What Happened to the Toyota Convertible?

Ah, the convertible. Instantly recognizable for its fun and beachy aesthetic. Back in the early 2000s these Toyota models were all the rage (remember the Solara?). What happened? Can you even remember the last time you saw a Toyota convertible on the road? Even a dated Toyota model? Probably not, right? If you're a closeted convertible fan, you might be wondering why these fun and whimsical cars suffered such a fall from grace. Toyota of Orlando has the answers for you!

Why the Toyota Convertible Died?

Orlando Toyota convertibles were the "it" cars back in the 1990s and 2000s. If you remember anything about the Toyota Solara, you probably remember it being a fun and sporty take on a Camry that you'd take to the beach. As a testament to the popularity of the convertible, the Mazda Miata was introduced in 1989 and sold over a million units, solidifying it as one of the most popular convertibles ever. 

If Toyota convertibles were so popular, why did they have such a harsh descent into the world of forgotten cars? Well, there are a few reasons for that and Toyota of Orlando has the facts!

Reason 1) They Required Extensive Redesigning

Designing a Toyota convertible involved a lot more leg work than just ripping the roof off a car. The roof is a key part to the structural integrity of your Orlando car and without it you're going to run into a plethora of problems. When vehicle designers want to introduce a convertible variant they have to go back to the drawing board and redesign the vehicle from a structural level. Plus, removing the roof from a vehicle leaves you exposed to flying debris and in the event your vehicle rolls over. This also means that additional safety features need to be added. 

Reason 2) They Have Fuel Efficiency Problems

Vehicles rely heavily on their exterior design for their fuel efficiency because its a key determinant when it comes to aerodynamics. The more aerodynamic a vehicle, the less fuel it uses to propel through air force. The roof of a typical Orlando Toyota car allows air to flow over the top and out the rear for a smoother ride. With a convertible, air flow is interrupted by the lack of roof and often collects behind the front seats of the cabin and create more drag for the car. Toyota convertibles are also designed to be heavier to counteract the lack of roof which inherently makes them less fuel efficient. 

Unfortunately for those convertible fans out there, we doubt this sub model will return to Toyota of Orlando anytime soon. But, you can still shop for a fun and thrilling vehicle like the Toyota Supra or 86 at our dealership right now. Shop our inventory online or visit the dealership at 3575 Vineland Road today!