Love or hate ’em, here are 15 cars gone after 2017

One is 25 years old this year; others are still in their infancies. But for one reason or another, 15 cars including the iconic Dodge Viper, will cease production with their 2017 models.

The powerhouse Viper, with is boisterous V-10, has always attracted muscle car aficionados. Other cars and their driver tend to get out of its way. The Viper was costly and it didn’t fare well with changes in its corporate ownership.

But it did help Chrysler change its boxy, boring image and now it’s gone, a quarter-century old, the oldest vehicle on the soon-to-be deceased list.

The Weekly Driver through the years has reviewed several of the doomed vehicles. I’ve linked to my reviews.

Here’s the list of the vehicles, their years of production and a comment from my reviews, if applicable.

Chevrolet SS, 2014-2017

Chrysler 200, 2011-2017
The Weekly Driver comment (2011): “Maybe it’s a sign of caring less about performance and more about comfort and safety. But I genuinely liked the 200 as a viable mid-size sedan. It won’t win any race track contests or turn heads with overt flash. But as a comfortable sedan (the kind my father would have liked) the 200 won me over.”

Hyundai Azera, 2006-2017
The Weekly Driver comment (2013): “The 2013 Hyundai Azera provides one more reason why anyone who still has doubts about the carmaker shouldn’t. The Azera shines on multiple levels and holds its own in the crowded full-size sedan market.”

Infiniti QX70, 2003-2017
The Weekly Driver comment (2014): “It won’t win any off-road heroics, but as a luxury SUV with a sports sedan feel and power to spare, the Infiniti QX70 is hard to beat.”

Jeep Patriot, 2007-2017

Lexus CT 200h, 2011-2017

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive, 2014-2017

Mitsubishi i-MiEV, 2012-2017
The Weekly Driver comment: (2014): “Good for Mitsubishi for its innovation in the electric vehicle market. The i-MIEV is a fun, spacious and futuristic car to drive. But it’s a city car at best. Drive it on the freeway for any length of time and beware. It will likely test your patience. It will take hours of your time. You could read a book or two. Then again, you might be able to defuse the frustration as I did — with the joys of eating leftover cold pizza at midnight while waiting for recharging.”

Mitsubishi Lancer, 2002-2017
The Weekly Driver comment (2013): “There’s nothing appreciably wrong or dramatically right about the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer. But since it’s part of one of the most competitive car segments in the industry, there’s little except its strong warranty to give the underdog sedan a chance.”

Nissan Quest, 1993-2007

Smart ForTwo, 2008-2017
The Weekly Driver comment (2013): “The streets of San Francisco have traffic just like any major metro city. It’s often mayhem. I drove the Smart Fortwo EV about 20 miles in midday traffic from the heart of the financial district to Golden Gate Park. I liked the car’s responsiveness. It accelerated quickly, it’s quiet and it’s surprisingly spacious considering the smallest car in full production in the United States.

Volkswagen CC, 2009-2017
The Weekly Driver’s comment (2009): “The Volkswagen CC Sport may be the most unheralded offering in its class. Simple, straight-forward, little badging, handsome exterior and interior designs with important but never embellished equipment. Combine the sleek, sporty sedan look, comfortable seats and understated presence and it’s a winner of a first-year car.”

Volkswagen Touareg, 2004-2017