When gas shortages hit the 1970s, cars got smaller.  Pickup trucks began sprouting back seats, evolving into SUVs. These SUVs evolved into more fuel-efficient vehicles that did everything the large sedans did. Then crossovers began scurrying about, and one by one, the Ford Crown Victorias, Oldsmobile Deltas, Buick Roadmasters, and Chevrolet Impalas all slunk off to the tar pits. 

Today, very few large sedans are left. But like the dinosaurs that roamed the earth, these large sedans’ days are numbered. According to Edmunds, the three best will all be discontinued soon.  

The 2023 Toyota Avalon large sedan is leaving soon

The Toyota Avalon was late to the large sedan party but quickly became one of the best. It combines all of the best attributes of a large sedan with Toyota levels of refinement. According to Edmunds, it’s the best large car still in production. It offers a smooth ride, comfortable seats, and a richly appointed interior. 

With a potent 301-horsepower V6 mated to a smooth-shifting transmission, the Avalon offers plenty of power. It is also a throwback to the large cars of yore, making an ideal vehicle for road trips, family outings, and daily commutes. But unlike the cars of yore, it has good handling and excellent brakes. 

Edmunds recommends the Avalon if you’re looking for a big well-rounded sedan. But if you want a new one, time is running out. Earlier this year, Toyota confirmed that it is discontinuing the Avalon. 

2023 Chrysler 300, one of the best new large sedans

The current-generation Chrysler 300 is a powerful car built for cruising. The optional 5.7-liter V8 provides 363 hp of muscle and a classic MoPar V8 rumble. Combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it springs forward with quick shifts, finding power in any gear.  

You’ll never be fooled into thinking the 300 is a sports sedan, but it dances surprisingly well for a big car and has excellent brakes. But where it excels is the highway. The steering is light, and the 300 glides down the road, oblivious to bumps and other imperfections in the way while tracking straight and true. Just don’t expect too much out of it on a twisty two-lane road. Even with lots of grip, it never feels settled or planted.   

The 300 dates back to 2005 yet has managed to stay relevant with periodic updates and because of its core goodness at providing room and comfort with budget Bentley styling. However, the clock is ticking, and the current 300 will soon head out to the pasture. 

2023 Dodge Charger

Back in the 1960s, Dodge made a four-door Charger called the Coronet, which could be ordered with a pair of fire-breathing V8s. The current Dodge Charger is as close as you can get to those original muscle sedans but better. It’s more refined and offers features and technology people could only dream of 50 years ago. But like the original car, you can still order a Scat Pack which slams the Charger to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. 

If the Scat Pack isn’t your bag, there is something more mild-mannered. Like the ‘60s Coronet, you can order the Charger with a six-cylinder engine. Not only is it still plenty quick for most people, the V6 Charger offers better fuel economy. It also handles better because it has less weight over the front wheels than the V8.  

Like its Chrysler 300 sibling, the Charger is most at home on the highway but is a bit more adept at taking corners. It’s not as refined as the 300 or the Toyota Avalon, but of the three big cars, it most closely represents everything good about the classic large sedan. The Charger also proves that dinosaurs can learn new tricks, too, because unlike the gas-guzzling sedans from 50 years ago, it gets a respectable 25 mpg on the highway. It’s just too bad no one noticed because, like the Toyota Avalon and Chrysler 300, the Dodge Charger is about to head to the big interstate highway in the sky.