Cars That Will Break Your Heart When They’re Finally Canceled – Specs, Design & Why We’ll Miss Them

Bottom Line Up Front

If you love a car that’s suddenly discontinued, you’ll feel a pang of loss. Below we look at four beloved models that will break readers’ hearts the most when they finally disappear.

Cars That Will Break Your Heart When They’re Finally Canceled – Specs, Design & Why We’ll Miss Them

Image: Cars That Will Break Your Heart When They’re Finally Canceled – Specs, Design & Why We’ll Miss Them – Performance Comparison and Specifications

Design & Looks

Each of these cars earned a cult following because of its unique styling. The Honda S2000 dazzled with a sleek, low‑profile roadster silhouette that screamed pure sport. The 1998‑2002 Toyota Supra turned heads with its iconic pop‑up rear spoiler and aggressive lines. Volkswagen Beetle offered a timeless, friendly shape that felt like a hug on wheels. Finally, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution combined rally‑ready aerodynamics with a bold, muscular front end.

Performance & Mileage

Performance is where the heartbreak deepens. The S2000’s 2.2‑liter high‑revving engine delivered 237 hp, making 0‑60 in under 6 seconds, but its fuel economy hovered around 20 mpg city. The Supra’s twin‑turbo 3.0‑liter inline‑six produced 320 hp, offering a thrilling 22 mpg combined. The Beetle, while not a speed demon, gave a comfortable 1.4‑liter turbo with 150 hp and respectable 30 mpg highway numbers. The Evolution’s 2.0‑liter turbocharged unit pushed 280 hp and managed about 24 mpg combined – impressive for a performance sedan.

Price & Rivals

When these cars were on sale, they each carved a niche against fierce competition. The S2000 started around $38,000, rivaling the Mazda MX‑5 Miata but with a more hardcore feel. The Supra’s $45,000 price tag placed it against the Nissan 300ZX and later the BMW Z4. The Beetle’s entry price of $15,000 made it a quirky alternative to the Mini Cooper. The Evolution, priced near $30,000, challenged the Subaru WRX STI and the Audi S3.

Quick Specs at a Glance

Model	Engine	Mileage (mpg)	Price (USD)	Top Features
Honda S2000	2.2 L I4 (high‑rev)	20 city / 27 hwy	~38,000	6‑speed manual Red‑line at 9,000 rpm Lightweight chassis
1998‑2002 Toyota Supra	3.0 L twin‑turbo I6	22 combined	~45,000	Turbocharged power Iconic rear spoiler Rear‑wheel drive
Volkswagen Beetle	1.4 L turbo I4	30 hwy	~15,000	Retro design Compact size Fuel‑efficient
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution	2.0 L turbo I4	24 combined	~30,000	All‑wheel drive Rally heritage Sport‑tuned suspension

FAQ

What is the fuel economy of the Honda S2000?

The S2000 averages about 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Is the 1998‑2002 Toyota Supra worth buying used?

If you love classic Japanese sports cars and can find a well‑maintained example, the Supra offers strong performance and timeless style for a reasonable price.