Top 4 Discontinued Chevy Models
Like all major automakers, Chevrolet has seen models come and go over the years. But there are some discontinued Chevy models that made a lasting impression on the lineup, even though they are not still made today. Here are the top four.
Chevrolet El Camino
Is it a truck? Is it a coupe? No! It’s the Chevrolet El Camino! This model hit the American market in the late 1950s to compete in a new and unique segment occupied at the time by the Ford Ranchero. While it took some time to gain popularity, the El Camino was available until the late 1980s, when it was discontinued due to lack of buyers. But today, you’re likely to see an El Camino (or five) when you go to any classic car show.
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Chevrolet Bel Air
The Chevrolet Bel Air was a full-size car built by Chevy from 1950 to 1981. The Bel Air appealed to muscle car enthusiasts and was available in several body styles, including coupe, sedan, convertible, and station wagon. The second generation, beginning in 1955, was when the Bel Air really came into its own, with a feisty V8 engine option that delivered a smooth ride despite its power. Chevy ceased production of the Bel Air for the U.S. market in 1975, but continued building a version for the Canadian market until 1981, when it officially got the ax.
Chevrolet Volt
Photo: GM
The Chevy Volt ceased production just this year, but it’s an important model to include on this list. The Volt was originally introduced in 2007 as a concept car, and it received widespread praise. General Motors revealed the production model in 2008, and the Volt became the first mass-produced plug-in hybrid EV by a major carmaker. Through two generations, Chevy continuously improved the Volt, so it eventually had a 53-mile all-electric range. Sadly, the decline of the sedan and the development of more efficient PHEVs led to this year’s discontinuation of the Volt.
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Chevrolet SSR
Photo: Chad Horwedel
The Chevrolet SSR (short for Super Speed Roadster) was a short-lived addition to Chevy’s lineup between 2003 and 2006. The SSR hit the market at a time when automakers were trying out new styles of vehicles, hence the addition of a “retractable hardtop convertible pickup truck.” Its strange looks and weird mashup of truck and convertible made it a hit with a small subset of the U.S. population, and you’re likely to still see SSR models at car shows today. Sadly, the SSR was not a big seller for GM, partially due to its oddball looks and partially due to its high price tag ($40K, or closer to $50K in today’s currency).
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