Why was the Toyota Celica discontinued?
The Toyota Celica, a beloved sports car that captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts for decades, was discontinued in 2006 after a long and successful run. The decision to end production of the Celica was a complex one, driven by a combination of market shifts, changing consumer preferences, and Toyota's strategic priorities.
The Rise and Fall of the Toyota Celica
The Toyota Celica first debuted in 1970 and quickly gained a reputation for its sporty design, responsive handling, and affordability. Over the years, the Celica evolved, with each generation introducing new features and improvements. The car's popularity peaked in the 1980s and 1990s, when it became a symbol of the Japanese sports car boom.
However, as the 21st century approached, the Celica's fortunes began to wane. Several factors contributed to its eventual discontinuation:
- Shifting Consumer Preferences: The rise of SUVs and crossovers in the early 2000s led to a decline in demand for traditional sports cars like the Celica. Consumers were increasingly drawn to larger, more practical vehicles, leaving the Celica's niche market shrinking.
- Competition from Other Models: Toyota's own lineup of sports cars, such as the Supra and the 86 (formerly the Scion FR-S), began to overshadow the Celica, offering similar or better performance at a comparable price point.
- Tightening Emissions and Safety Regulations: The Celica's aging platform and design made it increasingly difficult to comply with evolving emissions and safety standards, further contributing to its decline.
Faced with these challenges, Toyota made the difficult decision to discontinue the Celica in 2006, marking the end of an era for one of the company's most iconic sports car models.
The Legacy of the Toyota Celica
Despite its discontinuation, the Toyota Celica remains a beloved and iconic car among enthusiasts. Its sleek design, engaging driving dynamics, and rich history have cemented its place in automotive history. While the Celica may no longer be in production, its legacy lives on, inspiring a new generation of sports car enthusiasts and serving as a testament to Toyota's commitment to building vehicles that capture the hearts and minds of drivers.
Why was the 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.
Is Toyota making a 2025 Celica?
Now, nearly 20 years later, the Toyota Celica nameplate is returning to the market in a modernized form. The upcoming iconic sports car is set to hit the road for the 2027 model year, with prototypes expected to make their first public appearance in 2025.
How much is a Toyota Celica worth today?
Find a Used Toyota Celica Near You
TrueCar has 12 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.
Is the Toyota Celica like a Supra?
From this point onwards, Celica and Supra diverged to become independent models on different platforms; Celica made the significant shift to front-wheel drive and Supra continued to refine the role of rear-wheel drive grand tourer in the expanding Toyota line-up.
Why did Toyota stop a Celica?
Toyota stopped producing the Celica in 2006 primarily due to declining sales and a shift in consumer preferences. The Celica had been a popular model since its introduction in 1970, known for its sporty design and performance.
What came first, Celica or Supra?
Toyota Celica Supra
The first model was the Toyota Celica Supra, a two-door model that was produced from 1979-1981. This was followed by the Toyota Celica Supra, produced from 1982-1985. The Toyota Supra, produced from 1986-1992, brought a new level of performance to the Toyota lineup.
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."
