The only thing you really need to consider when buying a Celica is the appropriate color and trim combo. The business consistently places highly in our reliability polls, and the Celica frequently receives favorable ratings from JD Power surveys, where it was named the best coupe in 2006 and ranked in the top 20 overall in 2005.
Warranty Direct claims that while Celica issues are uncommon, the suspension accounts for 50% of them. Another third is attributable to the engine. Other than that, the only issues we’ve heard of are the tailgate struts collapsing and brake discs rotting on cars that don’t receive much use.
In This Article...
Solution:
The performance of the valves is a well-known issue with the Celica 1.8-liter vehicles. These can corrode quickly because they have a soft valve seat, which means they can wear out quickly. There won’t be much of a choice but to remove the cylinder head and rebuild it with the BreakerYard valves. Despite the size of the task, there are numerous walkthrough manuals accessible.
How durable are the Celica engines?
If you don’t misuse it, a properly kept Celica can travel between 250.000 and 300.000 miles. You can anticipate the automobile to last you 16 to 20 years if you drive an average of 15,000 miles annually, which is the typical for American drivers.
Which Celica generation is the best?
I had been carefully compiling images of each of the seven Toyota Celica generations in Brisbane when I finished. What is your favorite generation of Celica? I felt it only right to ask my fellow Curbivores in light of today’s news on the seventh-generation Celica.
Is it the first? The first generation, which was based on the Carina, combined Toyota dependability with svelte, curvy appearance, though the fastback was somewhat reminiscent of the Mustang.
Maybe you like the second generation better. It was larger and longer, and it did give rise to the first Supra (and the first Camry, although that was JDM-only).
Rear-wheel drive was only available in the third generation. I think the current generation of Celica notchbacks is the most attractive generation overall. Though the hatchback Celicas were always more popular after the initial generation, good luck locating one in Australia.
Many considered the fourth generation to be the best-handling Celica yet despite switching to front-wheel drive. The GT-Four, a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a turbocharger, was also introduced during this generation (also known as the All-Trac).
Although the crazy GT-Four was still available, the fifth generation was a little softer, both dynamically and cosmetically.
Sales of the Celica began to seriously decline during the sixth generation, which felt like more of the same.
The seventh-generation model marked the end of the Celica line. Since the early GT-Four models, it was the smallest, sharpest, cheapest, and most enjoyable Celica to drive.
So tell me, which Celica generation is your fave. I’d go for the fourth generation.
Why did Toyota cease producing the Celica?
Toyota has produced a lot of intriguing cars over the years. Toyota has always focused on efficiency, usability, and affordability, from the Prius to the RAV4. Looking back at earlier Toyota models to see how far the company has advanced in terms of design and quality is also enjoyable.
The Toyota Celica is one of the more well-known Toyota models that is no longer in production. We wonder what happened to the Toyota Celica because it seemed like everyone knew someone who owned one. Despite the fact that manufacture was only stopped in 2006, there aren’t as many of them on the roads nowadays. Sure, there are a few here and there, but it begs the question as to why many more didn’t utilize this sporty yet efficient vehicle.
A quick overview of the Toyota Celica’s history is necessary to comprehend what transpired with the vehicle. The car was produced from 1970 to 2006, but the drivetrain’s move from rear- to front-wheel drive in 1985 was the biggest shift.
The original Celica came in three trim levels: LT, ST, and GT, and was a hardtop coupe. The GTV trim level was also available; it was released in 1972, handled a little better, but had a less opulent interior. A 1.6L or a 2L engine was standard on the Celica.
When the second-generation Celica was introduced in 1978, it was offered as a coupe and a liftback with a “B pillar. 2.2L engine provided power to the base model Celica of the second generation.
When the third generation of Celicas was introduced in 1981, buyers once again had a choice between a coupe and a liftback. In 1984, a convertible version was also released. This generation of Celicas comes standard with a 2.4L engine. In 1982, all Celicas sold in North America were required to have fuel injection.
Toyota Celicas of the seventh and last generation, which were coupes, were sold from 1999 to 2006. Power locks and windows were installed in the center console, and the car was lighter and more cheap than prior model years. In its base model, it had a 1.8L engine that generated 140 horsepower. Due to poor sales, Toyota declared that it would stop manufacturing the Celica in the United States in 2004.
The Celica eventually evolved into the Celica Supra, then into just the Supra, but that is a another tale for another day. Live long and prosper, Toyota Celica!
Which Toyota Celica model was the best?
Few vehicles can boast of spending 35 years continuously on the road, but the Toyota Celica was one of them. The Celica saw a number of modifications to its powertrains, rivals, and customer demographics between the time of its creation under Nixon and its demise under Dubya, but it never deviated from its goal of serving as Toyota’s entry-level sport coupe.
The first Celica, which made its way to American shores in January 1971, was most notable for having rear-wheel drive, a practice that continued for three generations. When the fourth-generation Celica adopted front-wheel-drive, Camry-based engineering in the middle of the 1980s, a significant design change occurred. Toyota expanded the Celica’s appeal in the 1990s by offering it as a coupe, convertible, and hatchback.
The lack of sportiness of these Celicas was criticized by driving fans, therefore Toyota tried a different strategy for the new millennium by launching a much faster vehicle. The most recent Toyota Celica brought back some value to the Celica line, although its appeal as a stiffly tuned, high-strung performance coupe was modest. In the end, the firm chose to adopt a different strategy in this market and swap the Celica for the less athletic Scion tC, whose more laid-back personality, roomier cabin, and high feature content are more in tune with mainstream automotive tastes.
The Toyota Celica is almost probably worth considering by anyone looking for a used sport coupe or convertible. But be aware that a car’s virtues change depending on the era. The most modern models included amusing features, good gas mileage, and adequate cargo room (if not people). Superior dependability was another attraction. On the down side, many versions weren’t quite as quick as they appeared to be, and styling was frequently a bit experimental. Additionally, the Celica’s exorbitant price, particularly on the secondhand car market, makes it a dubious value proposition when compared to less priced, frequently faster, rivals.
The final decade of the Toyota Celica was without a doubt its best. This hatchback sport coupe, which was sold for the 20002005 model years, was hundreds of dollars less expensive than prior Celicas and had newer engines, a lighter chassis, a redesigned double-wishbone rear suspension, and enhanced handling. The new Celica made its debut to treble sales statistics and enthusiastic praise from critics of fast cars.
The 1.8-liter, four-cylinder GT model was the Celica’s base model, and it effortlessly moved this sub-2,500-pound vehicle thanks to its 140 horsepower. Both a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual transmission were available as options. But the GT-S received the most of the compliments. With variable valve timing and lift (VVTL-i) technology, its 1.8-liter engine produced 180 horsepower, although at a high 6,400 rpm. Along with the power windows and locks, cruise control, alloy wheels, and a better audio that were optional on the Celica GT, the GT-S also received upgrades such as all-around disc brakes, a six-speed manual transmission, and several other features.
Due to its very responsive steering, refined suspension, and powerful brakes, any Toyota Celica from this era was enjoyable to drive. Given the car’s strong driving qualities, ride quality was adequate, but it was less forgiving over bumps and expansion joints than competitors like the Acura RSX, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and VW GTI. Additionally, even though the Celica GT-S might be satisfying while running at high rpm, getting the most out of it required a patient and committed driver. With only 126 pound-feet of low-end torque at 4,200 rpm, it might be difficult to maneuver in traffic. The six-speed manual’s clumsy shift action and closely spaced gates also made it simple to select the incorrect gear.
Other issues with the inside of the Celica included an uncomfortable backseat, poor rear view, and dash materials that looked cheap. The front bucket seats were well-shaped despite their limited adjustment, and the ergonomics were generally good.
Toyota only made minor changes to the Celica over time. In 2002, an all-cosmetic “Action Package” was added to the list of available options. In 2003, various interior and exterior aesthetic changes, a newly available JBL sound, and HID xenon headlights were also included.
The GT-S is the Celica of choice for buyers looking for a genuine sport coupe experience in any year. However, the regular Celica GT is a competent performer for consumers who are only looking for a cheap, sporty-appearing coupe.
A noticeably milder beast, the sixth-generation Toyota Celica was produced from 1994 until 1999. It was larger, heavier, and less maneuverable than its successor and was powered by two sluggish engines that were taken from the Corolla and Camry. In its first year, this Celica was available in coupe and hatchback body designs in ST and GT specification; for the second year, a GT convertible with a power top joined the lineup. All Celicas had the option of a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.
Toyota changed a few things over time, beginning in 1996 with the addition of various styling cues and soundproofing. The GT coupe model disappeared in 1997, but it reappeared in 1998 when all ST versions disappeared. Toyota discontinued all coupes in 1999, leaving the sixth-generation Celica with only the GT hatchback and GT convertible.
Generally speaking, we advise used car buyers to avoid the Celica ST because it makes for a dreary everyday driver with its 110 horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. The Celica GT’s 135-hp 2.2-liter four, which also had plenty of torque for around-town punch, four-wheel disc brakes, and more common features like power accessories and a tilt steering wheel, are required to achieve reasonable acceleration. Customers should feel free to select any body style among the GT models that they find appealing, although only hatchbacks had access to an available sport-tuned suspension that improved handling.
At the time, we praised the car’s practical and cozy cabin as well as its usual high level of Toyota construction in our reviews. However, no Celica of this generation was particularly athletic. The engine seemed harsh, the shifter had long throws, and the steering had minimal road feel in addition to having just enough power. This model of the Celica has traditionally had a high resale value despite its lackluster performance, making it expensive even as a used vehicle contender. The Acura Integra is more affordable and equally dependable, unless you desire a convertible.
Similar circumstances apply to the 19901993 fifth-generation Celica. This version, which shared a lot of components with its successor, included the ST coupe, GT coupe, GT hatchback, and all-wheel-drive All-Trac Turbo hatchback. The second year saw the addition of a GT convertible. On all versions other than the All-Trac, a four-speed automatic was an option for this Celica, while a five-speed manual transmission was the norm. Similar to later Celicas, this model came with a limited amount of standard equipment, including just one airbag. The majority of the changes occurred in 1992, when all Celicas received a redesign, more standard features, and many variants received larger wheels and/or improved brakes.
The ST coupe’s tiny 1.6-liter engine produced only 103 horsepower. The GT and GT-S were more representative of the Celica’s athletic aspirations as each had a 2.2-liter engine with 130135 horsepower. The GT-S model of this Celica had weight problems; it was close to 3,000 pounds. Due to this, the Celica failed to achieve a 0-60 mph time under 9 seconds, making it slower than almost every sport coupe of the time as well as Celicas from the 1980s. Although it still possessed excellent comfort, a chic interior, outstanding durability, and all the other desirable Toyota features, its lack of power, high weight, and expensive price eliminated it from serious consideration as a sport coupe or hatchback.
The uncommon Celica All-Trac Turbo, on the other hand, might be sought after by people seeking something special. As its name suggests, this Toyota Celica employed a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine to deliver 200 horsepower to all four wheels, going from 0 to 60 in roughly 7 seconds and giving the current Mitsubishi Eclipse a run for its money. The final-generation Celica GT-S was always going to be faster, but the All-Trac proved enjoyable thanks to its turbocharged surge and all-wheel-drive traction.
Is a Toyota Celica a vintage vehicle?
Toyota is one of the well-known automotive brands available today. Millions of automobiles are on the world’s highways and roads at any given time. In actuality, the automaker sold a record 10.74 million cars globally in 2019.
According to Consumer Reports, Toyota manufactures reliable and effective vehicles. They also appreciated the company for its general dependability. The Camry, Highlander, Sienna, Prius, and Supra were a few of the famous makes highlighted.
We’ll examine one of this automaker’s lesser-known cars in this Classic Car Spotlight article.
The first-generation Toyota Celica, a vintage car that was significant in the history of Japanese sports cars, is described in detail here.
What took over for the Celica?
In January 1980, Toyota introduced the four-door Celica Camry to the Japanese market. This vehicle was essentially a 19771981 Toyota Carina (A40 and A50) from the second generation with a front end that was extended to match the 19781981 Celica XX, also known as the Celica Supra in export markets. This Carina-derived Celica is a four-door sedan as opposed to a coupe or liftback, unlike other Celicas. When the front-wheel-drive Toyota Camry (V10) model was introduced in 1982, Toyota replaced the Celica Camry.