Canadian roads once told a very different story. In the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, the most common cars were affordable sedans and compact coupes. They were built in Canadian plants, bought in huge numbers, and often became the first cars many Canadians ever owned. Times have changed. Crossovers and SUVs now dominate, and some of the once-beloved models have faded into the background or disappeared completely. Here are ten cars that Canadians loved in the past but that are just not popular anymore.
Honda Accord
For decades, the Honda Accord was a Canadian favorite. Families bought it for its unbeatable reliability, spacious interior, and solid reputation for holding value. In the 90s and 2000s, you could barely drive through a suburban neighborhood without seeing an Accord in nearly every driveway. It was a car that Canadians trusted for long commutes, road trips, and everyday family duties. But today, the Accord has been overshadowed by the SUV boom. Families that once bought Accords are now choosing CR-Vs and Pilots instead, leaving the Accord as a respected but far less common choice on Canadian roads.
Ford Taurus
The Ford Taurus was once a household name across Canada. When it launched in the mid-80s, its rounded styling was revolutionary, and Canadians flocked to it in droves. Through the 90s, the Taurus dominated sales charts, used by families, businesses, and taxi fleets alike. But as the 2000s rolled on, the Taurus lost its shine. Its design became dated, quality slipped, and competitors from Japan and Korea offered better value. By the time it was discontinued in 2019, Canadians had long since moved on, but the memories of its glory days linger.
Chevrolet Impala
The Impala is one of the most recognizable nameplates in Canadian automotive history. Built in Oshawa, Ontario for decades, the Impala had a special place in Canadian hearts. It was roomy, comfortable, and perfect for the long highways that connect Canadian cities. Police forces and taxi fleets ran thousands of them, making the Impala a familiar sight everywhere. But consumer preferences shifted toward SUVs, and demand for full-size sedans collapsed. GM discontinued the Impala in 2020, ending an era. Canadians who once saw the Impala as a symbol of homegrown pride now mostly see them as used fleet cars fading into history.
Pontiac Grand Prix
The Pontiac Grand Prix was sporty yet practical, and it resonated with Canadians looking for something with a little edge. From the sleek coupes of the 80s to the aggressive supercharged GTP models of the 90s, the Grand Prix offered personality at an affordable price. It was popular among younger buyers and families alike, especially in Canada where Pontiac had a strong following. But when Pontiac was shut down in 2010, the Grand Prix went with it. What had been a Canadian favorite slowly disappeared from the roads, leaving behind only fond memories and a few supercharged survivors at enthusiast meets.
Toyota Corolla (Sedan)
The Corolla sedan was the definition of practicality in Canada. Cheap to buy, cheap to run, and nearly indestructible, it dominated Canadian driveways for decades. In the 90s, almost every high school parking lot had a few Corollas, passed down from parents who trusted them implicitly. But while the Corolla name is still strong, the sedan body style is no longer what Canadians want. Buyers are flocking to the Corolla Cross and RAV4 instead, leaving the once-beloved Corolla sedan struggling to stay relevant. It’s still a good car, but it no longer enjoys the superstar popularity it once had.
Dodge Neon
In the late 90s and early 2000s, the Dodge Neon was everywhere in Canada. Cheap, cheerful, and just a little fun, it was the first car for countless Canadian teenagers and young adults. The Neon’s “Hi” marketing campaign became a cultural touchstone, and the hot SRT-4 version made it briefly cool with enthusiasts. But quality issues and competition from Japanese compacts quickly eroded its popularity. By the time it was discontinued in 2005, the Neon had gone from beloved to forgotten. Today, it’s remembered mostly with nostalgia as a fun, flawed, and uniquely Canadian fixture of its era.
Mazda6
The Mazda6 carved out a spot in Canada as the sporty alternative to the Camry and Accord. Canadians loved it for its sharp styling, engaging handling, and, in earlier years, the availability of a wagon version that was both practical and fun. It was a favorite among drivers who wanted something different but still reliable. Unfortunately, as SUVs took over, interest in midsize sedans like the Mazda6 declined rapidly. By 2021, Mazda pulled the plug on the model entirely in Canada. Once a stylish family choice, the Mazda6 is now a footnote in a market that has moved on.
Chevrolet Cavalier
The Cavalier was one of Canada’s best-selling cars during the 80s and 90s. Built in Ontario, it was affordable, available in multiple body styles, and extremely popular with young buyers and families alike. It was the first car for countless Canadians who wanted something new but cheap. While not known for refinement or longevity, the Cavalier was everywhere. By the mid-2000s, however, its dated design and poor quality made it an easy target for criticism. When GM retired it in 2005, Canadians had already started moving on to better-built alternatives.
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus was a hit when it first landed in Canada in 2000. With its modern styling, European-inspired handling, and affordable price, it became one of Ford’s bestsellers in the country. The hatchback versions in particular had a strong following. But as the years went on, quality issues, recalls, and the global shift toward SUVs killed its momentum. Ford’s eventual decision to stop selling sedans and hatchbacks in North America sealed the Focus’s fate. What was once a Canadian favorite is now just a memory on the used car market.
Pontiac Sunfire
The Pontiac Sunfire was one of the most recognizable cars in Canada during the 90s and early 2000s. Built in Ontario, it was cheap, stylish enough for young buyers, and a common first car for Canadian teens. Families loved it because it was affordable and easy to find at dealerships across the country. But like the Cavalier it was based on, its reputation for being basic and uninspired caught up to it. With Pontiac’s closure in 2010, the Sunfire faded away. Canadians still remember it fondly as a rite-of-passage car, but its time in the spotlight is long gone.
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Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
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