The US car market was only recently surpassed by China as the world’s largest. Small wonder that for decades, domestic and foreign brands alike have fought for a lucrative piece of the action.

But world financial crises, mismanagement and changing priorities or consumer tastes have all curtailed automakers’ Stateside ambitions down the years. Here are 20 models – like this Saab 9-5 – that represented the final offerings of brands in the US or Canadian markets before they went out of business - or took the next flight home to their home countries.

And it’s not just foreign automakers either – ever wondered what the last Oldsmobile or Pontiac ever was? Now you can find out.

We start with the oldest and work our way to the most recent: