Is the Toyota Celica 2003 RWD?
The concise answer: No. The 2003 Toyota Celica is front-wheel drive, and there was no factory rear-wheel-drive version in that model year. This article explains the drivetrain layout and how it compares with Toyota's other performance cars.
Drivetrain reality of the 2003 Celica
During its seventh generation (1999–2006), the Celica used a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The model line did not include a factory all-wheel-drive variant in 2003. The design emphasizes a transverse engine and front-wheel drive rather than rear-wheel-drive dynamics.
Additional context
In the broader Toyota sports-car family, rear-wheel-drive credentials are most associated with the Supra and earlier Celica All-Trac variants, but not with the 2003 Celica. The All-Trac name referred to a limited AWD version from earlier generations, not the 7th-generation Celica in 2003.
Key drivetrain facts for the 2003 Celica:
- No factory rear-wheel drive in the 2003 Celica; it uses a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FF) layout.
- Engine options for this generation include a 1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE in the base/GT models and a 2.0-liter 2ZZ-GE with VVTL-i in the GT-S variant.
- Transmissions vary by trim: manual transmissions (including a 5- or 6-speed manual depending on the model) and automatic options were offered in some markets.
- There is no official all-wheel-drive version in the 2003 Celica; AWD was not part of the seventh-generation Celica lineup.
In summary, the 2003 Celica is front-wheel drive, with no factory RWD option in that model year. If you specifically want Toyota rear-wheel drive, you would look to a different generation or model such as the Supra or an earlier All-Trac variant of the Celica.
Where the Celica fits in Toyota's performance lineup
Among Toyota’s performance cars, rear-wheel-drive credentials have typically belonged to the Supra and, in earlier generations, to the Celica All-Trac variants. The 2003 Celica sits squarely in the front-wheel-drive camp and shares little with Toyota’s modern RWD performance cars. For enthusiasts seeking RWD dynamics, alternatives include the Supra or other non-Celica Toyota performance models.
Summary
Bottom line: The Toyota Celica model year 2003 is not RWD; it is front-wheel drive (FF). There was no factory AWD option in that year, and the Celica All-Trac AWD variant existed only in earlier generations. For true RWD Toyota performance, consider the Supra or older All-Trac variants if you’re exploring classic setups.
