10 Cars GM Never Should Have Discontinued
General Motors has shaped the American automotive landscape for over a century, creating some of the most iconic, beloved, and dependable vehicles on the road. But even the giants make missteps—especially when it comes to discontinuing cars that had cult followings, solid sales, or unforgettable style.
Whether it was due to shifting trends, corporate restructuring, or simple bad timing, some of these models were gone before their time. For gearheads and casual fans alike, these are the 10 cars GM never should have pulled from production.
1. Pontiac G8
The Pontiac G8, a bold sports sedan with V8 power and rear-wheel drive, was a standout before its 2009 demise alongside the Pontiac brand.
Its striking design and performance rivaled European peers, earning fervent admiration. Had it survived, this gem could have sparked a Pontiac revival.
2. Chevrolet SS
The SS sedan was everything muscle car fans wanted: stealthy looks, Corvette-powered performance, and a spacious interior. But despite its capabilities, poor marketing and high pricing kept it under the radar.
It was discontinued in 2017, leaving a void in the rear-wheel-drive performance sedan market. Today, it has a growing cult following and strong resale value.
3. Pontiac Firebird
More than a Camaro cousin, the Firebird was a pop culture legend, immortalized by the Trans Am. Its 2002 discontinuation marked the end of a muscle car era.
As retro muscle surged in the 2010s, fans yearned for its return, but GM left the dream unrealized.
4. Chevrolet Volt
Launched as a pioneering plug-in hybrid, the Volt was ahead of its time with impressive electric range and a backup gas engine for long trips. It built a loyal base of eco-conscious drivers who didn’t want full EV commitment.
Despite solid reviews and unique tech, GM ended production in 2019 to shift focus toward fully electric cars.
5. Oldsmobile 442
The Oldsmobile 442 was a muscle car legend that roared through the 1960s and ’70s with V8 power and street cred to spare. Even its later incarnations in the ’80s held strong appeal.
GM retired the Oldsmobile brand entirely in 2004, taking the 442’s legacy with it. For muscle car enthusiasts, that loss still stings.
6. Cadillac ELR
The Cadillac ELR, a luxurious plug-in hybrid coupe, was a daring blend of Volt tech and stunning design. Mispriced and misunderstood, it ended in 2016 after a brief run.
In retrospect, this elegant pioneer could have anchored Cadillac’s electrified future with more time.
7. Pontiac Grand Prix
With a lineage stretching back to the 1960s, the Grand Prix was a staple of American roads and a go-to for performance sedan fans. Its blend of sporty styling and practicality kept it relevant through multiple generations.
When Pontiac went under, the Grand Prix went with it, ending a run that many believed still had gas left in the tank. It’s still a favorite on used car lots and enthusiast forums.
8. GMC Syclone
The early ’90s Syclone, a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive pickup, outran sports cars like the Ferrari 348. With only 3,000 built, its 1991 exit left no true successor.
Its enduring cult status suggests GM missed a chance to lead the performance truck wave.
9. Pontiac Solstice
Launched alongside the Saturn Sky, the Solstice was a head-turning roadster that gave GM a rare foothold in the affordable sports car scene. It looked like a concept car made real, with classic roadster proportions and respectable performance.
But it disappeared in 2010 with Pontiac’s demise. Car lovers still wonder how far it could’ve gone if given a second generation.
10. Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback
The Cruze Hatchback offered efficiency, style, and practicality for urban commuters. GM’s 2019 shift away from small cars axed the Cruze line, leaving a gap for drivers seeking compact versatility.
With rising fuel costs, many now lament its absence from showrooms.