has, it's a shame they didn't put more thought into it

Monaro

[TheREALJBird]

Monaro

Ah yes, good lookin out:thumbsup:

[Teller]

They rushed production of it entirely too fast. The bodystyle leaves a lot to be desired....I believe they based it on an austrailan car, the name slips my mind. I'm with HH though, with all the history and heritage it has, it's a shame they didn't put more thought into it

On the other hand, it beats the Mustang, which is a gorgeous car, true to its visual heritage, and a complete POS.

[TheREALJBird]

On the other hand, it beats the Mustang, which is a gorgeous car, true to its visual heritage, and a complete POS.

That's too bad....because they had the right idea with the style of the car, affordably priced too. Of course i've always been a Chevy-GM person myself..and i'd still like to get an '02 formula Trans Am

[Ghost of]

Damn, back in deuce-003, my girlfriend practically had orgasms when even SEEING an RSX on the road.

Of course, these were some of the only times she actually seemed like a sexual being.

[Teller]

Damn, back in deuce-003, my girlfriend practically had orgasms when even SEEING an RSX on the road.

Of course, these were some of the only times she actually seemed like a sexual being.

Why didn't you warn me? I wouldn't have married her! :doh:

[Huly]

Ah yes, good lookin out:thumbsup:

I know way too much about cars and sports cars esp. I have scars on my hands from cleaning the engine of our 96 Vette for car shows!

That's too bad....because they had the right idea with the style of the car, affordably priced too. Of course i've always been a Chevy-GM person myself..and i'd still like to get an '02 formula Trans Am

I am waiting to see what they do with the new Camaro. I really want another Camaro (I had 4 in highschool and college). I am a Chevy GM gal born and raised. I hope they do not cutt of the nose and ruin the car.

AND FOR THOSE THAT LIKE TO PUT MY POST IN THE TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT THREAD THIS IS FOR YOU:

I like a good fast rumble and I know how to work a stick! :laugh:

[Phantasm]

The GTO was a sleeper! I loved driving it.

You speak the truth. My '04 is my pride and joy. Some people hate the styling, and although I like the look just fine, I can see their point. It doesn't look nearly as fast as it really is. I love it when ricers with big wings and huge exhaust systems try to egg me on. I don't even waste my time anymore. Just knowing I'd blow them away is enough.

And, along with the new Camaro, there is rumored to be a completely redesigned GTO built on the same platform, and, I hope to God it's styled more for the traditionalists, because I'm tired of hearing 'That's not a GTO'.

[Ghost of]

Ricers, bah.

I smoke most cars in a 98 Olds LSS. I don't have the supercharged version but the acceleration is still better than those 'body kitted up' little matchbox cars.

[Cambl2Moss]

Too bad about the Mazda MPV - one of the best and most practical minivans ever made.

pfffft.....old man

jk

[fight_on_til_you_have_won]

I'm still getting over the retirement of my beloved Toyota Echo.

[Kosher Ham]

Here are some concept renderings of the New Camaro :

[PokerPacker]

the rear of that camero reminds me of a corvette

[Huly]

You speak the truth. My '04 is my pride and joy. Some people hate the styling, and although I like the look just fine, I can see their point. It doesn't look nearly as fast as it really is. I love it when ricers with big wings and huge exhaust systems try to egg me on. I don't even waste my time anymore. Just knowing I'd blow them away is enough.

And, along with the new Camaro, there is rumored to be a completely redesigned GTO built on the same platform, and, I hope to God it's styled more for the traditionalists, because I'm tired of hearing 'That's not a GTO'.

We got rid of our's for a few reasons. Being an 04 and the first to hit VA it had some electrical issues. It was an amazing car and I loved playing with unsuspecting ricers. That was a blast!

I do miss it!

Here are some concept renderings of the New Camaro :

It looks like a mix between a Corvette and a mustang. Not quite sure what I think of that. Are they still coming out in 2007?