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10 Toyota Cars That Deserve A Comeback

Toyota’s lineup has churned out some of the most unforgettable vehicles to grace American roads. But somewhere along the highway of progress, a few gems got the ax far too soon. It didn’t matter if these cars were ahead of their time, loved for their utility, or just pure fun. Enthusiasts still miss these discontinued …
toshinori baba/Wikimedia Commons

Toyota’s lineup has churned out some of the most unforgettable vehicles to grace American roads. But somewhere along the highway of progress, a few gems got the ax far too soon. It didn’t matter if these cars were ahead of their time, loved for their utility, or just pure fun. Enthusiasts still miss these discontinued Toyotas. Let’s talk about the ten Toyotas that should’ve never vanished.

FJ Cruiser

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It struck the road in 2006, looking like it came straight from a comic book adventure. FJ Cruiser’s 4.0L V6 and off-road angles weren’t just for show; they ate trails. As Wrangler sales climbed, Toyota pulled the plug in 2014. Fans weren’t done exploring, but Toyota sure was; hence, the slow disappearance.

Celica

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Sleek and lightweight, the Toyota Celica fused agile handling with a rebellious attitude. Its seventh-gen GT-S carried a 180-hp 1.8L engine co-developed with Yamaha. It appealed to tuner culture and young drivers alike, because it was affordable and fun. Toyota dropped it in 2005, and that left a serious hole in entry-level sports.

MR2

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What kind of car enthusiast doesn’t grin at “mid-engine, rear-wheel drive?” The MR2 delivered that dream in a small, affordable package. With its 2ZZ-GE engine and Lotus-like balance, the final one had track potential and daily usability. Yet in 2007, Toyota shelved it without a true replacement.

Venza (First Generation)

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No one called it exciting, but the original Venza quietly nailed comfort and space. It blended sedan-like dynamics with crossover practicality, making it perfect for families who didn’t want a full-blown SUV. Toyota discontinued it in 2015, then revived the nameplate five years later as a rebadged Harrier.

Previa

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Engineered with oddball brilliance, the Toyota Previa packed a supercharged mid-engine beneath its curvy body. It had all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and a panoramic roof option. Sure, it looked like a spaceship, but it handled like no minivan before or after. Sadly, in 1997, Toyota turned conservative, and the fun disappeared.

Land Cruiser (200 Series)

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You didn’t need roads to fall for the 200 Series Land Cruiser. With its 5.7L V8 and hydraulic suspension, it tackled trails with grace while pampering passengers like a luxury sedan. Toyota halted U.S. sales in 2021. Global versions stayed, but for Americans, that was the end of a legend.

Cressida

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Marketed like a luxury cruiser, the Cressida snuck in Supra DNA under its conservative styling. Rear-wheel drive and an inline-six made it the sleeper of the ’80s. Many drivers didn’t notice, but enthusiasts saw it as Toyota’s underrated attempt at sporty luxury. In 1992, Lexus took over, and Cressida vanished.

First-Gen Sequoia (2001–2007)

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The original Sequoia didn’t care about trends, as it was overbuilt and outrageously reliable. Powered by a 4.7L i-Force V8, it could tow, haul, or even cruise with rock-solid ease. Later generations lost their edge by trying to look modern. That first model? Pure old-school utility wrapped in rugged charm.

Matrix XRS

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Unlike most compact hatches, the Matrix XRS brought heat. Under its hood sat a high-revving 2ZZ engine paired with a 6-speed manual. It moved like a go-kart with room for groceries. Killed off in 2013, it left no true follow-up—just a long silence in the fun-and-functional space.

Supra (Fourth Gen)

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Fourth-gen Supra didn’t whisper its greatness; it came with a twin-turbo inline-six and timeless curves. That 2JZ engine made tuners dream in horsepower. From 1993 to 1998, it ruled tracks and posters alike. When Toyota stopped production, enthusiasts spent decades begging for its return, but nothing filled that void until 2020.

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