2000 Toyota Celica: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Toyota's sporty coupe is redesigned for 2000 with styling inspired by open-wheel race cars. No convertible is planned, but the familiar 2-door hatchback body style continues in GT and sportier GT-S models. The only engine is a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder that makes 140 horsepower in the GT and 180 in the GT-S. The GT has a standard 5-speed manual transmission, while the GT-S gets Celica's first 6-speed manual. Automatic is optional for both, with the GT-S having manual gear selection via four steering-wheel buttons.
Both models can be ordered with an external-sliding power moonroof and antilock brakes. Also available are front side airbags, a first for Celica. Standard on both models are air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, and CD player. Sixteen-inch wheels are optional in place of 15s on the GT-S, which upgrades GT equipment with standard alloy wheels instead of steel rims, rear disc brakes instead of drums, power windows and door locks, leather-rim steering wheel, fog lights, rear spoiler, and aluminum-trimmed foot pedals.

COMPETITION

The performance leader in this group is also our Best Buy. The Honda Prelude will hustle two large adults and their luggage in comfort and luxury to a weekend getaway. Prelude has plenty of power, excellent road manners, and gets reasonable fuel economy.
We also recommend you take a look at the Chrysler Sebring (which will be redesigned for 2001 in coupe, convertible, and sedan form) and the Volkswagen New Beetle. The Sebring offers the most room in this class, while the New Beetle has interesting styling and a nice mix of comfort, performance, and economy.