Toyota, one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, has a rich history of producing reliable, innovative, and mass-appealing vehicles. Over the decades, the company has introduced and retired numerous models in response to evolving market conditions, consumer preferences, and technological advancements. For car enthusiasts, collectors, and informed buyers, understanding which Toyota models have been discontinued provides valuable insight into the brand’s strategic shifts and legacy models.
In this comprehensive article, we explore several Toyota models that have been discontinued, the reasons behind their discontinuation, and their legacy. Whether you’re nostalgic for a particular model or researching options for your next car, this guide will offer clarity and depth.
Why Toyota Discontinues Models
Toyota, like all major automakers, continually evaluates its product lineup to align with market demand, regulatory requirements, and brand strategy. Several factors contribute to the decision to discontinue a vehicle model:
- Shifting consumer preferences: As trends move toward SUVs, EVs, or more fuel-efficient cars, certain models no longer attract sufficient buyers.
- Technological advancements: Older models can’t support the latest safety or infotainment technologies without major redesigns.
- Regulatory compliance: Emission standards, especially in key markets like the U.S. and Europe, can make aging models non-compliant.
- Production efficiency: Maintaining production lines for low-volume models can be too costly.
- Brand positioning: Discontinuations are sometimes strategic to focus on more profitable or image-enhancing models.
Now, let’s dive into the models Toyota has discontinued over the years.
Notable Toyota Models That Have Been Discontinued
Toyota has retired numerous models from its global and regional lineups over the past few decades. Some were iconic, while others failed to capture lasting appeal. Below is a detailed breakdown of select Toyota models that are no longer available in most or all markets.
1. Toyota FJ Cruiser
Overview
The Toyota FJ Cruiser was a rugged, retro-styled SUV inspired by the original Toyota Land Cruiser FJ series. Introduced in 2006, it was based on the Toyota Hilux pickup platform and designed to compete with models like the Jeep Wrangler.
Discontinuation
Toyota discontinued the FJ Cruiser for the U.S. market in 2014 after a successful but niche seven-year run. While it had a loyal following, it was a low-volume model compared to the rest of Toyota’s range, and the company decided to reallocate resources to other products.
Legacy
The FJ Cruiser remains popular in the used car market and among off-road enthusiasts for its body-on-frame construction, reliability, and aftermarket support. It’s often cited as a cult favorite and Toyota’s nod to its heritage in rugged, no-nonsense vehicles.
2. Toyota Matrix
Overview
Launched in 2003, the Toyota Matrix was a compact hatchback engineered in collaboration with General Motors (as the Pontiac Vibe). It was praised for its spacious interior and fuel-efficient engine options.
Discontinuation
The Matrix was discontinued after the 2013 model year in the United States. Declining compact car sales, competition from Toyota’s own Corolla and Prius, and shifting consumer interest toward SUVs all contributed to its end.
Legacy
Though not a standout model in Toyota’s lineup, the Matrix filled a niche for young buyers seeking a practical and affordable hatchback. It demonstrated Toyota’s flexibility in co-developing vehicles under tight engineering constraints.
3. Toyota Scion Brand (and its Models)
Overview
In 2003, Toyota launched the Scion brand in the United States as a sub-brand aimed at younger, budget-conscious buyers. Scion models included the xA, xB, tC, and FR-S (later rebadged as the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 in some markets).
Discontinuation
The Scion brand was discontinued in mid-2016 after failing to meet long-term sales expectations. Toyota decided to dissolve the sub-brand and reintegrate its popular models—such as the Scion FR-S/BRZ—under the Toyota name.
Legacy
Scion allowed Toyota to experiment with design and marketing in a younger demographic space, although it ultimately didn’t achieve the lasting sales needed. The Scion FR-S (Toyota 86) remains a fan-favorite sports car, indicating some success in breaking from Toyota’s conservative styling norms.
4. Toyota Yaris Type Nova
Overview
The Yaris Type Nova, also known as the Corgi, was a compact hatchback sold in Japan as part of Toyota’s lineup aimed at urban drivers. First introduced in 1983, it went through several generations and played a role in Toyota’s kei car strategy.
Discontinuation
The model was discontinued in Japan in 2017 after serving for more than three decades. Its retirement was largely due to falling sales and a strategic shift by Toyota to support more modern and fuel-efficient kei car formats, often under joint production agreements with other manufacturers such as Daihatsu.
Legacy
The Type Nova helped Toyota maintain a foothold in Japan’s kei car segment during its tenure. It was known for its simplicity, fuel economy, and practicality, appealing to older drivers and city commuters alike.
5. Toyota Crown
Overview
The Toyota Crown has been one of Japan’s most respected flagship sedans since its debut in the 1950s. It was once exported to North America and even became a symbol of reliability and engineering excellence.
Discontinuation
Toyota has not officially discontinued the Crown, but it has withdrawn from the North American market in 2009 and now it is primarily sold in East Asia and the Middle East. With the rise of SUVs and luxury sedans from global competitors, the Crown has lost relevance in Western markets.
Legacy
A symbol of Japanese automotive engineering, the Crown maintained a loyal following in Japan and was often used as a taxi, government, or business vehicle. Although not globally available today, the Crown name has been revived on an all-electric sedan in recent years – the Toyota Crown EV – as Toyota moves toward electrification.
Other Discontinued Toyota Models by Region
While Toyota frequently discontinues models globally, many are region-specific due to market preferences or co-development with partners.
Toyota Cami (Rocco in China)
Versions:
- Marketed as the Cami in some international markets.
- As the Rocco, available in China as a China-made version of the Daihatsu Rocky.
Toyota sold the Cami, a minuscule SUV, in select international markets during the 1990s and early 2000s, often under a manufacturing partnership with Suzuki. It was discontinued in most markets in favor of more modern and globally scalable SUVs like the RAV4 and C-HR.
Toyota Cavalier (joint venture with General Motors)
From the early 1990s, Toyota launched the Cavalier in the U.S. market, rebadging Chevrolet Cavaliers for sale through Toyota dealers. This was part of a joint venture between Toyota and General Motors (NUMMI Plant in California). Toyota discontinued the model in the late ’90s as the Corolla gained stronger market standing.
Toyota Previa (Estima in some markets)
The Previa was a compact MPV with a mid-engine layout and futuristic styling for its time. While popular in the early 1990s, especially in the U.S. and Europe, it was discontinued in most markets by the early 2000s. It remains in production in Japan as the Estima, but with declining sales, its future is uncertain.
Reason to Care: How Discontinuations Affect Consumers
For current owners and buyers considering Toyota models, knowing which vehicles are discontinued can provide critical insight.
Resale Value and Market Niche
Some discontinued Toyota models, like the FJ Cruiser and Scion FR-S, have appreciated or stabilized in value due to their cult following and rarity. Others, such as the Matrix, have depreciated significantly.
Repair and Maintenance Challenges
Once a model is discontinued, it becomes harder to source OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) replacement parts. This can increase maintenance costs over time, even though Toyota’s engineering quality often ensures decades of reliable use.
Limited Aftermarket Support Over Time
Aftermarket tuning, body kits, and performance enhancements usually drop for discontinued models. Therefore, current or prospective car enthusiasts researching these models should consider future availability of support tools.
What Didn’t Get Discontinued (But Almost Did)
Not all models Toyota considered discontinuing faced the axe. Some saw major revivals based on market potential, especially as part of new product strategies or brand overhauls.
Toyota Supra
The Toyota Supra was discontinued in the early 2000s amid falling sports car sales. However, Toyota reborn the nameplate in 2019 through a joint venture with BMW, sharing mechanical components with the BMW Z4. This example proves Toyota will resurrect legacy models when market opportunities align.
Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner was discontinued for the U.S. in 1995 before being revived in a redesigned form in 2000 to compete with Jeep and Ford SUVs. Now a key off-road model in Toyota’s lineup, the 4Runner exemplifies a strategic product rebirth.
Future Outlook: Which Toyota Models Might Be Discontinued Next?
While Toyota hasn’t officially announced discontinuations in the near term, several models face declining relevance as Toyota commits to electrification and platform unification.
Potential Candidates for Discontinuation
| Model | Current Performance | Potential Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota C-HR | Weak U.S. sales; strong Japan/Europe presence | Medium to High |
| Toyota Yaris Sedan (U.S.) | Sales significantly dropped after redesign | High |
| Toyota Avalon | Declining luxury midsize sedan market | High |
Toyota may phase out internal combustion vehicles that are low-volume and don’t align with its hybrid/EV-centric strategy. Models like the Avalon and C-HR appear to be on this path, although the Avalon name was revived recently on a hybrid-battery electric vehicle (BEV) variant in China—offering hope for an electrified reinvention in other markets.
Conclusion: Understanding Toyota’s Strategy Through Discontinued Models
Toyota’s decision to discontinue models isn’t arbitrary—it reflects shifts in the automotive industry, including changes in fuel efficiency expectations, electrification, SUV popularity, and consumer demographics. From the beloved FJ Cruiser to the niche-focused Scion models and even the evolution of sedans like the Avalon, each model has its story and reasoning behind its retirement.
Studying these discontinued models informs buyers about the trends shaping automotive manufacturing and helps identify where Toyota’s current products might be heading. Whether driven by nostalgia, curiosity, or purchasing research, understanding Toyota’s discontinuation history can offer valuable insight into the brand’s evolution.
For car shoppers today, these lessons help in appreciating which Toyota vehicles may have staying power and which ones have entered the twilight phase of their existence. Toyota’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and product variety ensures that, while certain models fade away, many more are evolving in exciting directions.
Why did Toyota discontinue certain car models?
Toyota discontinues car models for a variety of strategic and market-driven reasons. One of the primary factors is shifting consumer demand. Over time, buyer preferences have moved away from sedans and coupes toward SUVs and trucks, prompting Toyota to phase out underperforming models in favor of more profitable or popular vehicles. Additionally, economic considerations play a major role—some models may not be profitable enough to justify continued production, especially if they require expensive redesigns, have high manufacturing costs, or see declining sales figures.
Another reason for discontinuation involves technological and environmental advancements. As Toyota embraces electrification and new safety features, some older models may not be compatible with these updates or meet evolving regulatory standards. In other cases, models are discontinued to consolidate manufacturing resources or make room for new vehicles that better align with the company’s long-term vision. Therefore, discontinuation often reflects Toyota’s efforts to remain competitive, sustainable, and responsive to global automotive trends.
Which Toyota models have been discontinued recently?
In recent years, Toyota has discontinued a number of models in response to changing market conditions and consumer preferences. For example, the Toyota Yaris iA and Scion-brand models like the iA and tC were phased out in 2017 when Toyota retired the Scion brand and incorporated some of its models into the Toyota lineup. The Toyota Mirai, known as one of Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, was also discontinued after the 2021 model year, replaced by an all-new version of the Mirai that features significant design and performance enhancements.
Other models that have seen recent discontinuations include the Toyota Tundra extended cab (last available in 2021), as well as the small Yaris sedan in the U.S. market after 2020. The Toyota C-HR went through a redesign with a new version introduced globally, while the North American production ceased temporarily as the model transitioned to a new platform. In each case, Toyota’s decision to discontinue these models has often coincided with either replacing them with newer, more technologically advanced versions or reallocating resources toward more successful and evolving segments like hybrid and electric vehicles.
What happened to the Scion brand models produced by Toyota?
When Toyota debuted the Scion brand in 2003, it aimed to target younger, budget-minded buyers with stylish, affordable vehicles like the Scion xA, xB, and later models like the FR-S and tC. However, after years of declining sales and shifting market dynamics, Toyota decided to retire the Scion brand in 2016. Most of the brand’s vehicle lineup was absorbed into the Toyota brand, effectively rebranding models such as the Scion iA as the Toyota Yaris iA and the Scion tC as the Toyota Camry SE in certain markets.
This strategic move allowed Toyota to streamline its brand image and consolidate resources under one recognizable name. Some Scion models were also discontinued entirely if they did not align with Toyota’s broader goals. For instance, the Scion iQ was replaced by the Toyota IQ in international markets but ultimately phased out due to limited demand. The FR-S, which was rebadged as the Toyota 86, remained in production to appeal to driving enthusiasts and reinforce Toyota’s commitment to performance-focused models.
Are discontinued Toyota models still supported with parts and service?
Toyota continues to support discontinued models for a number of years after they are phased out of production. The company typically guarantees parts availability for several years to ensure owners can maintain and repair their vehicles without significant issues. This includes both mechanical and cosmetic parts, which can be accessed through official Toyota dealerships or authorized parts suppliers. Additionally, Toyota’s extensive dealership network ensures that service for older models remains widely accessible, even after a model has been discontinued.
However, as time passes, some parts may become more difficult to source due to reduced availability and changes in manufacturing practices. Toyota also collaborates with third-party suppliers and aftermarket parts companies to help extend support options for older models. Owners of discontinued vehicles are encouraged to register their vehicles with Toyota in areas where such programs exist, which can help notify them of critical recalls or updates. Ultimately, while ongoing support is not indefinite, Toyota traditionally does a strong job of maintaining serviceability for its vehicles well beyond their production years.
What are some classic Toyota models that were discontinued?
Among the most iconic Toyota models that have been discontinued is the Toyota Supra, which was retired in 2002 before making a comeback in 2020. The Supra became a legend in the sports car world, especially the MKIV generation, and its absence between 2002 and 2020 made it an object of desire among car enthusiasts. Another historic model is the Toyota Celica, which was discontinued in 2006 after decades of production. The Celica was known for its sporty design and was one of the early Japanese imports to appeal directly to performance-oriented drivers in global markets.
Other classic discontinued Toyota models include the Corona, which was a staple in Toyota’s lineup during the late 20th century before being phased out in favor of more modern sedans, and the Tercel, which was Toyota’s first front-wheel-drive compact car. The Soarer, a luxury coupe and grand tourer, was also discontinued and later replaced by the Lexus SC in international markets. These models not only showcased Toyota’s engineering capabilities but also contributed to the brand’s global recognition and success in various automotive segments before they were retired.
Did Toyota discontinue any trucks or SUVs?
Yes, Toyota has discontinued certain trucks and SUVs over the years, often as part of model updates or strategic portfolio shifts. For instance, the Toyota FJ Cruiser was discontinued in the U.S. in 2016 due to declining sales and tightening emissions regulations. While it had a strong cult following, it did not meet sales expectations in a growing competitive market. The Toyota Sequoia was also temporarily out of production during a redesign phase, with the older generation being phased out in 2021 before making a return with an all-new model for 2023.
Internationally, models like the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series pickup variant have been discontinued in several markets, especially where emissions standards made compliance expensive. The Toyota 4Runner, while still in production in some regions, has been unavailable in the U.S. intermittently over the years due to market shifts. Each SUV or truck discontinuation was matched with plans for a replacement or evolution of the model, reflecting Toyota’s commitment to meeting global demand while maintaining the ruggedness and reliability the brand is known for in its utility vehicles.
What models replaced Toyota’s discontinued vehicles?
When Toyota discontinues a vehicle, it often introduces a new or existing model to fill the gap in its lineup. For example, the Toyota Yaris and Yaris iA were phased out in the U.S., and Toyota shifted focus to the larger and more feature-rich Corolla and Corolla Hatchback. In the case of the Scion tC, which was discontinued after the Scion brand ended, the Camry SE took on a similar sporty sedan role for enthusiasts looking for a more stylistic option. Similarly, the Scion iA was rebranded and integrated into Toyota’s lineup as a more feature-laden Yaris, before the Yaris itself was phased out in favor of the Cross subcompact SUV.
For discontinued SUVs and trucks, the FJ Cruiser was succeeded in spirit by the Toyota 4Runner, which remained in production and garnered stronger market interest. The previous Toyota Sequoia was replaced by an all-new 2023 model with a twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain following an extended hiatus. Meanwhile, the Toyota C-HR was redesigned and reintroduced with a global platform that improved both performance and aesthetics. These substitutions reflect Toyota’s strategic efforts to modernize its offerings, improve fuel efficiency, and align with consumer expectations while providing alternatives that maintain brand loyalty and market relevance.