Why did they stop making the Toyota Cressida?
The Toyota Cressida, a mid-size luxury sedan produced by the Japanese automaker from 1977 to 1992, was discontinued due to a combination of factors, including changing consumer preferences, increased competition, and Toyota's strategic shift towards more popular and profitable models.
The Rise and Fall of the Toyota Cressida
The Cressida was introduced in 1977 as Toyota's answer to the growing demand for mid-size luxury vehicles in the United States. It was positioned as a more affordable alternative to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series, offering a blend of comfort, reliability, and value. The Cressida quickly gained a loyal following, particularly among buyers who wanted a premium-quality car without the high price tag.
However, the Cressida's popularity began to wane in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as consumer preferences shifted towards larger, more spacious SUVs and minivans. Additionally, the Cressida faced increasing competition from other Japanese luxury brands, such as Acura and Infiniti, which offered more modern and feature-rich vehicles.
Toyota's Strategic Shift
As the Cressida's sales declined, Toyota made the decision to discontinue the model in 1992 and focus its resources on other, more profitable and popular vehicles in its lineup. This strategic shift was driven by several factors, including:
- Changing Consumer Preferences: The growing demand for SUVs and minivans, which offered more space and versatility, made the Cressida's mid-size sedan design less appealing to many buyers.
- Increased Competition: The rise of Japanese luxury brands, such as Acura and Infiniti, provided consumers with more options in the mid-size luxury segment, making it harder for the Cressida to stand out.
- Toyota's Focus on Profitable Models: As a large, global automaker, Toyota needed to allocate its resources towards the development and production of its most popular and profitable models, such as the Camry and Corolla, to maintain its competitive edge.
While the Cressida was a well-regarded and reliable vehicle, its discontinuation was a strategic decision by Toyota to adapt to the changing automotive landscape and focus on the models that were better aligned with consumer demand and the company's long-term goals.
