What year did they stop making Toyota Corona?
The short answer: Toyota ended production of the Corona in 2001 in Japan, and the nameplate was phased out in most markets over the early 2000s. No new Coronas have been produced since, as the lineup was gradually replaced by newer mid-size sedans like Premio/Allion in Japan and Camry/Corolla-derived models elsewhere.
Timeline and end-year by market
Below is a concise timeline of when the Corona was phased out in key regions. Note that exact end dates varied by generation and market.
- Japan: The Corona nameplate was retired from the domestic market in 2001 as Toyota shifted to Premio and Allion variants built on newer platforms.
- Global markets: By the early 2000s, most regions had discontinued Corona models, with some markets selling remaining stock into 2002–2003 or until inventory ran out.
- Overall status: Since then, Toyota has not revived the Corona name; its role in the lineup has been absorbed by Camry-based sedans and Corolla-derived models.
In short, the Corona effectively ended in 2001 in Japan, with a staggered global wind-down through the early 2000s depending on market.
Why Toyota retired the Corona
Several strategic and market factors led to the end of the Corona nameplate. Toyota sought to streamline its global product lineup and align mid-size sedans with newer platforms and branding.
- Consolidation of mid-size sedans onto shared platforms, reducing model fragmentation.
- Introduction of newer Japan-only models such as Premio and Allion to replace the Corona in that market.
- Shifting consumer demand and tightening emissions/efficiency requirements driving platform standardization.
These changes reflect Toyota's broader approach to simplifying its global lineup while steering customers toward unified, platform-shared vehicles.
Legacy for enthusiasts and collectors
The late-1990s generation of Corona models tends to be the most sought after in certain markets, especially where importers still carry stock or where late-generation variations offered appealing value. Early generations, while more common in some regions, can be rarer to find in good condition, and parts availability varies by country.
Summary
The Toyota Corona was officially phased out in 2001 in Japan, with the global wind-down continuing through the early 2000s in many markets. The nameplate has not been revived, and its legacy lives on in the successor models and in the history of Toyota’s mid-size sedan lineup.
