Cars that won't die

In today's very competitive car biz, you've got to keep moving if you want to stay ahead. Automakers typically replace their rides every six years or so, often giving them a major refresh in the middle of their lifecycle. But every once in a while they let one linger, for better or worse. Here are a few that are apparently in it for the long haul.

When the FJ Cruiser hit the road in the 2007 model year, it's retro looks hearkened back to Toyota's trucks from the 1960's. Virtually unchanged since, and with no replacement on the horizon, it's slowly becoming a living legend. Toyota sold over 50,000 FJ's annually in its glory days, but less than 14,000 in 2011 and sales are down this year. (2010 Dewhurst Photography)

Subaru tried to join the three-row crossover craze with the 2006 Tribeca, the biggest car it ever built. It's still trying, but with only 139 of them sold this September, it's something of a surprise that the hot-selling brand is sticking with such a cold fish.

The second generation Xterra compact off-roader was built on a modified version of the Pathfinder SUV's truck frame. The Pathfinder has since gone onto greener pastures, becoming a fuel-efficient crossover based on the Altima, while the Xterra soldiers on, despite sales of just 1,408 in September. (Copyright 2012)

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class holds the dubious title of "oldest" new car you can buy. It first went on sale back in 1979 and got its last major update in 1990. Although meant to be a serious off-roader and military machine - even the U.S. Marines have a few - in its later years its been leading more of a life of leisure as it morphed into one of most luxurious SUVs on the market with a starting price of just $113,000. Eighty-three customers in September were very happy to hear that. (© 2012 Mercedes-Benz USA)