Why Toyota Corona was never sold in the US?

Question

It was one of Toyota' best cars why it wasn't available in the US market?

Answer 1

That is NOT true:

Early Days: The Toyota Corona was a midsize car manufactured by Toyota. It was first launched in 1957 as a compact car. The Corona ended production in 2000 as a midsize four-door sedan sold in the Japanese market.

In its heyday, the Corona was Toyota's principal export entrant. The first to be exported in any quantity was the third-generation model, launched in 1964, characterized by a front end reminiscent of a razor. With each incarnation, the Corona — and an associated, plusher model called the Corona Mark II (later spun off on to a separate platform) grew larger.

1970s/1980s: Toyota Corona from a National Geographic magazine.In the United States, the 1970s were probably the Corona's high point, helped by the fuel crises of 1973 and 1979. It was not renewed for the 1983 model year, replaced by the larger Camry.

The longest-running model was the rear wheel drive seventh-generation (T142) model, which began production in 1981 and was still manufactured in Australia in 1987, even though by that time a front wheel drive version (originally called the Toyota Corona FF and marketed in some countries as the Toyota Carina) had already been released.

The Corona was eventually dropped in Australia in favor of the larger Camry, but in New Zealand, Toyota continued to offer versions of the Corona, assembled locally at Toyota's plant in Thames, New Zealand. Later, Toyota New Zealand followed Australia's lead and dropped the Corona, instead marketing the Australian-built Camry as its offering in the midsize segment of the market and had unique sheetmetal. This was later succeeded by a four-door hardtop called the Corona EXIV.

1980s/1990s: It eventually faced competition from the smaller Toyota Carina as that model grew in size. Because of Japanese taxation laws, both models got to the maximum 1,700 mm permitted for a lower tax bracket and in the 1980s and early 1990s, were the same size.

Toyota's mid-sized car lineup in Europe was quite confusing when looking over the past 25 years. The 1970 and 1981 Carina models were sold in most of Europe, but in 1984 they were replaced with the "Carina II" - which was really the 1983 model Corona as sold in Japan with alterations to the headlights, grille and trim - most notably it had a lot less chrome than the Corona. In 1988 this was replaced by another "Carina II", again, the 1987 Corona with differing trim. And in 1992 the "Carina E" replaced this - which again, was the new 1992 Corona, though production of the Carina E moved to the UK at the end of 1994. The UK produced Carina E is notorious to have some parts of slightly lower quality than the one produced in Japan. This generation of Corona was called Corona Absolute in Indonesia, or Corona Excior in Thailand and Taiwan.


1994 Toyota Corona (Carina E).A Corona coupe was spun off in the mid-1980s. It's based on the 4th Generation Celica notchback Coupe, but with fixed headlights instead of retractable.

The last export Corona was called the Carina E in Europe. The five-door model was called the Corona SF in Japan, while the station wagon had become a separate line there, from 1993, called the Toyota Caldina. Where it was still sold, it was replaced by the Toyota Avensis (in most of Europe - though this was based loosely on the new Corona) and the Toyota Camry (in other export markets). The second-generation Caldina was sold in Europe as part of the Avensis range.

Late 1990s: 1996 Toyota Corona Premio.A final eleventh generation was built between 1996 and 2000 for the Japanese home market, with one particular model called the Toyota Corona Premio that was spun off into an independent model called the Premio, and a related model called the Allion after 2001.

Answer 2

We bought a new Toyota Corona Mark II stationwagon in the 1970's which was underpowered at 2400 cc. and when it wasn't tuned-up, the lack of power was even more noticeable.

That was one of the most not-fun cars to drive because it had no pickup. On the Hwy 101 grades in Marin County after crossing Golden Gate Bridge, we were always the slowest car in the slow lane.

Answer 3

The early version of Corona, Toyota Corona Mark II, manufactured from 1978-1982, was actually exported to the US. It eventually evolved into Lexus LS400. In the 1990s, the people were leaning toward minivans and SUVs, and so the Corona sales were profitable, and it's never returned to the US.

Answer 4

The Toyota Corona WAS sold in the US. Actually, here's a website full of owner comments. http://www.carsurvey.org/model_Toyota_Corona.html

Answer 5

They WERE sold here back in the 60's They (toyotas) weren't as great a car as they are now though. Knew several people who owned them.

Answer 6

It was available in the US from 1966-1970

Answer 7

I have no idea, but they're doing something wrong because they are soo darn cocky, I hate the fact that they won't let you pick your own car, but whatever comes next.. and all that crappy policy they have
If I pay, I think I should get whatever I like no?? Color and all. anyway I don't buy Toyota cars, I like Hondas better.

Answer 8

Corona was sold in US until 83 as a "Compact" car.

It was not renewed when Corolla was made a "Compact" from its previous "Sub-compact" status and Camry was introduced as the "Mid-size" option.

Answer 9

123

Answer 10

Probably becaus eoff the name - we would associate it with beer, and thus it would seem to promote alcohol use while driving.

Before you scofff at that, Ill remind you that the Chevy Nova didnt sell worth crap in Mexico or any other spanish speaking countries - because "No Va" means "Doesnt Go."