Toyota Finally Axes Solara Convertible

[Steve]

Toyota has finally made the decision to stop producing the Solara Convertible. It's not likely to be missed.

The Coupe model was discontinued last summer (in case you hadn't noticed), but Toyota decided to keep up convertible production as there were no other drop-top models in the entire company's vehicle lineup.

A few months later in December of '08, Toyota then decided to pause production of the Camry-based vehicle, but retained its spot in the lineup, expecting a resurgence in sales for the summer of '09. That never happened.

"I think there was some hope that eventually during the spring/summer months the market would bear a need," said company spokesman Rick Hesterberg to Ward's Auto. "We kept the tooling, just waiting to see, but that never came to fruition."

The original Solara first came to market in 2000 and a second-generation of the car began for 2005. In that year Toyota sold almost 50,000 Solara models. Demand dropped to 40,000 in '06, with 30,000 in '07 and just over 20,000 in 2008.

The Solara Convertible is just the latest drop top to leave the market and is likely to be missed about as much as the PT Cruiser Convertible and Pontiac G6 Convertible. Other models that will bow out this year are the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky and Honda S2000.

Is the Sebring Convertible next?

More: Toyota Finally Axes Solara Convertible on AutoGuide.com

[REN69]

Sorry if you own one and you get offended, but this was one of the ugliest cars Toyota's ever made.

[jOwaBelz]

nice share!...thanks!..

[eyeball96]

Originally Posted by REN69

Sorry if you own one and you get offended, but this was one of the ugliest cars Toyota's ever made.

...and my wife absolutely feels its the pretty car she's ever seen! Wants one in the worse way!

Opinions are like.....??

[eyeball96]

Originally Posted by eyeball96

...and my wife absolutely feels its the prettiest car she's ever seen! Wants one in the worse way!

Opinions are like.....??

[Captain Gort]

I like my 2003 ragtop. True, not the most exciting car in the world, but a nice criuser

[tomtedbear]

Originally Posted by Captain Gort

I like my 2003 ragtop. True, not the most exciting car in the world, but a nice criuser

I really like my '06 Solar convertible SLE. While not the sexiest car on the road, it is, in my opinion, the best looking of it's class. The latest incarnation of the Chrysler Sebring is downright ugly and is painful to get into, due to it's very low roof. the Pontiac G4 is simply not a good car, no especially attractive. Pretty much all other convertibles are much higher or less than this price and size range.

I believe if Toyota produced a really sexy Solara (possibly renamedO convertible with a hybrid option, not only would it sell well, it would bring excitement to the brand and people to the showrooms. Research shows that once you have a new car shopper in a showroom, or whatever brand you've likely got someone who will buy from you, especially if this is the first showroom they've hit. Following the same lines, I think that by offering the first convertible hybrid, Toyota could meet a desire among some convertible lovers (those who love the cruisers rather than the sportier types) and continue it's reputati0on for hybrid use and advancement.

I called Toyota and made the suggestion and they were quite happy to hear me out. The New Hork Times had an article today about how Toyota is looking to produce more exciting and better looking cars. If you'd like to encourage this concept, call Toyota Customer Enhancement at 800-331-4331, selection 5.