Which Honda Is Being Discontinued?

The automotive industry is in constant flux, with models being introduced, redesigned, and, inevitably, discontinued. Keeping track of these changes can be challenging for consumers, especially when it comes to a popular brand like Honda. This article aims to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of which Honda models have been discontinued, are rumored to be discontinued, and the reasons behind those decisions. Understanding these changes helps consumers make informed decisions about their next vehicle purchase and understand the evolving landscape of Honda's lineup.

Honda Discontinued Models: A Comprehensive Overview

The following table provides a detailed overview of Honda models that have been discontinued, along with key information regarding the reasons for their discontinuation and the year they were last produced.

Detailed Explanations of Discontinued Honda Models

This section provides a more in-depth look at each of the discontinued Honda models listed in the table, exploring the specific reasons behind their discontinuation.

Honda Clarity (2022): The Honda Clarity was an ambitious attempt to offer a single model with multiple powertrain options: electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell. However, low sales across all variants, combined with increasing production costs and Honda's strategic shift towards hybrid and electric SUVs, led to its discontinuation. The Clarity's unique multi-powertrain approach, while innovative, ultimately proved unsustainable in the competitive electric vehicle market.

Honda Fit (2020 - US Market): The Honda Fit was a subcompact hatchback known for its exceptional fuel efficiency and versatile "Magic Seat" configuration. Despite its practicality, the Fit suffered from low sales in the US market, primarily due to changing consumer preferences towards larger vehicles, particularly SUVs and crossovers. While the Fit remains available in other markets, Honda chose to discontinue it in the US to focus on more profitable models.

Honda Civic Coupe (2020): The Civic Coupe, once a popular choice among younger buyers, fell victim to the declining popularity of coupes in general. With consumers increasingly favoring the practicality and versatility of sedans and hatchbacks, Honda decided to streamline the Civic lineup by discontinuing the coupe variant and focusing on the sedan and hatchback models.

Honda CR-Z (2016): The Honda CR-Z was a sporty hybrid hatchback that aimed to combine fuel efficiency with a fun driving experience. However, it suffered from low sales due to its limited appeal as a sports car and its relatively underwhelming hybrid performance. Consumers looking for a true sports car found it lacking, while those seeking maximum fuel efficiency had other options.

Honda Insight (1st Gen) (2006): The first-generation Honda Insight was a groundbreaking hybrid vehicle known for its exceptional fuel economy. However, it suffered from poor sales due to its limited practicality (only two seats) and its higher price point compared to conventional vehicles. The market was not ready for an extremely fuel-efficient car at the time.

Honda Element (2011): The Honda Element was a unique and versatile SUV known for its boxy design, durable interior, and rear-hinged doors. Despite its cult following, the Element experienced declining sales over time. Its aging design and Honda's decision to focus on more mainstream SUVs ultimately led to its discontinuation.

Honda Accord Coupe (2017): Similar to the Civic Coupe, the Accord Coupe was discontinued due to declining sales and a shift in consumer preferences towards sedans and SUVs. The market for mid-size coupes simply wasn't large enough to justify its continued production.

Honda S2000 (2009): The Honda S2000 was a legendary roadster known for its high-revving engine and exhilarating driving experience. However, its production run came to an end in 2009 as part of Honda's broader strategy to focus on other segments and develop new models. While rumors of a successor have surfaced over the years, the S2000 remains a highly sought-after classic.

Honda Ridgeline (1st Gen) (2014): The first generation Honda Ridgeline was a unique pickup truck with a unibody construction, offering a smoother ride than traditional body-on-frame trucks. However, it suffered from poor sales due to its unconventional design and perceived lack of ruggedness compared to its competitors. The design changes in the 2nd generation were intended to help with the aesthetic and sales.

Acura ILX (2022): The Acura ILX, a compact luxury sedan, was discontinued to make way for the Acura Integra. Its discontinuation was also influenced by declining sales in the compact luxury sedan market, as consumers increasingly opted for SUVs and crossovers. The Integra represents a refreshed approach to the entry-level Acura segment.

Acura RLX (2020): The Acura RLX, Acura's flagship sedan, was discontinued due to low sales and the shifting dynamics of the flagship sedan market. The market was moving towards SUVs, leading Acura to focus on developing and promoting its SUV lineup.

Acura NSX (2nd Gen) (2022): The second-generation Acura NSX was a high-performance hybrid supercar. However, it was always intended as a limited production run model. Its discontinuation marked the end of its model cycle, with no immediate plans for a successor.

Honda FCX Clarity (2014): The FCX Clarity was a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that served as a precursor to the later Honda Clarity models. It was discontinued as it was superceded by the Honda Clarity, which offered a more refined and accessible hydrogen fuel cell option. The FCX Clarity was more of a test vehicle for hydrogen technology.

Honda Odyssey (manual transmission) (1998): While not a complete discontinuation of the Odyssey model, the manual transmission option was dropped due to lack of demand. The market overwhelmingly favored automatic transmissions for minivans, making the manual transmission option unsustainable. This was part of a larger shift towards automatic transmissions in the automotive industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why do automakers discontinue models? Automakers discontinue models for a variety of reasons, including low sales, changing consumer preferences, and strategic shifts in their product lineup. They may also discontinue a model to make way for a new or redesigned vehicle.

• What happens to parts availability for discontinued models? Honda typically maintains parts availability for discontinued models for a certain period, often several years. However, the availability of specific parts may decrease over time.

• Will Honda ever bring back any of these discontinued models? While there are no guarantees, automakers sometimes revive discontinued models if market conditions and consumer demand warrant it. Rumors of a potential S2000 revival have circulated in the past, but nothing has been confirmed.

• What is the best way to find a used version of a discontinued Honda model? Online marketplaces, used car dealerships, and classified ads are all good places to search for used versions of discontinued Honda models. Be sure to thoroughly inspect the vehicle and check its history before making a purchase.

• Are there any Honda models rumored to be discontinued in the near future? There are no credible rumors of major Honda models being discontinued in the immediate future. However, the automotive industry is constantly evolving, so it's always important to stay informed about potential changes.

Conclusion

The discontinuation of Honda models is a natural part of the automotive industry. By understanding the reasons behind these decisions, consumers can gain a better appreciation for the evolving landscape of Honda's lineup and make informed decisions about their vehicle purchases. Stay informed about industry trends and consult reliable sources to stay up-to-date on any potential changes to Honda's model offerings.