Toyota Canada to Discontinue Importing Celica Sports Coupe by the End of 2005 Model Year

The same philosophy could easily be applied to a new sports model. While such a car featuring hybrid power would no doubt

It all started back in 1971 when Toyota introduced a compact rear-drive Celica powered by a carbureted 1.6 liter 4-cylinder engine to the North American market. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

cost much more than the current Celica, base-priced between $24,745 for the entry-level GT and $33,680 for the sportier GT-S model, it would go far in promoting Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, and the many vehicles which will soon offer it as optional equipment.

But no such announcements have been made, nor has Toyota Canada commented on whether or not the Scion brand will become available north of the 49th anytime in the future, other than to say there are no plans to do so.

For the time being, Toyota will continue to sell its remaining 2004 Celica GT and GT-S models, with the 2005 model year being its last. It all started back in 1971 when Toyota introduced a compact rear-drive Celica

Despite intense competition, even after four years the current Celica is critically acclaimed as one of the best buys in its sporty compact class. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

powered by a carbureted 1.6 liter 4-cylinder engine to the North American market, which soon became extremely popular. Over the years the sporty coupe has been awarded as 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.

Now, in its 7th generation, the EX-1 "Car of the Future" concept car-based Celica is critically acclaimed as one of the best buys in its sporty subcompact class. Its dramatically angular cab-forward styling was shocking to some when it first appeared on the market in 1999 as a 2000 model, but has managed to stay fresh even after four years of intense competition.