FULL REVIEW: Toyota Celica ZR VVTL-i 2ZZ-GE (00-05)

FULL REVIEW: Toyota Celica ZR VVTL-i 2ZZ-GE (00-05)

In this blog entry, I'm going to cover 2000 to 2005 Toyota Celica ZR VVTLi.  It's QUITE RARE in Malaysia, as UMW Toyota DID NOT IMPORT the car to Malaysia.  Instead, it's Grey importers (Eg. NAZA, MOFAZ) who imported few hundred units as Unregistered car.  Today, as at 15 January 2010, a used Celica is your for the following prices:

Year......... 2000........2001.....2002.....2003....2004/05 (Unreg)

Price (RM):82k..........89k.......98k.......110k...125k/135k

As usual, I don't have a TEST car to see/drive/feel and BRAG about.  All is NOT LOST, I dished out a SUPERTEST from GOAUTO Australia.  In addition, I also came up with 5 owner's review from ALL OVER THE WORLD.  Enjoy:

SOURCE 1: http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/96B13DEE38D6527CCA2569DF0013AB9C  

SUPERTEST: Toyota Celica ZR VVTLi

Model release dates: November 1999 - March 2006

 

Overview

TOYOTA'S Celica has moved up from hairdresser's car to hair-raiser.

While previous generations typically offered more show than go, the new model is a firecracker.

Complementing the cracking 140kW powerplant is a taut chassis that delivers superb levels of grip and handling.

But there's a catch: Celica only delivers the goods in six-speed manual form.

The optional four-speed auto is simply not up to the task of keeping the high-revving 1.8-litre engine on the boil.

Previous model

Make: Toyota
Model: Toyota Celica

March 1994 Release date:

Nov 1999 End date:

Toyota has messed with the Celica since day one, resulting in the hairdresser image even though some models have been anything but.

The 1994 version brought together most elements, especially handling, but the front-drive, 100kW 2.2-litre Camry engine was quite pedestrian.

The Car

THE nice little "home" girl with the hourglass figure became an angry young street urchin in the latest generation Celica. It's smaller, lighter, tauter and 10 times meaner than sweet number six, sporting a No.1 clipper head shave, sharp eyes and a broken nose. The look is the work of stylists from Toyota's Calty design centre in California. The car is 90mm shorter and 15mm narrower than the model it replaces, even though its wheelbase is 65mm longer. At the front end, a deep channel runs from the small grille aperture up the centre of the bonnet to a (fake) air intake. Long, triangular four-lamp head light clusters with a projector-type low beam and multi-reflector high beam are used.

The roof line is emphasised near each front seat, and bends radically down toward the rear hatch. The wing, standard on both models, and wrap-around "crystalline" tail lights dominate Celica's rear end, though the thick rear pillar and huge spoiler tend to retard rear visibility.

The Car - Seat Plan

DESPITE being shorter and narrower, the Gen VII Celica's longer wheelbase has brought with it more interior room ... relatively speaking. Gen VII has more interior space than Gen VI, with front legroom up 10mm to 1315mm. Overall height has increased by 10mm to 1315mm and front headroom is up as a result, by 31mm on non-moonroof models and 11mm with the hole in place. Despite rear headroom having increased slightly by moving the rear header rail 50mm forward, rear seat space - in all directions - is suitable for children only. Toyota describes the interior as a 'cross-over' cockpit, designed to create an individual experience for both the driver and front passenger.

Did you know?

This is the seventh generation of Celica, stemming from the 1.6-litre Gen I back in 1971

The Car - Seats

THE Celica's front seats are adjustable for seat height - over a 29mm range - as well as slide and tilt. The front buckets are covered with a 'Jersey' fabric, consisting of black material in the centre and coloured highlights (blue for SX and red for ZR) for the bolster sections. Side airbags, standard on ZR and optional on SX, are located in the front seats.

The front pews have non-adjustable headrests and large side bolsters. S-springs and a sub-wire across the lumbar area were incorporated into them to provide additional comfort and support. High-density, low-rebound pad material was also used for the seat cushion pad to absorb vibration. The rear bench seat has flat woven amethyst trim.

The Car - Dash

THE Celica dash is designed to "encapsulate" the driver and front passenger. Instrument graphics are orange on black, with LCD displays, also in orange, used for the fuel and temperature gauges and odometer and trip meters. Automatic models have a transmission indicator in the instrument panel and a separate display within the analogue speedo arc. A leather-clad three-spoke steering wheel, plus a leather-clad gear knob, add to the sporty ambience. An in-dash storage box with lid creates a big area of space between the digital clock and stereo.

The Car - Controls

THE Celica's radio is prominently positioned with big buttons and lettering making it a snack to operate. The steering wheel for models with automatic transmission has shift buttons for sequential-manual gear selection. Steering wheel adjustment is restricted to tilt only, however it moves without the need to slot into pre-set notches. The cruise control stalk is straight from the Toyota spare parts bin.

External mirrors are adjusted from an electronic directional pad underneath the driver's door grabhandle. The power window switches feature a one-touch auto up with jam protection for the driver's window. The windows can also be closed after the ignition is turned off. Variable intermittent wipers and a rear windscreen wiper and demister are standard on all Celica models.

The Car - Wheels/tyres

THE ZR Celica has petite five-spoke 16-inch alloys with Yokohama A860 Advan 50-aspect ratio tyres. The SX 15-inch alloy wheel design consists of five dual spokes suitable for Bridgestone Potenza 55-aspect ratio tyres.

The Car - Luggage

BOOT space is hardly cavernous but acceptable for a coupe of this size. Luggage capacity for the Gen VII Celica has increased 14 per cent (or 40 litres) over the preceding model to 323 litres. The rear loading height is now down to 786mm which improves access to the cargo area. The luggage area has a flat load floor, an under-floor storage area, luggage tie-down hooks, an oddments tray and a hook for a shopping bag.

The rear bench seat split-folds 50/50 and has red-coloured "warning" latches which, when unengaged, remain raised above the seatback. Child restraint anchorage points are built into the rear seatback and neatly located inside by flush-fitting covers. It is an ideal location, minimising intrusion into the cargo area.

Did you know?

Celica's overall dimensions are smaller than its predecessor - it is 90mm shorter and 15mm narrower - but its wheelbase has been stretched by 65mm to 2600mm.

The Car - What's changed

A LOT has changed with Celica, with styling, dimensions and engine top of the list. Gone are the soft, flowing lines of the former "hairdresser's car" and in its place is an unashamedly aggressive-looking car with sharp, machined surfaces, four-corner wheel positioning and a striking headlight cluster.

The new package is marked by a 65mm longer wheelbase but a shorter overall length (down 90mm) and width (65mm). At least for the time being, Celica has lost its underwhelming Camry engine status and replaced it with an all-new and much more performance-oriented 1.8-litre donk.

The Car - Stand out features

THE enormous, all-encompassing triangular head light cluster commands attention at the front end of the car. The cluster has built-in front signal lamps in skeleton extensions and features a projector-type low beam and multi-reflector high beam. If orange on black is your thing, you won't be disappointed with the array of instruments which confronts you from the driver's seat. The speedometer and tachometer have orange needles and lettering.

The speedo arc uses a large orange typeface at 20km/h increments, and in automatic models also houses the gear selected when in semi-automatic mode. The "orange crush" continues within the LCD display that encompasses fuel and temperature gauges, transmission indicator (on the autos), odometer and twin trip meter.

Did you know?

The Celica colour range is: Glacier White, Cold Steel, Ebony, Raven, Cherry and Galaxy Blue. The new Raven colour has two types of colour pigment - black and blue - in the top clear coat.

The Car - Climate control

QUITE unbelievably for a car in this market segment, air-conditioning is a dealer-fit option for both Celica models. Celica uses conventional rotary dials for controlling the cabin temperature however the digital air-conditioning read-out is unnecessarily complicated.

The Car - Sound system

THE standard Celica audio system has an electronic touch-tune AM/FM radio with a single-slot CD player with repeat, random and skip/search functions. ZR adds a cassette player with a six-disc in-dash CD changer. Sturdy construction and special fluid dampening aims to reduce the effect road imperfections have on sound quality.

The system has motorised auto-loading and eject and random/repeat/scan functions. Six speakers are positioned around the cabin, including high-mounted tweeters for optimal high-frequency clarity. SX owners can purchase either a three-disc or six-disc in-dash CD changer as an accessory.

The Car - Security

CELICA has remote central locking as standard, along with an engine immobiliser incorporating fuel and ignition cut-out. A cover keeps the contents of the boot hidden, while the standard-fit radio is security coded for added protection against theft.

Our opinion

We like
Looks, performance, handling

Room for improvement Poor rear visibility, auto feels sluggish

By GAUTAM SHARMA 05/01/2000
THE new Toyota Celica is likely to attract buyers who would never have considered its predecessors.

No longer does it rely purely on swoopy good looks to set it apart from the more mundane sedans and hatches in the Toyota line-up.

The languid performance and uninspiring handling of the outgoing "four-eyed" Celica have made way for outstanding dynamics that are more than a match for any other sub-$50,000 coupe.

Its straight-line performance might not be up there with the Nissan 200SX, but the Celica is satisfyingly quick all the same, being capable of sprinting from standstill to 100km/h in just over seven seconds.

At the car's heart lies a seemingly race-inspired 1.8-litre engine that cranks out 140kW at a dizzy 7600rpm - but perhaps more amazing is that peak torque of 180Nm occurs just 800rpm lower.

The powerplant has an almost turbo-like delivery, coming into its own in the upper half of the rev range thanks to Toyota's VVTL-i variable valve timing system.

Exceeding 5000rpm results in the formerly muted engine note changing into a hard-edged roar. The increase in decibels is accompanied by a dramatic surge in performance as the tacho needle rapidly sweeps towards the redline.

The somewhat peaky delivery of the engine means the close-ratio six-speed gearbox needs to be stirred frequently to obtain optimum performance.

This is not an altogether unpleasant task as the six-speeder delivers quick, slick changes with a bit of practice. The six ratios are closely stacked, making it easy to keep the engine in the optimum rev range.

But achieving smooth progress in stop-start situations requires familiarisation with the sharp-biting clutch and abrupt fuel cut-off on a trailing throttle.

The optional automatic transmission virtually nullifies the benefits of the high-revving engine as four ratios are simply not enough to keep it on the boil. Consequently, the self-shifter is not worth considering unless you have a dysfunctional left leg or chronic dislike for changing gears.

Perhaps the most eye-opening aspect of the new Celica - apart from the styling - is the sheer competence of the chassis.

It quickly becomes evident from its firm ride that this car is far tauter than any of its predecessors.

Although the ride seems busy at low speeds, the plus side is the Celica has minimal body roll and feels very composed and well tied down at highway speeds.

There is nary a trace of understeer even when hurled into corners at alarming speeds. It turns in sharply and there is little evidence of torque steer, even when the accelerator is stomped on.

It should be noted that the test car was the up-spec ZR model and benefited to some degree from its taller 16-inch wheels shod with low-profile 205/50R16 tyres.

Making the most of the ample grip on offer is simplified by the well-weighted and communicative steering which seems to telegraph what is happening at the front wheels to the driver's fingertips.

In keeping with the overall character of the new Celica, the driver is seated low, in true sports-car style.

The only problem this poses is rear visibility is limited, largely due to the car's high rump. Reverse parking becomes an exercise in guesswork as it is virtually impossible to see the car in the space behind.

Comfort is one of the car's plus points and the hip-hugging bucket seats offer plenty of lateral and lumbar support, and are well suited to long trips.

Facing the driver is a simple yet attractive instrument cluster that is easy to read at a glance. The overall cabin layout is understated although interesting use of curves and contours sets it apart from other Toyota offerings.

It is externally that the Celica makes its most dramatic statement with its bold, edgy styling completely at odds with its predecessor's rounded, organic lines.

There is no middle ground with this Celica - you will either love or hate the way it looks.

The aggressive nose is dominated by a gaping mouth, large triangular headlights and air intake sculpted into the steeply sloping bonnet. The chunky, squared-off tail is similarly menacing, lending the car a squat, purposeful stance.

But unlike most previous Celicas, this car actually has the go to match the show so you need not feel like a poser when driving it.

The car's overall dimensions are smaller than its predecessor - it is 90mm shorter and 15mm narrower - but its wheelbase has been stretched by 65mm to 2600mm.

In theory, this should create greater interior space, and it does, but the rear seats are still suitable for short trips only - for not very tall passengers.

Luggage space is quite generous at 323 litres, enough to comfortably swallow a couple's belongings for trips away.

Economy is one of the car's fortes and it excels on the highway, covering nearly 600km between tankfuls.

Overall, the Celica offers striking looks and sufficient performance and handling to make it a fast, safe and enjoyable car across twisty roads.

Its fun factor is backed up by Toyota reliability and a presumably strong resale value.

Mechanical

 CELICA'S inline four-cylinder engine is transversely mounted and drives the front wheels.

Mechanical - Engine

ALL Celica models share the one mechanical package, and the Yamaha-built 1.8-litre, 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder engine is a highlight. It produces an impressive 140kW at 7600rpm and 180Nm at 6800rpm - redline arrives at 8000rpm - and while signifying a hefty reduction (16Nm) in torque from the previous "Camry" 2.2, variable valve timing (VVT-i) has entered the equation along with a high-lift second camshaft which starts throwing punches at 6000rpm (hence the "L" in VVTL-i on the engine cover).

The result is the quickest non-turbo Celica ever, good for 7.6sec in the 0-100km/h burst; Gen VI was closer to 10. The current engine, coded 2ZZ-GE, has 40 per cent more power than the 2.2-litre engine it replaced, and the power-to-weight ratio has improved by 45 per cent. A flow-down from the Lexus luxury car program and the Prius hybrid vehicle, VVTi continually varies the intake valve timing to provide ideal valve timing (and hence ideal engine characteristics) across a range of driving conditions.

Mechanical - Suspension

CELICA'S all-new rear suspension and improved front suspension is claimed to deliver better stability, turn-in, steering feel and ride comfort. Rather than use MacPherson struts on the rear, Toyota has introduced a double wishbone suspension. The front continues with MacPherson struts. The new front suspension has L-shaped lower arms and low-pressure gas-filled dampers with a linear control valve - the latter ensures changes to damping force are constant at low damper velocities and aims to maximise driving stability and ride comfort.

Celica's front suspension hardware also includes a ball-jointed stabiliser bar and special rubber bushings to improve steering feel. The double wishbone rear suspension controls wheel movement through the full suspension stroke, aiming to ensure maximum tyre contact with the road.

Rear suspension geometry includes a toe-correcting function to optimise turning stability and straight-line stability under brakes.

Mechanical - Electronic system

THE new Celica has a "multiplex communications network" designed to improve vehicle functions while reducing the complexity of the wiring harness (and therefore reduce weight). Celica also has dedicated electronic control units (ECUs) for the engine, body and combination meter. They control vehicle functions as diverse as the transponder engine immobiliser and wireless door locks. The cruise control has an actuator which directly controls the throttle valve; there is no movement of the accelerator pedal while cruise control is in operation.

Did you know?

Celica's electronic and electrical systems have separate fuses for each electrical sub-system, for added reliability

Mechanical - Transmission

THE new Celica is the first Toyota in Australia with a six-speed manual transmission - standard on both SX and ZR models - and the first with an electronically controlled four-speed automatic featuring a sequential manual shift option (called E-shift). The manual has close ratios from first to fifth gears and a tall sixth gear for better fuel economy when cruising at highway speeds. Forward gears in the manual transmission are constant mesh, which use an inertia lock key type synchromesh mechanism.

Double-cone synchromesh on the first-second change aims to improve shift quality and gearbox durability. On the auto, gears can be shifted using the buttons on the steering wheel. Downshift switches are located on the front of the steering wheel and upshift buttons are located on the rear surface of the tiller. The transmission calculates throttle opening angle and acceleration rate to determine whether the vehicle is travelling uphill and then adjusts the gear selection if necessary.

Did you know?

A spring-loaded mis-shift function has been adopted for the manual transmission to prevent mis-shifting into reverse gear when selecting either first or second gear from neutral

Mechanical - Brakes

CELICA'S brake package includes 275mm diameter ventilated disc brakes with piston-eccentric type callipers and 269mm solid rear discs. Four-channel, four-sensor ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) are standard on ZR and linked with the safety pack on SX. Toyota claims Celica's stopping distances have been reduced as a result of to the car's reduced weight, improved grip and more efficient braking system.

Electronic brake force distribution (EBD) replaces a load-sensing, proportioning and by-pass valve. The EBD control uses the ABS control unit to achieve a more ideal brake force distribution between the front and rear wheels, according to road conditions (available traction) and vehicle load. It allows front and rear braking force to more closely match the ideal curve under all vehicle load conditions. EBD also controls brake forces to the right and left wheels when braking in corners.

Mechanical - Steering

CELICA has engine-speed sensitive power-assisted rack and pinion steering, with 2.9 turns lock-to-lock. The steering has been re-engineered and includes a new compact, lightweight vane-type steering pump. The car's shorter overhangs and lighter weight are also said to contribute to improved steering response. Steering wheel vibration has been reduced by the adoption of a high-stiffness instrument panel reinforcement and steering column assembly, and a high-stiffness, lightweight steering wheel. The steering column is five-way energy absorbing, with a lower bracket, energy absorbing plate, breakaway bracket, contractile main shaft and contractile intermediate shaft. Celica's steering column has stepless tilt adjustment.

Safety

DUAL airbags and force-limiting front seatbelt pretensioners are standard equipment on all new Celica models while side airbags, contained within the front seats, are standard on ZR and optional on SX. The body has been reinforced significantly to improve performance in frontal and side impacts. High-strength sheetmetal is used around the car. Anti-intrusion beams are located in each door.

The new model features a brake pedal retraction system, designed to minimise injury in frontal impacts. Warning lamps are provided for unbelted occupants, door ajar and hatch ajar. The rear seatbelts have an automatic locking retractor designed to hold child restraints and baby capsules firmly in place. Celica is a product of Toyota's Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) program which concentrates on improving occupant protection, particularly in front end collisions.

END OF GOAUTO Australia's Article/SUPERTEST.

SPECIFICATIONS:

ENGINE:
Type: 2ZZ-GE
1794cc, in-line 4, EFI DOHC 16 valve  VVTL-i
Bore x stroke: 82mm x 85mm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Max Power: 189hp (141kw) @7600rpm

Max torque:  180Nm@6600rpm

SUSPENSION:



• Front: Independent MacPherson struts with lower L- arm, coil springs and stabiliser bar


• Rear: Independent double- wishbone with coil springs, gas shock absorbers and stabiliser bar

STEERING:



• Power-assisted rack and pinion


• Turns lock to lock: 2.9


• Turning circle: 10.4 metres

DIMENSIONS:



• Length: 4335mm


• Width: 1735mm


• Height: 1315mm


• Wheelbase: 2600mm


• Track, front: 1490mm


• Track, rear: 1480mm


• Kerb weight: 1120kg (1155kg auto)

Performance: 

Top speed: Electronically Limited to 190km/h (JDM Spec) -

146mph (233km/h)  - UK-spec 6 speed manual (4 speed auto -NA-)

0-100km/h: 7.2 seconds (6 speed manual), 8.5 secs (4 speed auto)

END OF SPECIFICATIONS.

Without further ado, let's proceed to Owner's review (8 of them) from Australia, North America, UK & Ireland. 

Owner 1: 2000 Toyota Celica VVTL-i review from Australia and New Zealand

 

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Drivers seat showing wear on bolster. Likewise some parts of the carpet also showing fast wear given modest mileage.

Despite the above, nothing has actually gone wrong with it - runs like clock work.

General comments?

This is the first sports coupe I have owned and have to say am really enjoying it.

The driving position is great - you feel as if you are part of the car and the seating is very comfortable.

Have to say I'm very impressed with the engine. Despite some people saying it lacks low down torque I don't agree. Remember it's only a (short stroked) 1.8 so its never going to have stump pulling low down grunt. Compared with a non VVT engine the flat torque curve is very noticeable.

Top end power once its in 'high lift' can only be described in one word - violent!. Having said that, addictive also comes to mind. Sound above 6,000 rpm is also fantastic, especially when you run it to the 8,350rpm limiter and snatch the next gear.

While the engine is great the handling is even better. I've shod mine with 205/50 R16 Goodyear Eagle F1s. They wear very well with amazing grip. I've been caught out a few times on some tightening blind bends and I'm sure they have saved my bacon.

I have driven SS Commodores and a Impreza WRX STi. The STi is very quick, the Celica just quick, but I think actually more fun to drive - there is something about the responsiveness of a normally aspirated engine screaming its lungs out that is very satisfying.

Overall it's a great car and I'm very pleased with it. I'm curious though to see how it compares to an Interga Type R. May need to take one for a test drive.

Owner 2: 2000 Toyota Celica VVTI review from North America

"Another Bulletproof Toyota"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Oxygen sensor went out at 110,000 miles. The OEM sensor costs $180 at Auto Zone and Advance Auto Parts. The sensor doesn't significantly affect performance so I have yet to replace it.

Hinges on ashtray broke.

Lifting arms cannot support rear lift gate. The problem is magnified in cold weather.

MAF sensor blew out, it cost $120 to replace it with after-market sensor.

Platinum spark plugs were replaced. They are very expensive.

General comments?

This is a very quick and nimble car.

This car red lines at 6800 RPM, but the limiter doesn't kick in until 7000 RPM, which is it's peak HP point. The GT-S has a higher red line, but the power bands on these cars are almost identical up to the 7000 RPM point. Most people don't spend much time in the 7000-7800 RPM area anyway.

Gas is a dream on this car. It is nearly impossible to make the car get less than 25 MPG. I can get 350-400 Miles per tank on the interstate.

I'm 6'1" and the front seats are very comfortable. I would not, however, consider the back seat comfortable. I generally refer to my car as a "two-seater with a cargo shelf in the back."

The car is probably the best-handling front-wheel drive car I have ever driven.

The leather Seats have hardly begun to show wear at 120,000 miles.

This is a very rewarding car to clean. It doesn't take much effort to maintain, and it looks fantastic when detailed.

Owner 3: 2000 Toyota Celica GTS review from North America

"An affordable car for the driving enthusiast"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Nothing and not anticipating any problems either - be careful of the front spoiler when parking at convenience stores (curbs)!!!

General comments?

This car is definitely in need of a good driver to get the most out of it - the power curve (above 6k) can be maintained between shifts with a little practice, timing, and tricky footwork with the gas pedal... those questionably published times of 0-60 below 7 seconds might just be possible if you nail it.

The car just looks unique, sounds good when you floor it in the middle of the rpm range, and the handling is exceptional.. and the brakes - WOW - they weren't kidding when they said this is Porsche territory.

Inside the cockpit the styling is great and the leather is nice but I agree with some critics that there is some plastic inside - a little carbon fibre treatment would dress it up nicely.

So far I really enjoy driving this car - visibility is lacking to the rear but you should be turning to look anyway when switching lanes like they taught you in drivers school way back when.

This car in my opinion is only suitable in 6-speed form... if you want an automatic, get the GT or you are wasting your money on the GTS.

My experience with the dealer was excellent and exceeded my expectations

Owner 4: 2002 Toyota Celica 190 VVTLI review from UK and Ireland

"Everything a coupe should be, and more"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

No faults at all.

General comments?

A good looking, reliable, economical, and amusingly quick coupe which turns plenty of heads.

The screaming 1.8 litre engine is a peach, revving to almost 9,000 RPM with a spine tingling snarl. Performance, assuming all the revs are used is plain silly for a 1.8 litre normally aspirated engine. 0-60 comes up in about 7 seconds and I can confirm it will pass 130 mph with plenty in reserve. Reckon on 145 ish as a maximum.

Steering, handling and brakes are all superb, and the chassis never struggles to deploy the power, despite the combination of 190 bhp and front drive. The Celica feels brilliantly sorted, and is great fun to hustle round the lanes. Body roll is non existent, grip strong, and on the limit response predictable without being boring. It's a fun and easy car to drive fast.

The other very pleasing aspect of this car is its fuel consumption. Staying under 6,000 RPM (where the valve timing and lift switches to its high rev mode), it easily notches up 38 mpg, and you have to be seriously caning it to ever dip below 30 mpg. That is very impressive for such a quick car.

Dislikes? It's not brilliantly refined on the motorway, and the orange dials look a bit tacky, especially the digital fuel and temp gauges which look completely out of place. The other gripe is the way the engine can also feel a bit lethargic low down, although the kick in the pants it delivers as you howl past 6,000 RPM compensates more than adequately. I still find Toyotas VVTLI more tractable and useable than the Honda VTEC system however, and the engine will pull from under 30 mph in sixth without complaining at all.

Overall, I'm well pleased, and would definitely buy another.

 

Owner 5: 2003 Toyota Celica T-Sport review from UK and Ireland

"The complete sports coupe"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

No faults so far...

General comments?

This is a superb car. I had considered a few motors and chose it over an Impreza WRX in the end. Why? - well the Celica may be beaten on performance, but it is much better looking, uses much less fuel and feels much more special.

The subaru was very fast, but at the end of the day you can only tell the difference in performance when you have a very long, very straight road with no speed limits, cameras or other cars - it just doesn't happen.

In the Celica you can have your fun (with a 0-60 of under 7 seconds), slow yourself down (60-0 in 3 seconds) and then cruise around town in what looks like a baby Ferrari.

Theres the difference. While the Subaru will get you respect with rally fans and performance heads, the Celica turns the heads of everybody, young and old.

The engine is sweet with peak power arriving at 6,000 rpm. It is superb when you time it just right so that when you pull out to overtake you are just hitting 6,000 - watch it fly. Then leave it in until just over 8,000, change up to third and you will just be at 6,000 to start the whole process again - sweet!

T-Sport leather seats are excellent an look cool as well.

Gear change on 6 speed box is slick and quick - although geting into reverse can be a pain. (it's next to 1st and the car beeps like lorry to let you know it's in).

CD player is OK, but a tad disappointing.

17" T-sport wheels look cool and the 205 tyres keep the car glued to the road.

Steering is well weighted and gives goo feedback through corners.

Bit disappointed with motorway refinement (though not bad for a sports coupe). Cruise control not even an option, but would be nice for long journeys.

Back seats aren't as bad as many people think - I am 5' 10" and I can fit in comfortably. Some 6 footers mates of mine have managed to shoehorn themselves in before now as well.

My car is Storm Blue - it looks black, but has a blue flip to it, depending on the angle.

My advice - buy one, its the complete sports coupe.

Owner 6: (An unhappy one): 2003 Toyota Celica GTS review from North America

"Not happy with the car, won't buy another Toyota"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

- Engine blew up, dealer replace engine under warranty, but never explain what the problems was, seemed to be very silent about the situation, was without the car for 2 weeks.

- Clutch had to be replaced, dealer charged me $2500 wasn't covered under warranty.

- Water leaked around driver's window, repaired under warranty.

General comments?

Engine only performs at high revolutions, which makes interior noisy.

Easy to bog engine down during speed shifting, engine requires more torque.

Manual transmission shifts nicely and smoothly, but it can be difficult to get it into first gear.

Brakes & handling fair.

Interior fit and finish good, but everything looks cheap.

I won't buy another Toyota again too many major problems with the car and Toyota dealer service was extremely poor

and replacement parts are extreme expensive.

Owner 7: 2006 Toyota Celica T sport 190 review from UK and Ireland

"Great car, would recommend to everyone. better then type-r"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Nothing at all so far!

General comments?

Toyota..word for reliability.

Great car. nice looking, real eye catcher. had celica vvti 140 for a while and was delighted, but this time decided for something with more power. had a choice between civic type-r 2.0 but I really liked more celica. not much difference in power, but celica looks much more special with all the extras you get when you buy t sport. great car to drive, comfortable and quick. when I say quick I mean if you drive hard its fast, revs a lot and for 1.8 engine it is enough. with yamaha developed engine, its bulletproof and you will never have problems, so don't be afraid of hitting the limiter all the time.

Owner 8: 1999 Toyota Celica GT-S review from North America

"The Celica is back!!!"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

My airbag light came on and was repaired in one day with a free loaner car.

The sliding cover for the sunroof came apart once, but I fixed it myself and it has never happened since.

General comments?

The car handles great, but could use 17" rims on the GT-S and a slightly lower stance.

Acceleration is excellent except you really have to keep on the gas when shifting to second, or it will drop out of the power band.

Toyota ergonomics cannot be beat, the seats feel just right and all of the controls FEEL like they belong where they are, not just placed randomly.

The steering is precise and mild understeer for a FWD car.

I do not have the infamous scratches from the seatbelt latch, I think that is mostly due to people flinging the buckle back trying to get out in a hurry ;-).

There is a lot of plastic in the cabin, but no more than any other make, and it is very aesthetic.

The GT-S stereo is very sweet right out the box, but could use a little nicer setup like the '99 Celica convertible which has a true 8 speaker setup with 8" woofers in the doors.

Stock tires are very sticky, won't last a long time, but they are very tight!

The car gets 36 MPG on the interstate @75MPH and 30 in the city..

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this ULTRA LONG ARTICLE.  

References:

SOURCE 1: http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/96B13DEE38D6527CCA2569DF0013AB9C

SOURCE 2: http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/toyota/celica/