Toyota, a global automotive giant, has produced a vast array of vehicles throughout its history. While many models remain staples of the modern car market, others have been discontinued, fading into automotive history. This article delves into the fascinating world of discontinued Toyota models, exploring some of the most notable vehicles the company no longer manufactures. We’ll look at everything from sporty coupes to rugged off-roaders, examining why these cars were retired and the legacy they left behind.
The Scion Experiment: A Branch That Faded
One significant chapter in Toyota’s discontinued models comes from its Scion brand. Introduced in 2003, Scion was Toyota’s attempt to attract younger buyers with distinctive styling and fixed pricing. While initially successful, the brand was ultimately phased out in 2016, with several models being reabsorbed into the Toyota lineup.
The Departure of the Scion tC
The Scion tC, a sporty coupe, was a popular choice among younger drivers. Its sleek design, practical hatchback, and affordable price point made it an appealing option. However, as the market shifted away from coupes and towards SUVs and crossovers, the tC’s sales began to decline. In 2016, Toyota announced the discontinuation of the Scion brand, and with it, the tC. The tC’s legacy lives on as a reminder of Scion’s attempt to capture the youth market. It was known for its customization options, allowing owners to personalize their vehicles.
The Demise of the Scion xB: The Box That Wasn’t Reborn
The Scion xB, with its boxy and unconventional design, was another defining model for the brand. Its unique shape offered ample interior space and cargo capacity, making it a surprisingly practical vehicle. However, its distinctive styling wasn’t universally appreciated, and sales eventually dwindled. When Scion was discontinued, the xB did not transition into the Toyota lineup. Its bold design remains a testament to Scion’s commitment to standing out from the crowd.
Remembering the Scion iM
The Scion iM, a compact hatchback, was a relatively late addition to the Scion lineup. It was intended to offer a more practical and fuel-efficient option for younger buyers. Upon Scion’s demise, the iM was rebranded as the Toyota Corolla iM, and then later became simply the Toyota Corolla Hatchback, continuing its life cycle under the Toyota badge. The transition shows how Toyota was willing to reabsorb successful designs.
Toyota’s Sporty Past: Models That Revved Their Last
Toyota has a rich history of producing sporty vehicles, but not all of them have stood the test of time. Changing market demands and evolving consumer preferences have led to the discontinuation of some iconic sports cars and coupes.
The Celica’s Final Lap
The Toyota Celica, a sports coupe with a long and storied history, was a beloved model for decades. Spanning multiple generations, the Celica offered a blend of performance, style, and affordability. However, sales began to decline in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and Toyota ultimately discontinued the Celica in 2006. Its absence is still felt by enthusiasts who appreciated its sporty handling and iconic design. The Celica remains a popular choice in the used car market.
Saying Goodbye to the MR2
The Toyota MR2, a mid-engine sports car, was a unique and exciting offering from Toyota. Its lightweight design and responsive handling made it a joy to drive. However, the MR2’s limited practicality and relatively high price point contributed to its eventual demise. Production ended in 2007, leaving a void in Toyota’s lineup for a truly unique and affordable mid-engine sports car.
The End of the Supra (For a While)
While the Supra nameplate has been revived in recent years, there was a significant gap in production. The iconic fourth-generation Supra, known for its powerful turbocharged engine and sleek design, was discontinued in 2002. For many years, enthusiasts longed for the return of the Supra, and their wishes were eventually granted with the launch of the fifth-generation model, co-developed with BMW. The hiatus only increased the legend of the fourth generation.
Trucks and SUVs: Models That No Longer Roam
Toyota’s truck and SUV lineup has also seen its share of discontinued models. Changing market trends and the introduction of new vehicles have led to the retirement of some older models.
The FJ Cruiser’s Short but Memorable Run
The Toyota FJ Cruiser, a retro-styled SUV inspired by the classic FJ40 Land Cruiser, was a unique and capable off-roader. Its distinctive design and rugged construction made it a popular choice for those seeking adventure. However, its fuel economy and limited practicality eventually led to its discontinuation in the U.S. market in 2014. It continued to be sold in other markets for several years. The FJ Cruiser has since become a highly sought-after vehicle on the used car market, cherished for its unique styling and off-road capabilities.
The Vanished Van: Toyota Previa
The Toyota Previa, a mid-size minivan, was known for its futuristic design and unique engine placement. Its supercharged engine option and all-wheel-drive availability set it apart from its competitors. However, its unconventional styling and relatively high price point made it less popular than more traditional minivans. The Previa was discontinued in the U.S. market in 1997, replaced by the more conventional Sienna. Its innovative design remains a testament to Toyota’s willingness to experiment.
Sedans and Hatchbacks: Models That Faded Away
The sedan and hatchback segments have seen significant changes over the years, with many models being discontinued due to declining sales and shifting consumer preferences.
The Toyota Paseo: A Forgotten Coupe
The Toyota Paseo, a small and sporty coupe, was offered as an affordable entry-level option. It was based on the Tercel platform and provided good fuel economy. However, it lacked the performance and features of more expensive sports cars, and its sales eventually declined. The Paseo was discontinued in the late 1990s, becoming a relatively obscure model in Toyota’s history.
The Toyota Tercel: Economical But Extinct
The Toyota Tercel, a subcompact car known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, was a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. It provided basic transportation at an affordable price. However, as consumer preferences shifted towards larger and more feature-rich vehicles, the Tercel’s sales declined, and it was eventually discontinued in the late 1990s.
The Avalon: What Happened to the Full-Size Sedan?
The Toyota Avalon, a full-size sedan known for its comfort and spaciousness, was a long-standing model in Toyota’s lineup. It offered a smooth ride and a luxurious interior, making it a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and refined sedan. Toyota announced that the Avalon would be discontinued after the 2022 model year due to dwindling sales in the full-size sedan segment. It represented a changing market trend.
Why Cars Get Discontinued: Understanding the Market
The decision to discontinue a car model is rarely easy, and it’s typically based on a variety of factors. Understanding these factors provides insights into the automotive industry and the challenges faced by manufacturers.
Sales Figures: The Bottom Line
One of the primary reasons for discontinuing a car model is poor sales performance. If a vehicle isn’t selling well, it becomes difficult for the manufacturer to justify its continued production. Declining sales can be caused by a variety of factors, including changing consumer preferences, increased competition, and outdated designs.
Changing Consumer Preferences: Following the Trends
Consumer preferences are constantly evolving, and automakers must adapt to these changes to remain competitive. If a particular type of vehicle, such as a coupe or a sedan, falls out of favor with consumers, the manufacturer may decide to discontinue it in favor of more popular models, such as SUVs or crossovers.
New Models: Making Room for the Future
The introduction of new models can also lead to the discontinuation of older ones. Automakers often need to make room in their production lines and dealer networks for new vehicles, which may require them to retire existing models. The introduction of new technologies and features can also make older models seem outdated and less desirable.
Production Costs: Balancing the Budget
The cost of producing a particular vehicle can also play a role in its discontinuation. If the production costs are too high, the manufacturer may decide that it’s no longer profitable to continue building the car. Factors such as material costs, labor costs, and regulatory compliance can all impact the overall cost of production.
The Legacy of Discontinued Toyota Models
Even though these Toyota models are no longer in production, they continue to hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors. Their unique designs, innovative features, and lasting reliability have made them memorable vehicles.
Collectible Cars: Treasured by Enthusiasts
Many discontinued Toyota models have become highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts. These vehicles are often prized for their rarity, unique styling, or historical significance. Restoring and preserving these cars has become a popular hobby for many enthusiasts.
The Impact on Toyota’s Design Language
Discontinued Toyota models have also influenced the company’s design language. The innovative features and styling cues of these vehicles have often been incorporated into newer models, helping to shape Toyota’s overall brand identity. Even the failures provided learning experiences.
A Reminder of Automotive Evolution
The discontinuation of these Toyota models serves as a reminder of the constant evolution of the automotive industry. Consumer preferences, technological advancements, and economic factors all play a role in shaping the cars we drive. These models represent chapters in the ongoing story of automotive innovation.
Toyota’s automotive history is filled with a diverse range of vehicles, some of which have been discontinued due to various factors. While these models may no longer be in production, they continue to be remembered and appreciated by enthusiasts and collectors. The story of these discontinued cars provides valuable insights into the automotive industry and the ever-changing landscape of consumer preferences.
What was the Toyota Celica and why was it discontinued?
The Toyota Celica was a sports coupe that was produced from 1970 to 2006. It was known for its sporty styling, reliable performance, and affordability. The Celica went through several generations, each with its own distinct design and features. Initially, it offered rear-wheel drive, but later generations transitioned to front-wheel drive, aiming to be more accessible to a wider audience.
The Celica was discontinued due to several factors. Declining sales in the sports coupe market played a significant role, as consumer preferences shifted towards SUVs and crossovers. Toyota also faced increasing competition from other manufacturers in the sports car segment. Ultimately, Toyota decided to focus its resources on other vehicle lines, leading to the Celica’s discontinuation.
When did Toyota stop producing the MR2?
Toyota produced the MR2, a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car, from 1984 to 2007. The MR2 was a unique offering in the Toyota lineup, known for its nimble handling and distinctive design. It was intended to be a fun and affordable sports car, appealing to enthusiasts who desired a sporty driving experience without a high price tag.
While production for most markets ended in 2005, Toyota continued producing the MR2 Spyder (also known as the MR-S in Japan) for the Japanese market until 2007. The official reason for the discontinuation was low sales and a changing market landscape. Consumer interest shifted away from small, dedicated sports cars, impacting the MR2’s viability.
What was the Toyota Cressida and what market segment did it serve?
The Toyota Cressida was a mid-size sedan produced from 1976 to 1992. It served as Toyota’s flagship sedan in many markets before the arrival of the Lexus brand. The Cressida was known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reputation for reliability. It was often seen as a more luxurious alternative to other Toyota models.
The Cressida aimed to compete with European and American sedans in the executive car segment. It offered features such as a powerful inline-six engine, independent rear suspension, and various luxury amenities. When Toyota launched the Lexus brand in 1989, the Cressida’s role diminished, as the Lexus ES catered to the same target audience with a more upscale image and features, ultimately leading to the Cressida’s discontinuation.
Why was the Toyota Paseo discontinued?
The Toyota Paseo was a sporty subcompact coupe produced from 1991 to 1999. It was based on the Tercel platform and offered a more stylish and youthful alternative to the Corolla. The Paseo was designed to be an affordable and fuel-efficient option for young drivers and those seeking a small, sporty car.
The Paseo’s discontinuation was largely due to declining sales and shifting consumer preferences. The market for small coupes diminished as buyers increasingly favored larger vehicles like sedans, SUVs, and minivans. Toyota decided to focus on more popular models in its lineup, leading to the Paseo’s removal from the market.
Was the Toyota Tercel ever sold as a different name?
Yes, the Toyota Tercel, a subcompact car produced from 1978 to 1999, was sometimes sold under different names in certain markets. In some regions, particularly in the early years of its production, it was known as the Toyota Corolla Tercel. This was particularly true when it was introduced, as it was initially marketed as a variant of the Corolla.
This naming strategy was used to leverage the established reputation of the Corolla nameplate and familiarize consumers with the Tercel, which was smaller and more fuel-efficient. Eventually, the Tercel became known simply as the Tercel across most markets, solidifying its own distinct identity within the Toyota lineup.
What was unique about the Toyota Van (or VanWagon)?
The Toyota Van, also known as the VanWagon, was a unique vehicle due to its distinctive mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Produced from 1984 to 1989, it stood out in the minivan market, which was dominated by front-engine, front-wheel-drive models. This configuration gave it a unique driving feel and a somewhat unconventional appearance.
The mid-engine design also provided advantages such as improved weight distribution and a lower center of gravity compared to traditional minivans. However, it also presented challenges in terms of maintenance access and interior space utilization. Ultimately, the Toyota Van was replaced by the Previa, which featured a more conventional front-engine layout and addressed some of the earlier van’s shortcomings.
Did Toyota ever produce a pickup truck smaller than the Tacoma that is no longer made?
Yes, Toyota produced a pickup truck smaller than the Tacoma, called the Toyota Pickup. This compact pickup truck was sold from 1968 to 1995 in the US market. It was known for its reliability, durability, and compact size, making it popular among those who needed a small, capable truck for work or personal use.
While the Toyota Pickup underwent several redesigns over its production run, it was eventually replaced by the Tacoma in 1995. The Tacoma was designed to be larger and more comfortable than the Pickup, catering to a changing market that demanded more features and space from their trucks. The name ‘Toyota Pickup’ is still used in many other markets for similarly sized Toyota trucks, even today.