If there’s one thing car buyers consistently want, it’s an engine they never have to worry about. And while the market is full of complex hybrids, turbos, and high-strung performance motors, one humble Japanese four-cylinder has quietly built a reputation that outlasts most of the vehicles it’s been installed in. After more than 25 years on the market, its track record for reliability, longevity, and low running costs has made it one of the most trusted powerplants still in production.

Europe’s long-planned 2035 ban on new internal combustion engine cars is no longer as clear-cut as it once seemed. Recent policy shifts and growing political pushback have reopened the door for gas-powered vehicles, signaling a major recalibration of the continent’s all-electric ambitions. For automakers and consumers alike, this change could have far-reaching consequences for product planning, pricing, and the pace of electrification.

The automotive market is changing faster than ever, and 2026 is shaping up to be a breaking point for dozens of familiar vehicles. Shifting consumer demand, stricter emissions regulations, and the industry’s rapid pivot toward electrification are forcing automakers to make hard decisions. As a result, a wide range of cars, trucks, and SUVs are quietly heading toward extinction, even if they still have loyal followings today.

If you’re shopping for a practical crossover like a Toyota RAV4 but crave performance instead of just utility, there’s a different path worth considering. For around the same budget, or even less, you can find a high-powered hot hatch that delivers supercar-level acceleration and everyday usability in one package. It’s a rare opportunity to get serious performance for around $30,000, and for many buyers, the trade-off is too good to pass up.

Used hybrids don’t always have the best reputation, but some models break that stereotype entirely, and one five-year-old option stands out for delivering reliability that rivals, and often surpasses, many brand-new cars. At a time when buyers worry about expensive battery replacements or complex drivetrains, this hybrid’s track record shows that not all electrified vehicles come with added risk. For value-focused shoppers, that makes it one of the smartest used purchases on the market.

America’s most affordable family sedans are disappearing fast, and one of the last great bargains is on its way out. As automakers shift toward crossovers and EVs, the traditional midsize sedan has been pushed to the margins, and with it, the models that once offered roomy cabins, strong safety scores, and genuine value. Now, one of the segment’s final holdouts is being discontinued, making this a rare moment for buyers who still want comfort and practicality without an oversized footprint or an inflated price tag.

Inline-six engines were once a defining part of American automotive culture, known for their smooth power delivery and effortless torque. But in 2025, they’ve become nearly extinct. As automakers shift toward downsized turbo-fours, V-6s, and electrification to meet efficiency regulations, the classic straight-six has all but disappeared from mainstream lineups. What’s left is a tiny group of vehicles keeping this legendary layout alive, and most shoppers don’t realize how rare it’s become.

Hybrid SUVs have become some of the most sought-after vehicles on the used market, but affordability and long-term reliability don’t always go hand in hand. That’s why this American-built hybrid stands out. At a time when many electrified crossovers command premium prices, this one manages to deliver strong fuel economy, low running costs, and a price tag that stays within reach for budget-conscious buyers.