The Toyota Celica is a legendary sports car that has been a staple in the automotive industry for over four decades. With its sleek design, impressive performance, and affordable price, the Celica has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts around the world. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history and specs of the Toyota Celica.
The Early Years: 1970-1977
The first generation of the Toyota Celica was introduced in 1970 as a two-door coupe. It was designed to compete with other popular sports cars of the time, such as the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. The Celica featured a 1.6-liter engine and was available in both a four-speed manual and three-speed automatic transmission.
In 1974, the Celica received a facelift with a new front end design and a larger 2.0-liter engine. This new engine produced 97 horsepower, making the Celica a more powerful and competitive sports car.
The Second Generation: 1978-1981
The second generation of the Toyota Celica was introduced in 1978 and featured a more angular and modern design. It was also larger and heavier than the first generation, but it still maintained its sporty appeal. The second generation Celica was available in both a coupe and liftback body style.
In 1980, the Celica received a major upgrade with the introduction of the Celica Supra. This new model featured a larger 2.8-liter engine and was marketed as a more luxurious and high-performance version of the Celica.
The Third Generation: 1982-1985
The third generation of the Toyota Celica was introduced in 1982 and featured a more aerodynamic design. It was also the first Celica to offer a convertible body style. The third generation Celica was available with a 2.4-liter engine and a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
In 1983, the Celica received a major upgrade with the introduction of the Celica GT-S. This new model featured a 2.4-liter engine with fuel injection, producing 145 horsepower. It also had a sport-tuned suspension and a limited-slip differential, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
The Fourth Generation: 1986-1989
The fourth generation of the Toyota Celica was introduced in 1986 and featured a more modern and angular design. It was also the first Celica to offer all-wheel drive, making it a popular choice for those looking for better handling and performance.
In 1988, the Celica received a major upgrade with the introduction of the Celica All-Trac Turbo. This new model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with all-wheel drive, producing 190 horsepower. It was a limited edition model and is now highly sought after by collectors.
The Fifth Generation: 1990-1993
The fifth generation of the Toyota Celica was introduced in 1990 and featured a more rounded and aerodynamic design. It was also the first Celica to offer a four-wheel steering system, making it a popular choice for those looking for better handling and performance.
In 1992, the Celica received a major upgrade with the introduction of the Celica GT-Four. This new model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with all-wheel drive, producing 200 horsepower. It also had a sport-tuned suspension and a limited-slip differential, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
The Sixth Generation: 1994-1999
The sixth generation of the Toyota Celica was introduced in 1994 and featured a more aggressive and modern design. It was also the first Celica to offer a convertible body style since the third generation. The sixth generation Celica was available with a 1.8-liter engine and a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
In 1997, the Celica received a major upgrade with the introduction of the Celica GT-S. This new model featured a 2.2-liter engine with variable valve timing, producing 200 horsepower. It also had a sport-tuned suspension and a limited-slip differential, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
The Seventh Generation: 2000-2005
The seventh generation of the Toyota Celica was introduced in 2000 and featured a more modern and aggressive design. It was also the first Celica to offer a six-speed manual transmission. The seventh generation Celica was available with a 1.8-liter engine and a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
In 2003, the Celica received a major upgrade with the introduction of the Celica GT-S. This new model featured a 1.8-liter engine with variable valve timing and lift, producing 180 horsepower. It also had a sport-tuned suspension and a limited-slip differential, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
The Legacy of the Toyota Celica
The Toyota Celica has left a lasting legacy in the automotive industry. It has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and video games, solidifying its place in pop culture. The Celica has also been a popular choice for car enthusiasts, with many clubs and communities dedicated to this iconic sports car.
Although the Celica was discontinued in 2005, its legacy lives on through the Toyota 86, a modern sports car that pays homage to the Celica’s design and performance.
Toyota Celica Specs
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Transmission | 0-60 mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970-1977 | 1.6L | 108 | 4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic | 10.2 seconds |
| 1978-1981 | 2.0L | 97 | 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic | 10.1 seconds |
| 1982-1985 | 2.4L | 116 | 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic | 9.6 seconds |
| 1986-1989 | 2.0L Turbo | 190 | 5-speed manual | 6.8 seconds |
| 1990-1993 | 2.0L Turbo | 200 | 5-speed manual | 6.6 seconds |
| 1994-1999 | 1.8L | 140 | 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic | 8.2 seconds |
| 2000-2005 | 1.8L | 180 | 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic | 7.2 seconds |
In Conclusion
The Toyota Celica has had a long and successful run as a popular sports car. With its impressive performance, sleek design, and affordable price, it has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts around the world. Although it may no longer be in production, the legacy of the Celica lives on through its dedicated fan base and the modern Toyota 86.