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How much horsepower does a 1988 Toyota Celica have?

The horsepower of a 1988 Toyota Celica varies by trim and market. In the United States, base models produced about 105 hp, GT trims about 130 hp, and the all‑wheel‑drive All‑Trac Turbo around 200 hp. Other markets offered different variants with similar or higher outputs.


To understand the full picture, it helps to look at the lineup as it existed in 1988: there were entry-level models with smaller engines, sportier GT versions with a higher‑output 16‑valve powerplant, and the turbocharged All‑Trac version designed for performance and all‑weather capability. Engine choices and tuning differed by region, so horsepower figures aren’t identical worldwide.


Key horsepower figures for the 1988 Celica in the United States


The following figures reflect typical U.S.-spec engines and trims for the 1988 Celica lineup.



  • Base Celica ST/GS with a 1.6L 4A-C engine: approximately 105 hp

  • Celica GT with a 1.6L 4A-GE engine: approximately 130 hp

  • Celica All‑Trac (AWD) with a 2.0L turbocharged 3S-GTE engine: around 200 hp


These figures describe commonly advertised horsepower ratings for US-market 1988 Celicas and may vary slightly by exact model year, emission equipment, or measurement standard.


Notes on international variants and context


Outside the United States, Toyota offered additional trims and slight tuning differences. The turbocharged GT-Four variants used the 2.0L turbocharged 3S-GTE engine and typically produced around 210 hp in many 1988–1989 Japanese spec versions, contributing to stronger performance in regions where turbo technology was widely emphasized.



  • 3S-GTE turbo engine (2.0L) in GT-Four/AWD models: roughly 210 hp in several markets


As with the U.S. market, exact horsepower can vary by country, year, and the specific emissions configuration installed on a given car.


Summary


For the 1988 Toyota Celica, horsepower ranged from about 105 hp in the base models to about 130 hp in GT versions, and around 200 hp in the turbo All‑Trac variant sold in the U.S. International markets offered similar or slightly higher figures with turbo GT-Four editions around 210 hp. When evaluating a specific 1988 Celica, check the VIN or owner’s manual for the exact engine and horsepower rating tied to that vehicle.

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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.