Having watched 11 episodes, I was completely drawn in. The series improved weekly and the new Fox live-action show Firefly embodied the essence and thrills of Star Trek, coupled with the liveliness and human connection of the classic Western series Gunsmoke. Producer Joss Wedon, renowned for Buffy the Vampire Slayer, succeeded in creating a genre-defying weekly narrative that was clever, gripping, humorous, and utterly captivating. Yet, it was abruptly cancelled by Fox.
Automobiles Axed Prematurely
Fox didn’t even broadcast the final three episodes already in production. Despite critical acclaim, the initial ratings fell short of the network’s expectations. Corporate executives, possibly unsettled by the show’s unconventional premise and perplexing appeal to a specific demographic, decided to call it quits—just as the series was hitting its stride. I mean, Firefly was truly exceptional.
This all took place back in 2002. Wedon did manage to create a feature film (Serenity, 2005) to tie up loose ends, though it also involved the demise of a beloved character, emphasizing that was all the Firefly content we were going to get.
Carmakers have been known to do the same. There are heartbreaking instances where car models reached their peak in design and functionality, only to be abruptly withdrawn from the market just when things were becoming intriguing. Following a recent conversation on the Steve and Johnnie Show, where I am a frequent guest, I was challenged by the hosts to compile a list of vehicles that were terminated just as they were blossoming. I embraced the challenge and present here three vehicles that were just hitting their stride—or had recently undergone significant enhancements—only to be terminated shortly thereafter.
Pontiac Fiero
The Fiero failed to live up to its lofty expectations. Introduced in 1984, Pontiac’s futuristic and affordable 2-seater, mid-engine commuter/sports car should have been a game-changer. Unfortunately, it fell short. Plagued by weight issues (early models weighed in at 2400-2500 pounds), weak engine power (equipped with General Motors’ common “Iron Duke” 4-cylinder engine), and an outdated suspension system, the Fiero “2M4” (2-door, mid-engine, 4-cylinder) appeared striking but lacked driving excitement and practicality as a daily commuter, which was initially promised in its marketing.
Moreover, early models had a tendency to catch fire, a problem that did not sit well with owners.
Improvements were made in the following years. The inclusion of a V6 engine introduced a proper 5-speed manual transmission, instead of the 4-speed found in 4-cylinder variations. The V6 greatly enhanced the driving experience, delivering 0-60 mph speeds in around 7.0 seconds, an impressive feat for the mid-1980s.
The significant update arrived in 1988. The Fiero’s rudimentary suspension (comprised of components from Chevrolet Chevette and Chevrolet Citation) received a comprehensive overhaul by the engineering firm and sports car manufacturer Lotus, then under GM’s ownership.
Highly praised in the automotive press, the revamped suspension reportedly revolutionized the car and, when paired with the V6 engine, elevated the Fiero to a legitimate sports car status. A 1987 facelift further endeared the Fiero to enthusiasts and automotive journalists alike.
Unfortunately—and the prediction is clear—Pontiac discontinued the Fiero after the 1988 model year, just as the car was hitting its peak. More disheartening was the news that Pontiac had been exploring the possibility of fitting a 190-horsepower version of the Oldsmobile Quad 4 16-valve engine into the Fiero, an upgrade that would have garnered attention even from Corvette engineers.
Toyota Avalon
If your preference leans towards comfort and sophistication, with less emphasis on sportiness, Toyota presented a sedan custom-made for you. Debuting in the U.S. in 1995, the Avalon appealed to luxury car enthusiasts not yet ready for a luxury brand.
In recent times, the Avalon garnered a reputation for exceptional resale value and long-term dependability in all its variants. This spacious sedan—popular among real estate agents—was a recurrent choice for Consumer Guide’s Best Buy. However, it lacked one crucial element, a drawback in snowy regions, which was the absence of AWD.
This changed in 2021. Solely available with a 4-cylinder engine, adding AWD option was a significant move for customers in the north seeking winter assurance without transitioning to an SUV. With AWD, the Avalon evolved into an almost impeccable—but slightly mundane—four-passenger vehicle. Nevertheless, as you’ve likely deduced, it was discontinued just one model year after introducing AWD functionalities.
the list of available characteristics. Please note: While the Avalon has been discontinued, the mechanically equivalent Lexus ES is still accessible. The grand Lexus sedan embodies all that the Avalon offered, albeit with a more exquisite and quieter interior, along with a slightly higher price tag. It’s worth mentioning that the Avalon was to some extent succeeded in Toyota display rooms by the highly appealing Crown.
Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV
An enjoyable substitute for the costly and prevalent electric selections from Tesla, Chevy’s amusing-to-operate subcompact Bolt experienced substantial sales and presented electric vehicle enthusiasts a reasonably priced gateway to emissions-free driving.
In spite of setbacks due to battery fires prompting a recall, General Motors implemented a commendable initiative by recalling the affected units and replacing batteries when necessary. Surprisingly, the negative publicity did not appear to tarnish the reputation of the Bolt; instead, the compact electric Chevy earned recognition for its sporty demeanor and cost-effectiveness. The Bolt also delivered an impressive range of up to 260 miles on a single charge, which is quite remarkable given its affordable price point.
Nevertheless, the Bolt was somewhat petite and failed to resonate with consumers in search of a tad more utility in their eco-friendly driving experience. This is where the Bolt EUV came in. Launched concurrently with an update to the original Bolt EV, the EUV (Electric Utility Vehicle) featured a 3-inch longer wheelbase, resulting in a more spacious rear seating area.
Now, with a crossover variant in its range and starting prices comfortably below $30,000—while also being eligible for federal tax incentives—the Bolt and Bolt EUV became almost flawless introductory electric vehicles, leading to strong sales—an achievement that inevitably led to their discontinuation.
The silver lining is that the Bolt is set to make a comeback at Chevrolet dealerships towards the end of 2025 as a 2026 model. Let’s hope the successor to the Bolt will maintain the same affordability and driving excitement as the original.
Tune in to the Car Stuff Podcast
Cars That Departed Prematurely Images
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Review Flashback! 1984 Pontiac Fiero
Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast Episode 225: Chevy Equinox EV, History of American Motors, New Discontinued-Models List
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