Is the 1984 Celica FWD or RWD?

The 1984 Celica was front-wheel drive (FWD) in most markets, while the Celica Supra remained rear-wheel drive (RWD). All-wheel drive did not appear on the Celica lineup until the late 1980s GT-Four variant.

Drivetrain reality of the 1984 Celica

The third-generation Celica lineup, introduced in 1981, shifted the standard Celica models to front-wheel drive, while the sport-oriented Celica Supra retained traditional rear-wheel drive. This separation allowed Toyota to package a practical, space-efficient coupe for general buyers alongside a performance-focused, rear-drive variant.

Key drivetrain distinctions in 1984

Before outlining the specifics, here are the core facts shaping the 1984 Celica family’s drivetrain:

• The non-Supra Celica models were front-wheel drive (FWD).


• The Celica Supra remained rear-wheel drive (RWD) and used a different engine/transmission pairing.


• An all-wheel-drive Celica variant (GT-Four) did not appear until the mid-to-late 1980s, with introductions beginning around 1986 in some markets.

In short, the 1984 Celica’s standard models were FWD, with RWD confined to the Celica Supra; AWD would come later on the GT-Four lineup.

Historical context and market variations

During the early 1980s, Toyota differentiated the Celica and Celica Supra to offer both practical front-drive packaging and a separate, traditional rear-drive sports car. The Celica’s FWD layout helped with interior space and efficiency, while the Supra continued to appeal to enthusiasts who valued RWD handling dynamics. This split remained in effect through the mid-1980s, before the introduction of AWD variants in the late 1980s.

For buyers today, this means a 1984 Celica (non-Supra) is indicative of FWD characteristics, whereas any Celica Supra from the same era stays RWD. If you’re chasing all-wheel-drive performance, you’d be looking at later GT-Four models starting around 1986 onward.

Summary

The 1984 Celica was primarily front-wheel drive, with the Celica Supra continuing as a rear-wheel-drive model. All-wheel drive was not part of the Celica lineup until later, with the GT-Four variants emerging in the latter half of the decade. This distinction is important for collectors and restorers who aim to preserve original drivetrain configurations.

Which Celicas were AWD?

The Toyota Celica GT-Four is the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of the Celica, produced from 1986 to 1999. It featured a turbocharged engine and a full-time 4WD system designed for rally racing. While previous models were predominantly rear-wheel or front-wheel drive, the GT-Four was specifically created as an AWD performance variant.
 

• Model: Toyota Celica GT-Four 
• Years of production: 1986–1999 
• Key features:
  • Turbocharged engine 
  • Full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) 
  • Rally-inspired performance 
  • Central differential for constant power distribution and stability 

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 the Toyota Celica FWD or RWD?

The Toyota Celica was both front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD) depending on the generation and model. Early generations were RWD, but starting in 1985, the standard models switched to FWD. Some high-performance versions, like the Celica GT-Four (or All-Trac), featured an all-wheel drive (AWD) system. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the history of the Toyota Celica and its drivetrain options: 42sThatDudeinBlueYouTube · Feb 27, 2025

• Early Generations (RWD): The first three generations of the North American Celica were rear-wheel drive. 
• Later Generations (FWD): Starting with the fourth generation in 1985, the standard Celica models transitioned to a front-wheel drive layout. This continued through the final generation, which ended in 2006. 
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD): High-performance models, most notably the Celica GT-Four (also called the All-Trac in the US), were equipped with a full-time all-wheel drive system. These were produced from 1986 to 1999. 
• Special Cases: It is possible to find modified Celicas that have been converted to RWD, but this is not standard for most production models. 

This video discusses the performance and handling of the all-wheel drive Celica GT-Four: 1mThatDudeinBlueYouTube · May 6, 2025

Is the 1984 Toyota Celica 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.