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Automotive

6 Car Brands Men Are Quietly Abandoning in 2025

August 8, 2025
By Drew Blankenship
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There’s a shift under the hood in 2025—and no, it’s not a cool new engine. But among men who follow automotive trends, some car brands are quietly falling out of favor. Whether it’s due to epic missteps, market retraction, or fading innovation, these brands are making drivers look elsewhere—and fast. If you’re considering a new ride, it’s smart to know which names might leave you high and dry with resale issues or declining support. Buckle up—it’s time for six brands men are quietly abandoning this year.

1. Alfa Romeo Losing Track of Its Nubile Edge

Alfa Romeo
By Ivan Radic – https://www.flickr.com/photos/26344495@N05/47288897651/, CC BY 2.0, Link

Alfa Romeo’s U.S. presence is shrinking—statistically. Sales plunged from over 18,000 units in 2021 to just under 9,000 in 2024, with even sharper declines continuing in 2025. Models like the Giulia and Stelvio are losing traction, and Tonale’s retail numbers haven’t offered much rescue. Dealers carry a loaded inventory, marking a severe demand slowdown. Men who once loved its performance legacy are now wary of reliability and long-term support. With Stellantis reviewing the brand’s future, hesitation is understandable.

2. Jaguar’s Rebrand Has Crashed the Confidence

car brands - Jaguar
By Marktee1 – Own work, CC BY 4.0, Link

Jaguar’s rebranding as a high-end, all-electric marque backfired spectacularly in 2025. In Europe, April sales dropped a staggering 97.5%, registering just 49 vehicles sold compared to almost 2,000 the year prior. Globally, the brand’s new strategy stripped inventory while alienating fans with vague marketing and no real product lineup to back it up. The rebrand’s backlash and disappearing combustion models dented trust—and buyers are pulling back. A brand once revered for craftsmanship now faces skepticism over identity: is it prestige, politics—or neither?

3. Tesla’s Brand Loyalty Takes a Hit

Tesla
By Norio Nakayama – https://www.flickr.com/photos/norio-nakayama/5240830220/, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

Things took a political turn for Tesla in 2025, and not in a good way for brand loyalty. After Elon Musk’s controversial endorsement of Donald Trump in mid-2024, Tesla’s customer retention plummeted from 73% to under 50% by March 2025—only slightly recovering to 57.4% by May. Buyers who once championed Tesla’s eco-credentials started defecting, citing political discomfort and a stagnant vehicle lineup. Rival EVs like Rivian and Polestar are benefiting from this trust exodus. Men who prioritized performance and identity are reconsidering Tesla—and that signals real market movement.

4. Nissan Drifting Off Course

Nissan
By Harrison Keely – Own work, CC BY 4.0, Link

Behind the scenes, Nissan is feeling market pressures. Despite a recognizable name, its U.S. market share lingers at a low 4.5% while its dealership footprint suggests much more. The brand’s recent declines and failed merger talks spotlight deeper financial and product strategy issues. Buyers sense uncertainty—especially men who often care about both resale value and long-term reliability. If uncertainty persists, loyalty will continue eroding.

5. Mitsubishi Making Moves—Away From Men’s Garage

Mitsubishi
By ALVE – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Once a solid choice for adventurous buyers, Mitsubishi is scaling back—or bowing out entirely—in key markets. It recently exited China, closing its joint engine venture and retreating from a once-prominent position. Its shrinkage overseas reflects a broader retrenchment that casts doubt on long-term commitment. Men looking for rugged dependability may look elsewhere. After all, choosing a less available brand means future service and parts become an unnecessary gamble.

6. Stellantis Sub-Brands Losing Their Luster

Stellantis
By ajay_suresh – Chrysler World Headquarters and Technology Center, CC BY 2.0, Link

Within the Stellantis empire, several sub-brands are consistently under fire. Fiat, Chrysler, DS, and Abarth have seen profits dive 70?% in 2024, and EV plans across these labels remain vague or delayed. Without fresh products or clear direction, drivers—especially men who value authenticity and momentum—are drifting away. These brands risk vanishing quietly if they don’t find a compelling comeback story. For now, buyers are choosing to bet on brands with visible roadmaps and reliability.

Shifting Gears: What’s the Real Story Here?

As 2025 shifts the auto landscape, being in the know matters. Whether it’s plummeting loyalty, empty EV pipelines, or abrupt geographic retreats—men are gravitating toward brands offering stability, relevance, and trust. The six car brands above are quietly losing ground for a reason. Watch their next moves—or invest your attention where consistency still drives forward.

Which of these brands have you noticed your friends, colleagues, or yourself drifting away from—and why? Share your thoughts below!

Read More

What If Your ‘Reliable’ Car Brand Is the Least Trusted by Mechanics?

6 Car Brands With Hidden Recall Histories Not Disclosed at Sale

Photograph of Drew Blankenship District Media Writer

About Drew Blankenship

Drew Blankenship is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of hands-on experience as a Porsche technician. Drew still fuels his passion for motorsport by following Formula 1 and spending weekends under the hood when he can. He lives with his wife and two children, who occasionally remind him to take a break from rebuilding engines.

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