Toyota To Discontinue Production Of Celica And MR2 By End Of 2005 Model Year

[GatorGreg]

From Toyota Press Room

07/16/2004 Torrance, CA

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced its plans to discontinue sales of the Celica and MR2 sports cars by the end of the 2005 model year.

"The Celica and MR2 have been a favorite amongst sports car enthusiasts since their introductions in the U.S.," said Don Esmond, senior vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division. "The past few years, however, have been very challenging for both Celica and MR2 as competition in a segment where 'what's new' dominates and we continue to add more exciting and youthful products to the lineup such as the Matrix and Corolla XRS, Solara sports coupe and recently the Scion xA, xB and tC."

Currently in its seventh generation, the Celica was first introduced in the U.S. in 1971 and was influential in establishing the sporty subcompact segment. Since that time it has been named Motor Trend's "Import Car of the Year," one of Car and Driver's "Ten Best Cars," and the "Most Reliable Sporty Car" by Consumer Reports.

Based on the EX-1 "Car of the Future" concept vehicle, its styling was revolutionary when it first hit the market. The Celica was originally designed for consumers who were young at heart and wanted something more than just simple transportation.

Toyota introduced the popular mid-engine, rear-wheel drive two-seater "Mr. Two" in 1985. The MR2 was on the market for ten years when production went on hiatus until 2000 when the third generation was introduced. The MR2 was developed to offer consumers exotic car design and excitement without the exotic car price. Originally powered by Toyota's "sweet sixteen" 16-valve dual-overhead cam 1.6-liter engine, a supercharged version was added in 1988. A turbocharged version went on sale in 1991 prompting Car and Driver magazine to proclaim the MR2 Turbo as an exotic car for the rest of us."

The current MR2 Spyder is the first U.S.-market Toyota to offer a true clutchless, six-speed sequential manual transmission. The MR2 has not only proven its mettle as a "budget exotic" sports car, but succeeded in attracting performance-oriented buyers to the Toyota brand.

 

[sharp4runr]

Say it ain't so!!!

 

[Sac State]

Too bad about the MR2. Even though my svelt frame would never fit in a MR2, I have always thought they were really cool and if I were to ever own a convertible, it would be an MR2.

Hopefully, Toyota will re-issue the MR2 in a few years.

 

[silver4x419]

Yeah, rumor is that the tC is really going to be hott and was going to take over the Celica...

 

[TRD04RUNNER]

I never really like the new Mr2 but I have a 2st gen white 95 Mr2 turbo like the look of them betten then all of them one.

 

[sharp4runr]

I never really like the new Mr2 but I have a 2st gen white 95 Mr2 turbo like the look of them betten then all of them one.

Nice MR2, but I couldn't understand what you just wrote.

I think you said, you have a 2nd gen...

 

[Derek]

Yeah, rumor is that the tC is really going to be hott and was going to take over the Celica...

That was my prediction after visiting the local Toyota dealership recently. The sticker price on a well equipped tC is $17K while the Celica is $20K+ with very few options.

I sat in the tC and I must admit, its a nice looking car and has some really nice features for the price! :bigok:

 

[sharp4runr]

The new TC reminds me too much of the old Paseos. At least the Celica was "sporty"

 

[GatorGreg]

Nice cars TRD04Runner, did you manage to squeeze THREE cars into a TWO car garage or are my eyes tricking me?

 

[sharp4runr]

Nice cars TRD04Runner, did you manage to squeeze THREE cars into a TWO car garage or are my eyes tricking me?

haha, yeah looks like 2 MR2 and I'm not sure about the other one. Looks like an NSX...

 

[toybox]

Nice cars TRD04Runner, did you manage to squeeze THREE cars into a TWO car garage or are my eyes tricking me?

Haha that's funny. Well, they are small cars.

 

[mikes4runner]

Sorry to see them go but I guess I have a collectors item now

I like all the MR2's 1st,2nd,3rd they all are a blast to drive nothing comes close to the MR2 for the money...nothing.