What replaced the Toyota Carina?
The Toyota Carina was phased out in favor of newer models, with the European market moving to the Avensis and Japan-based markets adopting Allion and Premio alongside Corolla-based sedans. In short, the Carina nameplate was retired and its market niche filled by these successor models.
Regional replacements
Market-specific transitions shaped how the Carina was replaced. Here’s how it played out in key regions.
Europe
In Europe, the Carina E era gave way to the Toyota Avensis as the mid-size sedan option. The Avensis replaced the Carina E starting in 1997, becoming Toyota’s main Europe-wide alternative in this segment.
- Carina E (1992–1997) was succeeded by the Avensis (launched in 1997).
- The Carina badge gradually disappeared from European showrooms as the Avensis took its place.
- Subsequent European Toyota sedans continued to fill the mid-size niche, with Avensis evolving over its own generations.
Conclusion: In Europe, the Avensis effectively took over the Carina’s role as Toyota’s mid-size sedan.
Japan and other markets
In Japan and several other markets, the Carina’s lineup transitioned to newer Toyota sedans such as the Allion and Premio, which are built on the Corolla platform and offered an updated packaging and technology.
- The Carina name was gradually phased out in favor of Allion and Premio introductions in the late 2000s.
- These models provided a modern alternative to the Carina’s traditional sedan role, aligning with Toyota’s global platform strategy.
- Other markets shifted toward Corolla-based sedans or the Camry/Avensis lineage as appropriate for local demand.
Conclusion: In Japan and nearby markets, replacement came via Allion/ Premio and other Corolla-based sedans rather than a single direct Carina successor.
A brief timeline of the transition
The following timeline highlights when the Carina’s successor models began to dominate its former segments.
- Early generations through the 1980s: Carina exists as a distinct model family, evolving alongside Corona/Celica lines.
- 1992–1997: Carina E era in Europe is followed by the introduction of the Avensis as the regional successor (1997).
- Late 2000s: Japan sees the Carina lineup replaced by Allion and Premio, alongside continued use of Corolla-based sedans in other regions.
- 2010s–present: Toyota consolidates its sedan range around Avensis (in regions where sold) and Corolla-based platforms, with the Carina badge retired globally.
Conclusion: The Carina’s replacement varied by region, with the Avensis serving Europe and Allion/Premio serving Japan and nearby markets, while global branding leaned toward Corolla-based sedans and the Camry/Avensis families where applicable.
Summary
The Toyota Carina was ultimately retired as Toyota reorganized its mid-size sedan lineup. In Europe, the Avensis became the direct replacement, while in Japan and other markets, successor models included the Allion and Premio, along with other Corolla-based sedans. The Carina badge is no longer used in current production, and its former market niche is now filled by these modern Toyota sedans aligned with regional strategy.
What cars replaced the Toyota Corona?
Toyota Camry
The Corona was ultimately replaced in Japan by the Toyota Premio; in Europe by the Toyota Avensis; and in Asia, Pacific markets, and the Americas by the Toyota Camry. The nameplate corona derives from the Latin word for "crown", the sedan taking its place just below Toyota's similarly named flagship, the Toyota Crown.
Why did Toyota discontinue the Celica?
Sales for the Celica reflected its declining fortunes, slumping almost 50 percent compared to last year. Year to date, the Celica had dropped more than 33 percent off its 2003 pace.
What car replaced the Toyota Carina?
It was replaced in Japan by the Toyota Allion in 2001 and succeeded in Europe by the Toyota Avensis. The inspiration for the name Carina came from the constellation Carina, sharing a naming inspiration with the Celica, which is ultimately derived from the Latin word coelica meaning "heavenly" or "celestial".
Is the Corona Exiv the same as the Carina Ed?
The mechanical components of the Corona Exiv were the same as those of the Carina ED, and only the designs of the front grille, front and rear lamps, trims and other details were different.
