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Why did Toyota stop making Celicas?

Toyota discontinued the production of the Celica sports car in 2006 after a successful 36-year run. The decision to end the Celica's production was driven by a combination of factors, including changing consumer preferences, market trends, and Toyota's strategic shift in its product lineup.


Declining Popularity of Sports Cars


In the early 2000s, the demand for sports cars, particularly in the compact and mid-size segments, began to decline. Consumers were increasingly gravitating towards larger, more practical vehicles, such as SUVs and crossovers. This shift in consumer preferences made it increasingly difficult for Toyota to justify the continued production of the Celica, which was seen as a niche product in the market.


Changing Regulatory Environment


The automotive industry was also facing stricter emissions and fuel efficiency regulations, particularly in the United States and Europe. The Celica's sporty design and performance-oriented features made it challenging for Toyota to meet these new regulatory requirements without significant investments in the vehicle's powertrain and technology.


Toyota's Strategic Shift


In the mid-2000s, Toyota was undergoing a strategic shift in its product lineup, focusing more on mainstream models, hybrid vehicles, and larger, more profitable segments. The Celica, with its relatively low sales volumes and niche appeal, no longer aligned with Toyota's broader strategic priorities.


Conclusion


The discontinuation of the Toyota Celica was a result of a combination of factors, including declining consumer demand for sports cars, changing regulatory environments, and Toyota's strategic shift towards more mainstream and profitable models. While the Celica had a long and successful history, the company's decision to end its production was a reflection of the evolving automotive market and Toyota's own priorities.

How much is the 2025 Celica going to cost?


around $30,000
How much will the 2025 Celica cost? While official pricing hasn't been announced, experts predict the starting price will be around $30,000, making it one of the best cars in its class for value.



Why was the Toyota Celica banned?


During the 1995 World Rally Championship season, Toyota was caught using illegal turbo restrictor bypasses at the Rally Catalunya and were given a one-year ban by the FIA.



How much is a Toyota Celica worth today?


TrueCar has 14 used Toyota Celica models for sale nationwide, including a Toyota Celica GT Convertible Manual and a Toyota Celica GT Liftback Manual. Prices for a used Toyota Celica currently range from $3,900 to $89,900, with vehicle mileage ranging from 30,982 to 257,282.



Why did Toyota discontinue a Celica?


Yet despite buoyant sales assisting Toyota to its 10th straight year of record UK sales, there was no escaping the fact that there was a worldwide trend away from sports cars. In the face of this movement, Toyota had no choice but to discontinue the Celica in the US in the summer of 2004.



Is the 2025 Celica confirmed?


The Toyota Celica, one of the most iconic names in the sports car world, is set to make its grand comeback in 2025. After years of rumors and speculation, Toyota has confirmed that the Celica will return, and the automotive community couldn't be more thrilled.



Why are MR2 so rare?


The Toyota MR2 was discontinued after the smaller, lighter, and less expensive third-generation W30 MR2 had run its course for the 2005 model year.



How long do Toyota Celica engines last?


That engine in this car is usually good for around 200,000 miles.



How much is the 2024 Celica?


Toyota has added a 45th Anniversary Edition to its 2024 GR Supra lineup to celebrate the sports car's origins as the Celica Supra when it arrived all the way back in 1979. The 2024 model otherwise is largely carried over and starts at $46,635 (all prices include $1,095 destination charge).



Is the Toyota MR2 coming back?


The MR2 is slated to arrive in showrooms in 2026, with a reported starting price of over US$65,000 (approximately NZ$105,800). Production will be handled by Toyota's in-house GRMN studio (Gazoo Racing tuned by Meister of Nurburgring).



Is the Toyota Celica ever coming back?


The news came at the 2024 Rally Japan event over the weekend. Best Car initially asked Akio Toyoda whether the Celica would be making a comeback, but the former CEO instead turned the question to Executive Vice President Yuki Nakajima, who reportedly said outright: "We will make the Celica."


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.