While many car models come and go, a few manage to defy expectations and remain in production long past their anticipated lifespan. While most vehicles undergo a redesign every six years, some models persist for decades with only minor updates.
Pickup trucks, vans, and certain sedans tend to have longer life cycles due to strong market demand and a lack of direct replacements. This article highlights ten cars that, despite their age, can still be purchased brand new in 2024, even though many assumed they had been discontinued years ago.
1. Ford E-Series: A Workhorse That Won’t Quit
The Ford E-Series, formerly known as the Econoline, has been in production since the 1960s. Despite shifting to a commercial-only lineup, the E-Series remains a staple in the fleet and work vehicle industry.
The current fourth-generation model, which dates back to the 1990s, is still available in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations. Ford’s more modern Transit van has largely replaced it for personal and cargo use, but the E-Series continues to serve specialized business and transport needs.
2. Chevrolet Express / GMC Savana: The Unchanging Utility Vans
The Chevrolet Express and its twin, the GMC Savana, have been virtually unchanged since their debut in 1996. These full-size vans remain a common sight in commercial fleets, airport shuttles, and moving truck services.
Despite advancements in electric vehicle technology—like GM’s introduction of the BrightDrop electric van lineup—the Express and Savana persist, offering reliable gas-powered transportation for businesses that still depend on them.
3. Dodge Durango: Old Platform, New Power
The third-generation Dodge Durango has been on the market since 2010, built on a platform dating back to DaimlerChrysler’s era.
Sharing underpinnings with the old Mercedes-Benz ML SUV, the Durango remains competitive in the three-row SUV market, thanks to its powerful V-8 options and performance-oriented models like the 710-hp Durango SRT Hellcat.
While Dodge plans to phase out V-8 variants, the V-6 model is expected to continue until a successor arrives.
4. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: A Dinosaur in the Crossover Segment
Mitsubishi’s Outlander Sport, first introduced in 2011, is one of the longest-running small crossovers on the market today. Though it has received periodic styling updates, the core mechanics and technology remain outdated compared to modern competitors.
Despite its lack of refinement and aging design, Mitsubishi continues to sell the Outlander Sport, mainly appealing to budget-conscious buyers looking for an affordable SUV.
5. Land Rover Discovery Sport: Stuck in Time
Introduced in 2015, the Land Rover Discovery Sport was positioned as an entry-level luxury SUV, featuring a third-row seating option rarely found in its class. Despite minor updates, its core design and underwhelming turbo-four engine make it feel dated compared to rivals.
While it still offers the off-road capability expected of a Land Rover, the Discovery Sport struggles to stand out in a rapidly evolving luxury SUV market.
Also Read: 10 Best Plug-In Hybrid SUVs for Maximum Efficiency and Long-Distance Driving in 2025
6. Hyundai Nexo: A Hydrogen Pioneer in Limbo
One of the few hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles available, the Hyundai Nexo has been on the market since 2019. Its niche status and limited fueling infrastructure restrict its appeal, with Hyundai selling just 241 units last year.
Competing with the Toyota Mirai and Honda CR-V Fuel Cell, the Nexo remains largely confined to California, where hydrogen refueling stations exist. Despite its futuristic technology, it remains an obscure option in the automotive world.
7. Chevrolet Malibu: The Last Sedan Standing
While General Motors has largely abandoned the sedan market, the Chevrolet Malibu persists. Introduced in its current form in 2016, the Malibu has outlived its Chevrolet sedan siblings like the Cruze and Sonic.
However, its days are numbered—GM plans to end production in November 2024. Until then, buyers can still find new Malibus on dealership lots, with rental car companies being its most common customers.
8. Lexus RC: A Forgotten Sports Coupe
Lexus introduced the RC coupe in 2015 as a sporty counterpart to the IS sedan. Despite its sleek design and high-performance RC F variant, the RC has seen minimal updates over the past decade.
Its existence is overshadowed by newer and more dynamic competitors, such as the BMW 4 Series. Rumors suggest that a high-performance Lexus GT3 race car could eventually replace the RC, but for now, it remains a low-profile choice for coupe enthusiasts.
9. Volvo S90: A Luxury Sedan in an SUV World
Despite Volvo’s increasing focus on SUVs and electric vehicles, the S90 luxury sedan continues to soldier on. Launched in 2017, the S90 faces dwindling demand in a market that favors crossovers.
Volvo plans to introduce an electric successor, the ES90, but until then, the S90 remains available. Its sophisticated design and comfort-oriented approach keep it relevant, even as sedans fall out of favor.
10. Audi A8: A Luxury Flagship That Struggles to Shine
The Audi A8, a long-time competitor to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series, has often been criticized for its conservative styling.
The current fourth-generation model has struggled to capture buyers’ attention, with sales figures lagging behind rivals. Audi continues to offer the A8 and its high-performance S8 variant, but its future remains uncertain as the brand shifts towards electrification.
While automotive innovation continues at a rapid pace, these ten vehicles demonstrate that some models can endure for decades. Whether due to strong fleet demand, niche market appeal, or lack of a direct replacement, these cars remain available in 2024 despite their age.
Some will soon be phased out, while others may continue defying expectations for years to come. For buyers seeking familiarity and proven reliability, these models serve as a reminder that not every car needs to be brand new to stay relevant.
Also Read: 10 Cars That Had Ridiculous Interior Designs and Pushed the Limits of Automotive Creativity
