Which Well-Known Cars Will Vanish In 2012?

It's no secret the auto industry is on it's knees, time for out with old and in with the new. Bargain hunters should be able to get  great prices on these models.

We've found a few lists, but this one from Consumer Reports seems as good as any. Here's what they say is going away, and our thoughts on it:

• Buick Lucerne. Lucerne is the senior citizen of a revived, young Buick lineup.
• Cadillac STS and DTS. With lots of new products on the way, Cadillac keeps its hit CTS and ditches the rest to make way for a couple new car models.
• Chevrolet HHR. Actually a pretty good vehicle considering it was a direct response to the nostalgic Chrysler PT Cruiser. It was the right size and the right time, but this retro-cross would be hard to redesign with its old-timey looks in mind.
• Ford Ranger. Ford made a new, stylish one for Asia, but not for the U.S. A small pickup can't work in the U.S.? Really?
• Mitsubishi Endeavor. Mitsu is going to focus on being the fuel efficiency brand.
• Mazda Tribute. As it continues to part ways with Ford, there was no compelling reason why Mazda should continue to sell an Escape clone -- and Mazda probably wouldn't get a version of the redesigned Escape Ford has in the works, anyway.
• Nissan Altima Hybrid. Made with technology licensed from Toyota, Nissan never had its heart in this vehicle. Now it has its own hybrid system, which first rolled out in the Infiniti M.
• Honda Element. The Brinks-truck looking Element was designed for surfers and ended up being the favorite of practical-minded seniors. Go figure.
• Lotus Elise. Lotus is on the move with an exciting new lineup. This one is getting pushed to the side.

via Which well-known cars will vanish in 2012?.