1994-1999 Toyota Celica: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1994-1999 Toyota Celica and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (GT)
- Steering/handling
- Fuel economy
- Optional antilock brakes
- Instruments/controls
Cons
- Engine noise
- Cargo room (exc. hatchback)
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Curvaceously redesigned for 1994, Toyota's front-drive sports coupe came as a 2-door notchback or hatchback, in base (ST) or more costly GT guise. Dimensions grew slightly, including a 2-inch increase in overall width. The fresh front end sported four round headlights. Dual airbags were standard, and antilock braking optional. The previous-generation All-Trac and convertible models did not return. A new 1.8-liter, dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine went into the ST, while the sportier GT got a carryover 2.2-liter four. Celicas employed a standard 5-speed manual gearbox, but a 4-speed automatic transmission could be installed in any model.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota Celica GT 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1994-1999 Toyota Celica. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1994-1999 Toyota Celica.
Year to Year Changes
1995 Toyota Celica:
A convertible joined the lineup, as a '95 GT model. Convertibles had a standard power top with a glass rear window and electric defroster, as well as power rear-quarter windows. Coupes showed no significant change this season.
1996 Toyota Celica:
Coupes could now be ordered with more prominent "contoured rocker panels." These were add-on lower side skirts, aiming to provide a sportier look. Toyota installed extra sound insulation this year, in an effort to respond to complaints about excessive noise levels in Celicas.
1997 Toyota Celica:
No more GT notchback coupes were marketed, but that body style remained available for ST Celicas. The GT's engine gained five horsepower.
1998 Toyota Celica:
The ST model and its 1.8-liter engine are gone for '98.
1999 Toyota Celica:
Toyota dropped the notchback, leaving only the hatchback and convertible. A redesigned Celica appeared for 2000, with styling inspired by Indy race cars.
Our road test for the 1994-1999 Toyota Celica includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1994-1999 Toyota Celica and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1994-1999 Toyota Celica is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Handling is where Toyota's Celica excels: crisp, responsive, with fine grip in corners and minimal body lean. You get a surprisingly supple ride too, even in a GT with the stiffly sprung Sports Package option. Sure, it's stiffer and choppier than other Celicas, but you get a little extra cornering precision with that Sport option. Braking is good too, though it would be better if more models had antilocking. The 1.8-liter dual-cam 4-cylinder engine in an ST is smooth and lively with 5-speed manual shift, and economical, too. Optional 4-speed automatic saps its strength, because the engine lacks low-speed torque. The GT's 2.2-liter engine feels a lot stronger at all speeds, but makes plenty of noise doing it, roaring and throbbing in hard driving. As for economy, a GT hatchback with manual shift averaged 25.7 mpg. Tires aren't quiet, either--in any Celica. This is a typical 2+2 layout, with little rear space for adults, and six-footers face marginal head clearance if a Celica coupe is sunroof-equipped. Controls and gauges are well laid out on a modern-styled, convenient dashboard. Trunk space is passable in notchback models, but the hatchback offers more cargo volume. The convertible's top is power-operated, but blocks the rear view substantially and robs rear-seat room and cargo space.
Value for the Money
Even though the price may be high, if you want two-passenger fun and reliability, a Celica is worth the extra bucks--partly due to Toyota's reputation for quality.
Even though the price may be high, if you want two-passenger fun and reliability, a Celica is worth the extra bucks--partly due to Toyota's reputation for quality.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota Celica GT 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Celica includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Celica .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
The Fujitsu 10-CD changer has a tendency to not accept or eject CDs. (1994-97)
Automatic transmission:
Automatic transmissions may shift harshly due to rubber check balls in the valve body wearing out. (1994-99)
Brake noise:
The original-equipment brake pads make squeaking noise. (1994-96)
Climate control:
The rear-defroster terminals tend to break on convertibles. (1995-97)
Convertible top:
Due to the balance rods rubbing, the convertible top wears at the sail panel near the rear window. (1995-97)
Vehicle noise:
The fuel-door release cable rattles. Installing foam pads inside the fender usually quiets it. (1994)
Wheels:
Proper wheel alignment may not be possible unless a special steering knuckle bolt is used. (1994-96)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $880 |
| Alternator | $340 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $710 |
| Brakes | $210 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $425 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,080 |
| Exhaust System | $250 |
| Radiator | $520 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $970 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $140 |
Our price chart for this generation Toyota Celica details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1999 | |||
| Celica | $4,800-5,600 | $4,000-4,700 | $1,800-2,100 |
| Convertible | $6,000-6,800 | $5,200-5,900 | $2,500-2,900 |
| 1998 | |||
| Celica | $4,000-4,800 | $3,300-3,900 | $1,300-1,500 |
| Convertible | $5,200-6,000 | $4,400-5,100 | $2,100-2,400 |
| 1997 | |||
| Celica | $3,300-4,100 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| Convertible | $4,500-5,200 | $3,700-4,300 | $1,600-1,900 |
| 1996 | |||
| Celica | $2,700-3,500 | $2,000-2,600 | $600-800 |
| Convertible | $3,900-4,600 | $3,200-3,800 | $1,200-1,400 |
| 1995 | |||
| Celica | $2,100-2,800 | $1,500-2,000 | $400-500 |
| Convertible | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| 1994 | |||
| Celica | $1,800-2,400 | $1,200-1,600 | $300-400 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Toyota Celica include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door coupe | 2-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 99.9 | 99.9 | 99.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 177.0 | 177.0 | 174.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.9 | 68.9 | 68.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.6 | 51.0 | 50.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2755 | 2395 | 2415 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 6.8 | 10.6 | 16.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 | 15.9 | 15.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 | 34.3 | 34.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 44.2 | 44.2 | 44.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 34.1 | 29.2 | 29.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 18.9 | 26.6 | 26.6 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Two dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder engines powered Celicas in this generation: 1.8-liter for the ST, and 2.2-liter for the GT. The GT's engine rose from 130 to 135 horsepower for 1997. Either might have a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.2 / 132 | 130-135 | 145 | 5-speed manual: 22/29 4-speed automatic: 22/29 |
5-speed manual: 25.7 4-speed automatic: 17.6 |
| dohc I4 | 1.8 / 208 | 105-110 | 115-117 | 5-speed manual: 29/34 4-speed automatic: 27/34 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota Celica include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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