Is the Toyota Celica a fast car?
The Toyota Celica is a name that resonates with car enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. Known for its sporty design and reliable performance, the Celica has been a staple in Toyota's lineup for decades. But when it comes to speed, how does this iconic car measure up? Let's dive into the details to determine whether the Toyota Celica can truly be considered a fast car.
A Brief History of the Toyota Celica
The Toyota Celica was first introduced in 1970 and remained in production until 2006. Over its seven generations, the Celica evolved from a compact sports coupe to a more performance-oriented vehicle. It gained a reputation for being an affordable, stylish, and fun-to-drive car, appealing to a wide range of drivers.
While the Celica was never designed to compete with high-end sports cars like Ferraris or Lamborghinis, it carved out its niche as a sporty, reliable, and accessible option for those who wanted a taste of performance without breaking the bank.
Performance Across Generations
The speed and performance of the Toyota Celica vary significantly depending on the generation and trim level. Here’s a breakdown of some key performance highlights:
- First Generation (1970-1977): The early Celicas were equipped with modest engines, such as the 1.6L 4-cylinder, producing around 96 horsepower. While not particularly fast by today’s standards, they were lightweight and nimble, making them enjoyable to drive.
- Fourth Generation (1985-1989): This generation introduced the Celica GT-Four, a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive variant designed for rally racing. With a 2.0L turbocharged engine producing up to 190 horsepower, the GT-Four was a significant step up in performance.
- Sixth Generation (1993-1999): The Celica GT-Four continued to shine, with the ST205 model boasting a 2.0L turbocharged engine that delivered 252 horsepower. This version was capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just over 6 seconds, making it one of the fastest Celicas ever produced.
- Seventh Generation (1999-2006): The final generation of the Celica offered two main trims: the GT and the GT-S. The GT-S featured a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine with Toyota’s VVTL-i technology, producing 180 horsepower. It could reach 0 to 60 mph in around 7 seconds, offering respectable performance for its class.
Is the Toyota Celica Fast?
Whether the Toyota Celica is considered fast depends on your perspective and the specific model in question. For its time, certain versions of the Celica, particularly the GT-Four models, were undeniably quick and competitive in their class. However, compared to modern sports cars, even the fastest Celicas may feel underpowered.
That said, the Celica’s lightweight design, responsive handling, and sporty aesthetics make it a joy to drive, even if it doesn’t boast supercar-level speed. For enthusiasts who appreciate a balanced driving experience, the Celica remains a beloved choice.
Conclusion
The Toyota Celica may not be the fastest car on the road, but it has earned its place as a sporty and reliable vehicle with a rich history. Whether you’re drawn to its rally heritage, sleek design, or fun-to-drive nature, the Celica offers a unique blend of performance and practicality that continues to captivate drivers to this day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the Toyota Celica?
Performance
| 0 - 100 kph | 6.9 s |
|---|---|
| 0 - 60 mph | 6.6 s |
| Top speed | 242 kph (150 mph) |
Is the Celica T Sport fast?
Celica T Sport offers responsive handling and with 189bhp at 7,800rpm and 180Nm at 6,800rpm it is capable of 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds (the standard Celica is 8.7 seconds) and has a top speed, where permitted, of 140mph (127mph).
Is the Toyota Celica like a Supra?
Toyota originally revealed the Supra name in April 1978, selected as a new suffix designation for a longer, wider and more powerful spin-off of the second-generation Celica coupé (above). The model was additionally identified by its A40 chassis code.
Why did Toyota stop the Celica?
But the death knell tolled in January 2006 when tough new emissions regulations were announced; making Celica comply with the new levels would simply be uneconomical. Production officially ceased in Japan in April 2006.
Are Toyota Celicas expensive to fix?
The average annual repair cost for a Toyota is $441, which means it has above average ownership costs.
How long do Toyota Celica engines last?
around 200,000 miles
Just keep it maintained and keep your fingers crossed to see how long it lasts and keep an eye on the oil level. That engine in this car is usually good for around 200,000 miles. If the body is in really really good shape it may be worth putting a lower mileage used engine in at some point. Welcome!
Why was the Celica banned?
During the 1995 World Rally Championship season, Toyota was caught using illegal turbo restrictor bypasses at the Rally Catalunya and were given a one-year ban by the FIA.
Which Toyota engines last the longest?
Toyota's 22R engine is often hailed as one of the most robust and long-lasting engines ever produced. Introduced in the late 1970s, it powered various Toyota models for decades. Owners have reported these engines regularly exceeding 300,000 miles, and some even reaching half a million miles with proper maintenance.
Is Celica a fast car?
With a top speed of 143 mph, the Toyota Celica GT-Four takes joint eleventh place. It's a 2 door AWD Coupé with 4 seats and was sold from 1990 to 1993.
What is Toyota's fastest sports car?
Toyota GR Supra
The Toyota GR Supra is the fastest Toyota car in the sports car lineup with a top track speed of 155 mph and a 0-60 speed offered of 3.9 seconds on 3.0 Premium and 45th Anniversary Edition models.
