Does the Toyota Celica come in automatic?
The Celica was offered with automatic transmissions across many of its generations, though the higher-performance GT-Four turbo models were typically sold with manual gearboxes. This article outlines how transmission options varied by era and model, so you can spot which Celica you might encounter with an automatic.
The Celica spanned from 1970 to 2006, across seven generations and multiple regional markets. Availability of automatic options depended on year, trim, and market, with automatics more common on base or non-sport trims and manual gearboxes favored on the sportier variants—especially the turbocharged all-wheel-drive GT-Four variants.
Transmission options by generation
Below is a generation-by-generation overview of how automatic transmissions appeared across the Celica lineup. Note that specifics can vary by market and model year, so always verify the exact car you’re considering.
- First generation (1970–1977): Manual transmissions were standard on most models, with automatic options appearing in some markets as an alternative.
- Second generation (1977–1981): Both manual and automatic transmissions were offered in various markets and trims.
- Third generation (1981–1985): Automatic transmissions were available alongside manual options; choices depended on region and model.
- Fourth generation (1985–1989): Both manual and automatic transmissions were commonly available across trims and markets as the Celica adopted newer engines and transmissions.
- Fifth generation (1989–1993): A broad range of transmissions existed, with automatics available on many non-sport trims and manuals on sportier variants.
- Sixth generation (1994–1999): Automatics remained an option on base and mid-range trims, while performance-focused GT/GT-S models typically used manual transmissions; the turbo GT-Four variants were generally manual-only.
- Seventh generation (1999–2006): Automatics were available on some trims, but the high-performance GT-S and especially the GT-Four turbo variants were commonly equipped with manual transmissions.
In summary, automatic transmissions were available for many Celica models across its run, but the most enthusiast-oriented turbo variants were typically sold with manual gearboxes. If you’re shopping for a Celica today, confirm the specific year and trim to know whether an automatic was offered.
Special-case: GT-Four turbo variants
Not all Celica variants offered an automatic transmission. The turbocharged all-wheel-drive GT-Four models were designed for performance and rally-style driving, and they were generally sold with manual gearboxes in all markets.
GT-Four generations and transmission options
- ST165 (1989–1990): Manual
- ST185 (1990–1993): Manual
- ST205 (1994–1999): Manual
Conclusion: If you specifically want an automatic Celica, you’ll want to avoid the GT-Four turbo variants, as they are typically manual-only.
How to verify which transmission your Celica has
When evaluating a Celica, check these quick indicators to confirm the transmission type:
- Look at the gear lever orientation (PRND for automatics vs. a gated pattern for manuals).
- Review the model year and trim badge on the car to confirm what transmissions were offered for that combination.
- Check the original window sticker or build sheet, if available, for transmission code.
- Ask the seller for the VIN and decode it to verify the factory transmission specification.
End note: Transmission availability can differ by market, so a Celica sold in one region might have a different option list from a car sold elsewhere, even within the same generation.
Summary
The Toyota Celica did come with automatic transmissions in many of its versions, though the sportier GT-Four turbo variants were typically manual-only. If you’re seeking an automatic Celica, focus on non-GT-Four trims across the earlier and later generations, and always confirm the exact year, trim, and market to ensure the desired transmission is included.
