Has The Midsize Market Fallen Out of Favor?

Midsize coupes have fallen out of favor with consumers in the US and companies such as Toyota see no reason in staying in the segment. In an interview with Ward’s Auto, Toyota Motor Sales executive Jim Lentz admitted the company would rather invest its research and development money in “better places.” There have been rumors that Toyota would drop the Camry Solara coupe from its lineup, and although Lentz wasn’t willing to admit it, his negative statements about the market overall come close to confirming it.

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07mcs - 1/19/2007 1:20:37 PM

+5 Boost

The Toyota Solara's design didn't help them either in this segment.

MercBasher - 1/20/2007 12:59:45 AM

0 Boost

Honda's stunning new Accord Coupe, and the Nissan Altima coupe will revitalize this segment of the market - Toyota will stand alone if it quits.

BobW - 1/19/2007 2:10:07 PM

+3 Boost

Well, when you start out with an ugly car, now matter how well built, it does makes selling them difficult, and could even make you think the segment is weak. If the Honda coupe at Detroit is any indication of the actual production Accord coupe, Honda won't have any problem finding buyers for coupes in the same segment.
Funny how design has a direct impact on sales and market penetration.
BW

mini22 - 1/19/2007 2:58:01 PM

+2 Boost

Toyota has always made dull cars. The Solara is a dull coupe that is boring to drive. It has always appealed to 20-30 yr old women or older retirees. But people either die or get married so they have boxed themselves in unless they decide to make a car that might actually be 1)Fun to drive and 2)Attractive or exotic to look at. I think they should hire Guigario for starters. Next they should consider stiffer shocks and springs,wider tires,and faster acting steering. Finally a nicer sounding exhaust.People who buy coupes are not only buying them to make a design statement. They want the performance and handling of a sports car with a bit more comfort and room. That's what a coupe or should I say GT is all about.

07mcs - 1/19/2007 6:23:05 PM

+2 Boost

I agree with you, that is why MB sells lots of CL's and CLK's and MB lots of 3 and 6 series and why Audi wants to offer the A5

07mcs - 1/19/2007 6:23:40 PM

+2 Boost

sorry meant to say BMW sells lots of 3s and 6s series

1970toyotamarc - 1/19/2007 3:38:38 PM

0 Boost

I love the interior of this car. I can only imagine how many owners must feel this way. The interior is where you get to enjoy the vehicle, while everyone else has to look away, lest they burn their eyes. Yes, I admit the Solara's exterior is the stuff only a mother could love. But I'm not that thrilled with any mid-sized coupe offering. Monte Carlo, Sebring, you can send the whole lot of them back to the drawing board. What I will miss is having a convertible Toyota, having owned a couple of them. What am I to do next? How about a convertible Prius? Dare I dream?

Rupert - 1/19/2007 3:42:40 PM

+3 Boost

we have 2 midsize coupe's on britain, a hyudai coupe and a peugeot 407 coupe. and that's it. i'm very glad we don't get the car in the pic though, it's damn ugly.

Shredmo - 1/19/2007 4:19:26 PM

-1 Boost

The Solara looks better in person. It is much better looking than the photo represents. It is not a me too design.

TruenoAE86 - 1/20/2007 3:15:04 AM

+2 Boost

I feel sorry to say this. The Solara is the worst looking car in the Toyota lineup. It's good news that they clean house.

I don't mind if Toyota brings it back with a much better design. But if it stays with this space-bean look, please get rid of it.

nse70 - 1/20/2007 5:18:38 AM

-2 Boost

The Solara is hot. What it lacked was a sports tuned suspension.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/20/2007 11:25:17 AM

+5 Boost

The Solara is hideous!

truckmen - 1/20/2007 11:45:10 AM

+3 Boost

It is a boring car! I'd take it if someone gave it to me! I am shure it would be fun to drive.

Kostin - 1/22/2007 11:12:59 AM

+1 Boost

Damn this car it's hideous.You CANNOT tell me it looks better on the streets.Geeezz