2005 Toyota Celica: Road Test
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2005 Toyota Celica ▼
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- MSRP: $17,670 -$23,035
- Invoice: $15,990 -$20,730
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Our road test for the 2005 Toyota Celica includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Toyota Celica from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Toyota Celica, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Toyota Celica help you decide if a 2005 Toyota Celica is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GT, auto. | GT-S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6.3 |
Engines are decently peppy, but only if revved like mad. Both provide best performance with manual transmission, but test automatic-transmission GT had acceptable punch except on long upgrades.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GT, auto. | GT-S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 5.8 |
Test manual-transmission GT-S averaged 24.2 mpg on the required premium-grade fuel. GT uses regular grade; automatic-transmission test model averaged 30.3 mpg, helped by a long highway trip.
RIDE QUALITY
| GT, auto. | GT-S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 |
Firm and busy on most surfaces, though more annoying than harsh.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GT, auto. | GT-S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8.1 |
Agile and fun, abetted by quick, accurate steering and flat, grippy cornering. Routine braking on two test cars was fine with ABS, which should be standard on cars like this, not optional.
QUIETNESS
| GT, auto. | GT-S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.2 |
Engines quite noisy even in gentle cruising and coarse-surface tire roar is high, so long trips can be wearing.
CONTROLS
| GT, auto. | GT-S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
A sporty driving ambience with mostly simple, handy controls and great shifter/wheel/pedal spacing. Too bad the tachometer and warning lights aren't designed or placed for easy reading.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GT, auto. | GT-S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.1 |
Swoopy styling impedes over-the-shoulder visibility. Excellent seats, but space limited for even moderately tall occupants. Race-car-low positioning cramps entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GT, auto. | GT-S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1.4 |
Only room for small children. Access requires the usual coupe duck and dive.
CARGO ROOM
| GT, auto. | GT-S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.2 |
Not much without folding the split rear seatback. Hatch opens reasonably wide, but bulky boxes won't fit beneath it when closed, and load-floor shape is irregular.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GT, auto. | GT-S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.7 |
Toyotas are known for quality, durability, and high resale value, yet Celica has been a tough sell in a harsh, fickle market segment. That's why it's going away. At least dealers should be offering attractive end-of-model discounts while supplies last.
Total Score
| GT, auto. | GT-S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 47 | 47 | 49.9 |
Total Score: 47
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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