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Explore all of the Toyota Celica generations, from earning a reputation as a rally car to being sold in dozens of variations around the globe.
A Heavenly Sports Car
1971 Toyota Celica – pressroom.toyota.com | Shop Toyota Celica on Carsforsale.com
Not only is the Toyota Celica a car that lasted seven generations and over three decades, but it was quite different at the time and helped pave the way for some of Toyota’s other mainstays like the Camry and the Supra. The Toyota Celica was Japan’s first pony car. The entire idea was to attach a coupe body to the chassis and mechanicals of a sedan
Plans for the Celica were underway by 1967, and the first ever Celica was released in 1970 at the Tokyo Motor Show. Based on a platform that was shared with the Toyota Carina sedan, the styling was based on the Toyota EX1 “Car of the Future” prototype. The nose was trimmed, so it was basically a cut-down version of Toyota’s 2000GT supercar. The Celica eventually drew comparisons to the Mustang as similar styling elements were used over the years.
By the late ‘90s, the Celica was one of the most accomplished rally cars ever. Looking back on it now, it was appropriate that the groundbreaking car was named Celica, which has Latin roots that means, “celestial” or “heavenly.” It certainly brought Toyota a lot of success. Read on to find out just what changes were made through the Celica generations, where it peaked, and why the popular car ended up being discontinued.
1st Generation Toyota Celica (1971–1977)
- The Toyota Celica debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1970 and it was exclusive to the Toyota Corolla stores in Japan.
- An LT version of the Celica was outfitted with a 2T carbureted four-cylinder 1.4-liter engine and a ST version had a twin Solex-carburetor 2T-B 1.6-liter engine. The later produced 115 horsepower.
- The 1971 Celica that landed in North America was a little different, powered by a 1.9-liter 8R engine. It was built with rear-wheel drive and an independent front and rear suspension.
- European models of the ‘71 Celica were given 1.6-liter T-series engines. Comfort, ease of use and great handling were all traits that won consumers over in all three regions.
- Just a year after the initial Celica debuted, the 1972 Celica brought some changes. Taillights were updated with bubble lenses, the rear center panel was redesigned when the fuel tank was shifted from the trunk bottom to up to behind the rear seats, and towing hooks were moved.
- Engines in the 1972 North American Celica were given a slight upgrade in the form of a 2.0-liter 18R-C engines.
- Almost immediately after debuting, the Celica was used to compete in a World Rally Championship (WRC) in 1972. It finished ninth, but this wouldn’t be the last time the Celica was used as a rally car.
- 1973 models didn’t receive any big updates after the changes to the 1972 Celica, but an automatic transmission was optional for North American ST and LT models.
- By the time the 1974 models were released, Toyota added a GT model with a DOHC twin-Solec carburetor 1600 cc engine.
- Meanwhile, the GT and LT models were introduced in North America. As an economy model, the LT didn’t have the five-speed manual transmission, styled steel wheels, or special rocker panel GT stripes that the GT had.
- Additional upgrades on the GT included tinted windows, variant hood flutes, a different grille, underbody spoilers, power windows, and air conditioning.
- A GTV version of the 1974 Toyota Celica combined elements of the GT and LT, utilizing the 2T-G engine from the GT but equipped with most of the cabin stylings and features of the LT.
- The 1975 Celica lineup got a slight makeover. Under the hood was a new 2.2-liter 20R engine.
- Due to laws in the United States, the 1975 Celica used a 1974 body but replaced the rear chrome bumpers with back rubber bumpers.
- The overseas version of the 1976 Toyota Celica was now only available in a GT trim, but Toyota added a Liftback model with an 18R-G twin-cam engine that produced around 134 horsepower.
- This is where the Celica started earning the moniker of the “Japanese Mustang” and the “Mustang Celica.” The similar styling on the tail lights
- By June 1977, Toyota had already reached the one-million-unit milestone.
2nd Generation Toyota Celica (1978–1981)
- Beginning production in late 1977, the second-generation 1978 Toyota Celica was released in two versions: Series A and Series B (which came in 1979). Series A had round headlights and chrome bumpers while Series B had square headlights and rubber bumpers.
- 1979 models were available in notchback coupe and Liftback forms. Neither form was technically a true hardtop, though they had a prominent B pillar.
- This generation was designed in California by Toyota’s Calty Research Design Studio.
- North American ST and GT models were powered by a 2.2-liter 20R engine.
- Over in Japan, the 1978 Celica was available in seven trims, including the ET, LT, ST, SE, XT, GT, and GTV. The lower trims had 1.6, 1.8, or 2.0-liter engines, but the GT and GTV had an 18R-G twin-cam engine. The GTV was quickly replaced by the GT Rally in 1978.
- The 1978 Toyota Celica Supra, or Celica XX in Japan, was another variant that sold at Japanese dealerships. Before the Supra was a standalone vehicle, it was attached to the Celica name. The ‘78 Celica supra had a 123-horsepower 2.0-liter 12-valve inline-six engine or a 110-horsepower 2.6-liter 12-valve straight-six.
- 1979 is when the Series B was released with those square headlights. Toyota had 49 different versions of the Celica selling at the same time in 1979.
- A special edition 1980 U.S. Grand Prix GT Liftback was inspired by the U.S. Grand Prix West in Long Beach, California.
- A 1980 Toyota Celica Camry was introduced as a four-door version of the vehicle. The front of it was a Celica and the rest of it was a Toyota Carina. The Camry, of course, was made a separate model just two years later.
- To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Celica, the 1981 GTA Coupe was released.
- American models got a power upgrade in 1981 Celica models thanks to a 2.4-liter 22R, the same engine that could be found in the Toyota 4Runner.
- By the time the second-generation Celica ended production in Japan, about 70 different models had been sold there.
3rd Generation Toyota Celica (1982–1985)
- By August of 1981, Toyota had already released another generation of the Celica. The third-generation Celica was still available as a coupe or liftback, but it was also available as a convertible this time around.
- North American models utilized a 2.4-liter 22-R making 97 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. Fuel injection was standard on all North American Celicas, so the 22-R became the 22R-E.
- The GT-S model was added to the North American market. It was a sportier car with 14×7-inch wheels, a leather-wrapped shifter knob, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Some of those elements came from the JDM Celica Supra.
- An element that 1982 American cars didn’t have was rear side vents. Australian, European, and Japanese Celicas all had them, but American models didn’t. As a result, it increased the demand in North America for Celica models with rear side vents.
- The New York Yankees started using the Toyota Celica as their bullpen car in 1982.
- The first Celica turbo in Japan was the Celica GT-T. It became available in 1982 with a 1.8-liter 3T-GTE engine.
- 200 Celica GT-TS units were also built so that Toyota could meet the FISA regulations required to compete in the World Rally Championship with the Celica Group B Rally Car.
- 1984 Celicas received a facelift. Most of that was on the nose, which included fully retractable headlights, a new airdam, and a restyled grille.
- Australia initially received a less powerful version of the Celica, which used a 21R-C engine that produced just 90 horsepower. It was replaced, however, with a 98-horsepower 25-C motor. That was then replaced by a 2.4-liter 22R-E that kicked out 117 horsepower.
4th Generation Toyota Celica (1986–1989)
- Completely overhauled, the 1986 Toyota Celica was given a new Toyota T160 front-wheel drive chassis. This platform was the same one used for the Toyota Corona. The chassis wasn’t the only thing that was different, though. The look was more ‘80s than ever before with a rounded body.
- U.S. versions of the 1986 Celica included the ST, GT, and GTS. All of them were available as coupe or liftbacks. The GT was also offered as a soft-top convertible coupe. The new 2.0-liter engines ranged from 116 horsepower to 135 horsepower.
- Also of note, the 1986 Toyota Supra officially separated from the Toyota Celica, becoming a completely different model.
- In Japan, Toyota dubbed the GT-Four as the “ultimate Celica.” The Japanese version had all-wheel drive, an electronically controlled central locking differential, and a turbo engine that made 190 horsepower.
- The GT-Four made its way to North America as a 1988 Celica. It was marketed as the All-Trac Turbo with the All-Trac system that made 187 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. The GT-Four became Toyota’s number one rally car choice.
- It was in the 1988 Tour de Corse that the GT-Four made a debut, finishing in sixth place. Then, in the 1988 Cyprus, the GT-Four finished first. The first World Rally Championship Victory came in the 1989 Rally Australia.
- In Australia, the 1989 Toyota Celica was also offered in the form of a limited edition SX White Lightning. The car consisted of all white bumpers, white wheels, and white side protectors.
5th Generation Toyota Celica (1990–1993)
- Upgraded power and more style. Those were the two biggest changes in the fifth generation of the 1990 Toyota Celica.
- American models included the GT, the ST, the GT-S, and the All-Trac, which made 200 horsepower. Both the GT and GT-S were equipped with a 2.02-liter 5S-FE engine making 130 horsepower. The ST had a DOHC 16=valve 1.6-liter 4A-FE engine that made 103 horsepower.
- The All-Trac Celica was still doing well, but it was given a little more luxury this time around. Leather seats, a sunroof, and a 10-speaker audio system all justified the higher sticker price on the 1990 All-Trac Celica, which sold for $9,790.
- In Japan, the 1990 Celica consisted of the SR-Z, Z-R, GT-R, Active Sports, and GT-Four models.
- Sales in the U.S. hit 78,521 for the 1990 Celica. They dipped to 60,197 for the 1991 Celica. It would be a while before Toyota reached those kinds of units sold again with the Celica.
- The 1992 Toyota Celica received another facelift. This time it was given redesigned taillights, new Toyota emblems on the hood and trunk, a new three-way catalytic converter, and a stiffer anti-roll bar.
- A rally edition, the Celica GT-Four RC, launched in Japan. The same vehicle was named after the World Rally Championship driver Carlos Sainz in Europe. In Australia, it was called the Group A Rallye.
- 5,000 units were produced in total with 1,800 going to Japan, 3,000 going to Europe, 150 to Australia, and the rest to Singapore and New Zealand.
6th Generation Toyota Celica (1994–1999)
- The Toyota Celica wasn’t a car that had lengthy generations, as you’ve probably figured out by now, but the sixth generation was the longest lasting of the bunch.
- The sixth-generation 1994 Toyota Celica was rolled out in October 1993. This time, the U.S. Celica was only available as a ST or GT. The ST had a 1.8-liter 7a-FE engine (the same as the Corolla) that made 110 horsepower. The other engine, a 2.2-liter 5S-FE, was carried over from the previous generation along with 135 horsepower.
- An optional sports package available on the GT made it feel like the GT-S in terms of handling.
- Driver airbags were standard on the ‘94 Celica and anti-lock brakes were available.
- Japanese models were initially the SS-I and SS-II, but the ST205 GT-Four was released in February 1994. The GT-Four continued on in Australia, Europe, and Japan despite not being available in the North American market.
- 1995 Toyota Celica models were given a few updates in Japan. The SS-III was added to the mix and the entire lineup was given new rear combination lamps and a restyled rear spoiler. FWD models also got a new front bumper. Another update for Japan was the 1996 Celica getting a facelift and convertible.
- 1996 Toyota Celicas exported to North America were also given updated styling, including a front bumper that had two small sections on each side of an air dam. Side skirts were optional along with the rear spoiler.
- In conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the Celica, Toyota announced a special edition SS-I and SS-III in Japan. The ST Limited and GT convertible were also released as 25th anniversary editions in the U.S. The models featured emblems on the front seats, and on the front fenders.
- The GT coupe was eliminated from 1997 North American models. For Celicas in Japan, minor updates included optional projector headlights and a higher rear spoiler for the GT-Four.
- It was the ST model that was entirely eliminated from the 1998 Celica lineup in North America. Sales fell to 4,290 units, an all-time low at the time. Toyota added a SR, with a 1.8-liter engine, for the United Kingdom.
- Continuing with the changes, all coupes were eliminated from U.S. 1998 Celica models. That left the GT convertible and liftback as the only options for U.S.-based Celica buyers.
7th Generation Toyota Celica (2000-2005)
- Toyota had released a XYR concept car in 1998, and in late 1999, car buyers saw that the seventh-generation 2000 Toyota Celica had a lot of similarities to the XYR concept. In an effort to catch the attention of younger U.S. buyers, several changes were made to the 2000 models.
- Not only did the 2000 Celica had sleeker curves, but it was more performance-oriented than before. At least, that’s what the developers wanted.
- There were just two trim levels of the 2000 Celica: the GT and the GT-S. Both had a new 1.8-liter twin-cam 16-valve engine, but the GT made 140 horsepower and the GT-S delivered 180 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque.
- A five-speed manual transmission was standard on the GT and a six-speed was standard on the GT-S. A four-speed automatic was manual on both cars.
- Other changes for this new generation included upgraded suspension and barking systems, sportier bucket seats, and a large center console.
- The goal of attracting younger buyers didn’t necessarily work, but Toyota only sell 52,406 units in the 2000 model year. That was a large increase from the 16,418 units of the 1999 Toyota Celica sold.
- There weren’t any major changes to the U.S. versions of the 2001 or 2002 Toyota Celica.
- The 2003 Toyota Celica brought a revised front end and rear styling. The front fascia received a new bumper and wider air intake. High-intensity discharge headlights were also added. Redesigned lights in the rear were also noticeable. This Celica was also available in two new colors: either Solar Yellow or Zephyr Blue Metallic.
- Inside of the 2003 Celica was a standard JBL audio system (at least on the GT-S model), a power antenna.
- Despite success (even record sales in the United Kingdom), the worldwide car buying habits had changed. Sports cars were trending downward. Toyota discontinued U.S. sales of the Celica in 2004.
- Toyota wasn’t the only company to realize this situation and make a shift. The popular Acura RSX was also discontinued after the 2006 model year. The Honda Prelude ended even earlier than that in 2001. The Mazda RX-7 was also discontinued after the 2002 model year.
- The 2005 Toyota Celica was the last model sold in the U.S. This Celica was, once again, released without any major updates.
2005 Toyota Celica – media.toyota.ca | Shop Toyota Celica on Carsforsale.com
- The Celica lived on in the U.K., even getting a special edition GT with lowered suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels. After new emissions regulations were announced in January 2006, Toyota pulled the plug on the Celica altogether.
- Production stopped in Japan in April of 2006. Over the course of the entire run, between 1970 and 2006, the Toyota produced 4,129,626 Celicas altogether.
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