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Is Celica RWD or FWD?


The Toyota Celica is a well-known sports car that has captured the hearts of many automotive enthusiasts over the years. One of the common questions surrounding this iconic vehicle is whether it features rear-wheel drive (RWD) or front-wheel drive (FWD). In this article, we will explore the drivetrain configurations of the Celica across its various generations to provide a clear answer.


Understanding the Celica's Drivetrain


The Toyota Celica has undergone several transformations since its introduction in 1970. Throughout its production run, the Celica has been offered in both RWD and FWD configurations, depending on the generation:



  • First Generation (1970-1977): The original Celica was equipped with a rear-wheel drive layout, which was common for sports cars of that era.

  • Second Generation (1978-1981): This generation continued with the RWD configuration, maintaining the sporty characteristics that defined the Celica.

  • Third Generation (1982-1985): The Celica transitioned to a front-wheel drive layout starting with this generation, marking a significant shift in design philosophy.

  • Fourth Generation (1986-1989): The FWD configuration continued, with the Celica becoming more focused on comfort and everyday usability.

  • Fifth Generation (1990-1993

    As the owner of Kevin's Autos, a trusted auto service and repair shop, I've had the pleasure of working on a wide variety of vehicles over the years, including the iconic Toyota Celica. When it comes to the Celica's drivetrain configuration, the answer may surprise some car enthusiasts.


    The Toyota Celica's Drivetrain


    The Toyota Celica, a beloved sports car that was produced from 1970 to 2006, has primarily been a front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicle throughout its production run. The Celica was designed with a front-engine, front-wheel drive layout, which was a common configuration for many sports cars and compact vehicles during that era.


    However, there were a few exceptions to this FWD setup. Some Celica models, particularly the earlier generations, were available with a rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration. These RWD Celicas were often considered the more enthusiast-oriented variants, as the rear-wheel drive layout provided a more engaging and responsive driving experience.


    Celica Generations and Drivetrain Configurations


    To provide a more detailed overview, let's take a look at the different Celica generations and their respective drivetrain configurations:



    • First Generation (1970-1977): Offered both front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive variants.

    • Second Generation (1978-1981): Transitioned to a front-wheel drive layout exclusively.

    • Third Generation (1982-1985): Remained front-wheel drive.

    • Fourth Generation (1986-1989): Continued with the front-wheel drive configuration.

    • Fifth Generation (1990-1993): Maintained the front-wheel drive layout.

    • Sixth Generation (1994-1999): Exclusively front-wheel drive.

    • Seventh Generation (2000-2006): Also front-wheel drive.


    So, in summary, while the Toyota Celica did have some rear-wheel drive variants in its early years, the majority of Celica models throughout its production history were front-wheel drive. This front-wheel drive layout provided a balance of performance, handling, and practicality that appealed to a wide range of Celica enthusiasts.p>

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the 1983 Celica FWD or RWD?


    rear-wheel drive
    The third-generation Celica was the last of a line with rear-wheel drive.



    Is 7th gen Celica rwd?


    The seventh-generation Celica substantially reduced its weight (by 60-90 kg against comparable model grades of the previous generation), by adopting 1.8-liter engines and an originally developed front-wheel-drive platform to deliver improved stability and power during high-speed driving, reflecting the development ...



    Why was the Celica banned?


    October, 1995. To keep its ageing Celica GT-Four competitive, Toyota tricked the WRC with a clever – and massively illegal – restrictor plate. While its discovery saw Toyota disqualified as a manufacturer from the WRC until 1997, the part earned high praise from FIA President, Max Mosley…



    Are Celicas RWD or FWD?


    The first three generations of North American market Celicas were powered by variants of Toyota's R series engine. In August 1985, the car's drive layout was changed from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive turbocharged models were manufactured from October 1986 to June 1999.



    Is Celica a RWD?


    The first three generations of North American market Celicas were powered by variants of Toyota's R series engine. In August 1985, the car's drive layout was changed from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive turbocharged models were manufactured from October 1986 to June 1999.



    What year did the Celica become FWD?


    1985

    Toyota Celica
    ClassSports car
    Body style2-door notchback coupé (1970–1998) 3-door liftback coupé (1973–2006) 2-door convertible (1981–1999)
    LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1970–1985) Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1985–2006) Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (GT-Four, 1986–1999)



    Is the new Celica FWD?


    Most agree that the new Celica will retain its front-wheel drive configuration in standard trims but expect Toyota to offer a higher-performance all-wheel drive variant (potentially using the AWD from the GR Corolla) like the Celica All-Trac AWD available in the US from 1988-93 (those were sold primarily for ...



    Which Celica is rare?


    The Toyota Celica GT-four became a rare collectible for just that reason: rarity. With only 2,500 units produced, of which 2,100 are for the Japanese market, it stands out as a limited-edition gem.



    Is the Toyota Celica AWD?


    The significance of the Toyota Celica GT-Four in WRC history, previously dominated by European manufacturers, is that it was the first time a Japanese car manufacturer entered the WRC with an AWD turbocharged car, took trophies and won the titles.



    Is the Celica FWD or RWD?


    The first three generations of North American market Celicas were powered by variants of Toyota's R series engine. In August 1985, the car's drive layout was changed from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive turbocharged models were manufactured from October 1986 to June 1999.


    Kevin's Auto

    Kevin Bennett

    Company Owner

    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.