A Final Farewell To The Vehicles We Lost In 2012

With lots in store for the next year, before we look ahead to all of the exciting things to come in 2013 in the auto industry (new car debuts, new technologies, etc.) we first take a look back at some of those dear souls we lost in 2012.

These are the cars that didn't quite cut it. Either because their sales were sluggish, their engines underpowered or they were made redundant by newer, sexier models, these cars were officially discontinued over the past year.

Click through to see some well-known cars you won't find on dealer lots in 2013. 

MSRP: $19,499 - $29,089
Invoice: $18,875 - $27,861
Fuel Economy: 20 mpg City, 28 mpg Highway

Mitsubishi discontinued the Eclipse back in August. The four-seat coupe has seen lackluster sales in recent years, likely due to its polarizing design, uninspiring engine and the lack of awareness of the Mitsubishi brand in general.

Research the Mitsubishi Eclipse
Mitsubishi Eclipse Photos & Information
Mitsubishi Eclipse Best Deals
Mitsubishi Eclipse Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $37,030 - $39,800
Invoice: $33,698 - $36,218
Fuel Economy: 35 mpg City, 34 mpg Highway

The HS 250h never really impressed critics or consumers and has been replaced by the new Lexus ES 300h.

There's no question Toyota makes some of the best hybrids on the market right now, but the HS 250h was an exception to the rule. Its technology was confusing and slow, its engine was weak, and it was far too heavy.

Research the Lexus HS 250h
Lexus HS 250h Photos & Information
Lexus HS 250h Best Deals
Lexus HS 250h Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $28,345 - $36,195
Invoice: $26,908 - $33,564
Fuel Economy: 17 mpg City, 22 mpg Highway

The introduction of the new Santa Fe this year made the Veracruz unnecessary in Hyundai's lineup. 

The Veracruz has been around since 2007, but quickly went stale. It looked almost exactly the same in 2012 as it did when it was launched. The fresh Santa Fe looks to improve Hyundai's CUV sales with a brand new look.

Research the Hyundai Veracruz
Hyundai Veracruz Photos & Information
Hyundai Veracruz Best Deals
Hyundai Veracruz Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $22,190 - $33,540
Invoice: $21,555 - $32,066
Fuel Economy: 20 mpg City, 27 mpg Highway

Like the Hyundai Veracruz, the CX-7 was made redundant by the introduction of a new vehicle: The Mazda CX-5. The CX-5 comes with about the same versatility as the CX-7, but has better fuel economy, looks and driving dynamics. 

The CX-5 is one of the best new CUVs on the market and is a great replacement for the outgoing CX-7.

Research the Mazda CX-7
Mazda CX-7 Photos & Information
Mazda CX-7 Best Deals
Mazda CX-7 Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $24,900 - $29,190
Invoice: $24,165 - $27,275
Fuel Economy: 18 mpg City, 25 mpg Highway

We're guessing that many of you probably didn't know the Kia Sedona was even around in 2012. The slow-selling minivan simply couldn't compete with the likes of the Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, which have all been redesigned with fancy new engines and interiors.

There is speculation that Kia will have a 2014 replacement for the family-hauling Sedona.

Research the Kia Sedona
Kia Sedona Photos & Information
Kia Sedona Best Deals
Kia Sedona Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $23,395 - $28,995
Invoice: $22,722 - $27,960
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg City, 22 mpg Highway

The Jeep Liberty SUV hasn't done well in sales and has been criticized for its engine, transmission, gas mileage and reliability.

A replacement is coming, however, and it will allegedly be built on the Dodge Dart platform and come with an available nine-speed transmission.

Research the Jeep Liberty
Jeep Liberty Photos & Information
Jeep Liberty Best Deals
Jeep Liberty Local Dealer Price Quote

MSRP: $52,690 - $53,840
Invoice: $49,002 - $50,071
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg City, 21 mpg Highway

Introduced for the 2006 model year, the odd-looking R-Class has been discontinued in the U.S. due to poor domestic sales. Interestingly, the R-Class will continue to be built at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and exported to other markets around the world.

Research the Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Mercedes-Benz R-Class Photos & Information
Mercedes-Benz R-Class Best Deals
Mercedes-Benz R-Class Local Dealer Price Quote