Reporter's Notebook: Missing Cars

When I look back at these past 15 years, it always comes back to one thing that kept this work alive – the vehicles we worked with. 

They play a central role in a lot of our content. Whether it is a travel article, or a Historiography column, the vehicle is the star…or the villain. No matter what role they perform, you always came for these wonderful machines and to read, hear, or watch the stories they tell. 

It would be easy for me to list out the top vehicles we worked with. You already know which ones they are. Then again, how many times can we extol the virtues of the Lexus RC F for the umpteenth time on this website?

Without listing the best among the best – or any of the #VOTY award winners – I’d rather get into a deep dive of those you may have forgotten about over these times. Ones that we even forgot about for a minute. 

Fair warning: Don’t be surprised what may show up in this column…

For example, the last generation Mazda6. I start with the “Move, and Be Moved” brand’s former mid-size sedan, as it was truly a signature model in the lineup. That position is now filled with its SUV offerings, which is truly a sign of the times. 

The Mazda6 had its flaws and misses. It was not as accommodating as a Toyita Camry or Honda Accord. It was too sporty for mainstream consumers. Yet, those are the qualities that attracted me to the Mazda6.

It was more of a touring sedan that gave you an additional goose bump when you tackle the road. The Mazda6 cornered superbly, stopped surely, and enveloped you in a cabin that encouraged enthusiastic driving. That combination of “KODO – Soul of Motion” design and SKYACTIV performance – either with or without a turbocharger. 

What really stood out about the Mazda6 was its driving signature. Something that was shared across the Mazda lineup – including out V&R Machine (2021 CX-5). However, the Mazda6 had some extra sauce when it came to cornering and ride quality. 

This sedan frequently showed up on #VOTY long lists and annual Favorite articles. It also showed up at our “doorstep” almost annually, as well. A sign that it may be gone but not forgotten. Even with the electric Mazda6e roaming around several markets on the other side of the Pacific, there is nothing like the that last generation Mazda6 that gave it a touring sedan that the competition would try to match. 

On the opposite side of the mid-size sedan class is the Volkswagen Passat. I know that I will get some heat from true Volkswagen people who wished that the international model should’ve been produced in Chattanooga instead of the North American model we received in 2011. However, it seemed appropriate given the conditions of that segment at that time. 

How? The aim was to make the Passat more palatable for this audience. While extolling the virtues of “German Engineering,” Volkswagen used some older components and a more simplified design for overall cost effectiveness. They also plunked a few engine options for the Passat, including a TDI turbocharged diesel, a five-cylinder, a turbocharged four-cylinder, and a VR6. 

Yet, it was very comfortable. More American than German in that respect. It had a lot of rear seat room – more so than its contemporaries. It also rode smoothly and comfortably – like a larger American sedan. 

Again, this is a Volkswagen. Assembled in Chattanooga, but still it wore that logo and a lot of its components installed. That speaks volumes when you were comparing it to its contemporaries. The Passat had a few advantages, but consumers went for other defined and measured virtues instead. 

There had been a number of Passat models that arrived for work duty over the years. Why would I have forgotten about it? Could it be that it was forgettable? As with Mazda, if you have seen what Volkswagen is offering now, the Passat is seen as a relic of the recent past. The technology has evolved, along with the current model lineup. 

Since we’re on the subject of Volkswagen, I will admit my disappointment when the Arteon was dropped. While it replaced the CC, the Arteon just appeared to the right kind of vehicle to aspire to. The five-door hatchback provided more practicality and passenger space with a touring car feel. 

It had all of the right ingredients, beyond just its practicality. The turbocharged engine was spot on, along with available 4MOTION all-wheel drive. The Arteon delivered decent fuel economy, while showing off its balanced ride and handling package. It was right vehicle for road trips, nights out, and attracting enthusiasts. 

Yet, it had a few drawbacks. No one was a fan of its overall design. It was not as roomy as a Passat. It felt too big for Golf GTI and Golf R fans. Most importantly, Americans were not keen on mid-size hatchback sedans. Unless, they had an Audi badge on it. 

That was where the rub lies. It’s not an Audi. It’s a Volkswagen. Just five years ago, that might not be enough for the type of customer they wanted to attract. Even though it was priced less than an Audi, it was still too expensive for American tastes. 

Still, I found the Arteon to be a wonderful car. It took a road trip to confirm this. With the hatchback full of luggage, it took on the long drive through four states and came out with massive smiles upon its return. That is always a mark of a good vehicle. 

If there is a through line for these three vehicles, it is that they were a part of a dying breed. One that is started to regain traction in the marketplace. 

This is why we miss seeing new cars – sedans, coupes, convertibles, hatchbacks – in today’s marketplace. We have some, but there are many manufacturers and brands that are missing them in their lineups. 

When I look back at those three cars, it makes me miss them more. Maybe we’ll see their successors on the road in the near future in this country. 

All photos by Randy Stern