2000-2005 Toyota Celica: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2000-2005 Toyota Celica and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (GT-S 6-speed)
- Handling/roadholding
Cons
- Acceleration (GT w/automatic)
- Noise
- Passenger room
- Entry/exit
Vehicle Highlights
Now in its seventh generation, Toyota's redesigned front-drive 2-door hatchback coupe came in GT and sportier GT-S trim. No convertible was offered. Wheelbase grew by 2.4 inches, but the new coupe was about 4 inches shorter overall, half an inch narrower, and about as tall as its predecessor. Basic engine in the GT was a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, making 140 horsepower. For the GT-S, that engine incorporated Toyota's VVT-i variable-valve-timing system and developed 180 bhp. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard in the GT, but the GT-S got Celica's first 6-speed. Either model could have an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The automatic in the GT-S included a provision for manual gear selection, using four steering-wheel buttons. Side-impact airbags for front seats were optional for the first time, along with antilock braking. Standard equipment included air conditioning, power mirrors, tilt steering, and a CD stereo. The GT-S could get 16-inch alloy wheels instead of steel 15-inchers, and could be fitted with leather upholstery. Both models could have an optional external-sliding power moonroof.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota Celica GT w/automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 8 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 1 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 47 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2000-2005 Toyota Celica. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2000-2005 Toyota Celica.
Year to Year Changes
2001 Toyota Celica:
No significant change was evident in the 2001 models.
2002 Toyota Celica:
Available on both models for 2002, the new Action Package option included an adjustable rear spoiler and unique lower-body addenda.
2003 Toyota Celica:
All Celicas got revised front- and rear-end appearance, new-look gauges, and altered hues for dashboard, seat fabrics, and headliner. Also, Celica's premium audio was a new JBL system; it's standard for GT-S and optional for GT and includes a power antenna to replace a fixed-mast type. Hi-intensity headlamps joined the option list.
2004 Toyota Celica:
The only change in 2004 is the availability of high-intensity headlamps on both the GT and the GT-S.
2005 Toyota Celica:
The Celica is virtually unchanged for 2005, which Toyota says will be their final model year.
Our road test for the 2000-2005 Toyota Celica includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2005 Toyota Celica and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2005 Toyota Celica is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Agile handling and grippy cornering are the big Celica bonuses, augmented by sharp, responsive steering. The penalty is engines that must rev madly to achieve top performance. That requires a heavy throttle foot with automatic, or a lot of manual shifting--a pleasant task with the short-throw gearbox. Even so, only the 6-speed GT-S comes close to being lively when pushing on the gas pedal. A GT coupe with automatic is sluggish on long upgrades, if adequate otherwise. A manual-shift GT-S averaged 24.2 mpg, but demands premium fuel. High rpm translates to plenty of noise except in gentle cruising, and the sounds aren't that pleasing. Wind rush is noticeable, and tire roar occurs on many pavements. As in most sporty cars, the ride is firm and rather "busy" on most surfaces. Braking is excellent if the Celica is equipped with ABS. Race car-type styling and shrinking of some exterior dimensions means the Celica's cabin is short on space. Even moderately tall occupants have limited head and leg room--enough to cramp some drivers. As expected, the back seat isn't really fit for people, and entry/exit is the crouch-and-crawl process typical in sporty coupes. Drivers sit low, race car-style, and enjoy a good forward view as well as simple, handy controls and fine shifter/wheel/pedal spacing. Over-the-shoulder visibility is cluttered, due to the roofline, and the spoiler partly blocks traffic views at the rear. Gauges are legible, but the tachometer is not in the driver's direct line of sight, and warning lights are scattered. Interior stowage and cargo space are marginal.
Value for the Money
Though capable and fun to drive, the Celica is noisy and lacks the low-end torque for decent acceleration with an automatic transmission. An Acura Integra offers similar high-rpm responses from a smoother 4-cylinder engine. Mitsubishi's Eclipse has a V6 option. Adventurous styling and Toyota's reputation for reliability help Celica appeal to the younger crowd, but prices are high.
Though capable and fun to drive, the Celica is noisy and lacks the low-end torque for decent acceleration with an automatic transmission. An Acura Integra offers similar high-rpm responses from a smoother 4-cylinder engine. Mitsubishi's Eclipse has a V6 option. Adventurous styling and Toyota's reputation for reliability help Celica appeal to the younger crowd, but prices are high.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota Celica GT w/automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 8 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 1 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 47 |
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.
Climate control:
The knob for the heater-flow control may be hard to turn. A revised mechanism improves the feel. (2000)
Seatbelts/safety:
The button that prevents the retractable portion of the seatbelt from going too far comes off. New buttons are available to fix this. (2000-01)
Wheels:
The wheel covers on early production models clicked or squeaked and were being replaced under warranty. (2000)
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 | $405 |
| Alternator | $535 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $690 |
| Brakes | $220 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $395 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $910 |
| Exhaust System | $200 |
| Radiator | $405 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,010 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $260 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2005 | |||
| Celica GT | $12,800-14,000 | $11,600-12,700 | $7,300-8,000 |
| Celica GT-S | $14,500-15,800 | $13,200-14,400 | $9,000-9,800 |
| 2004 | |||
| Celica GT | $10,800-11,900 | $9,700-10,700 | $5,800-6,400 |
| Celica GT-S | $12,300-13,500 | $11,100-12,200 | $7,000-7,700 |
| 2003 | |||
| Celica GT | $9,000-10,000 | $8,100-9,000 | $4,700-5,200 |
| Celica GT-S | $10,300-11,500 | $9,300-10,400 | $5,500-6,100 |
| 2002 | |||
| Celica GT | $7,400-8,300 | $6,700-7,500 | $3,700-4,200 |
| Celica GT-S | $8,600-9,500 | $7,700-8,600 | $4,500-4,900 |
| 2001 | |||
| Celica GT | $6,100-6,900 | $5,300-6,000 | $2,600-3,000 |
| Celica GT-S | $7,200-8,000 | $6,400-7,100 | $3,500-3,900 |
| 2000 | |||
| Celica GT | $5,300-6,000 | $4,600-5,200 | $2,200-2,500 |
| Celica GT-S | $6,300-7,000 | $5,500-6,200 | $2,800-3,100 |
|
|
|||
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 coupe | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 102.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 170.4 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.3 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.4 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2425 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.9 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.4 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 33.0 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 35.0 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 17.1 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Separate but related engines went into the GT and GT-S editions. The GT got a 140-horsepower 1.8-liter dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder, teamed with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. A 180-bhp 1.8-liter four with VVT-i variable-valve timing went into the GT-S, driving a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.8 / 109 | 140 | 125 | 5-speed manual: 31/43 4-speed automatic: 31/49 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 30.3 |
| dohc I4 | 1.8 / 110 | 180 | 133 | 6-speed manual: 27/42 4-speed automatic: 28/39 |
6-speed manual: 24.2 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
| Test | 2000 Celica |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2000-2005 Toyota Celica directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2000:
Rubber seal ring at end of master cylinder may be corroded, allowing brake fluid to leak or small amount of air to enter the braking system, which could lead to increased stopping distance.
2000-01:
Luminous intensity of daytime running lights may not meet requirements.
2002-03:
Faulty fuel-tank check valves were installed on certain vehicles, resulting in possible fire. Dealer will inspect and replace all affected parts.
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