What type of car is a Celica?
The Celica is a compact sports car produced by Toyota.
From its debut in 1970 until its final year in 2006, the Celica spanned seven generations, evolving from a simple two-door coupe into a range of sporty liftbacks and high-performance variants, including rally-inspired all-wheel-drive versions.
Overview
The Celica is categorized as a compact sports car. It was designed to blend everyday practicality with a lively driving character. Across generations, body styles ranged from two-door coupes to hatchback liftbacks, and drivetrains evolved from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive in later years, with all-wheel-drive variants on select high-performance models.
Generations at a glance
Below is a concise timeline of the Celica's seven generations and a notable performance variant for some generations.
- Gen 1 (1970–1977): The original two-door Celica introduced the model line as a practical, lightweight sports car.
- Gen 2 (1977–1981): Updated styling and improved aerodynamics while keeping a two-door layout.
- Gen 3 (1981–1985): Continued two-door sporty compact design with evolving engines.
- Gen 4 (1985–1989): Brought sharper styling; some markets moved toward more refined front-wheel-drive layouts, while maintaining a focus on agile handling.
- Gen 5 (1989–1993): Expanded performance options and styling refinements across markets; early turbo variants began appearing in some regions.
- Gen 6 (1993–1999): Major redesign; most variants used front-wheel drive, while high-performance all-wheel-drive GT-Four variants were introduced in certain markets (notably the ST185).
- Gen 7 (1999–2006): Final generation; continued front-wheel-drive layout in most markets with emphasis on modern styling and sportier dynamics.
The seven-generation arc shows how Toyota balanced everyday practicality with a growing emphasis on sporty performance, culminating in rally-inspired variants in the GT-Four lineage during the early 1990s.
Variants and drivetrain details
Notable among its lineup is the Celica GT-Four, Toyota's all-wheel-drive performance version used in rally competition. It featured turbocharged engines and AWD to maximize traction and acceleration on varied surfaces. Standard Celica models across most generations leaned toward front-wheel drive in later years, with rear-wheel drive present on certain early versions and in some markets.
Celica GT-Four
The GT-Four name appeared on several homologation-focused variants: ST165 (1986–1989), ST185 (1990–1993), and ST205 (1994–1999). Each version boosted power, refined turbocharging, and all-wheel drive to compete in rallying, reinforcing the Celica's sport-focused heritage.
Legacy and current status
Production of the Celica ended in 2006, and Toyota has not revived the name since. It remains a retro favorite among enthusiasts and a notable chapter in Toyota's performance history, alongside models like the Supra and the 86.
Summary
The Toyota Celica is a compact sports car produced by Toyota from 1970 to 2006, offered as 2-door coupes and liftbacks across seven generations. It evolved from rear-wheel-drive designs to front-wheel-drive layouts in later years, while the high-performance GT-Four all-wheel-drive variants showcased Toyota's rallying pedigree. Although no longer in production, the Celica endures in automotive history as a benchmark for affordable, approachable performance.
How much does a 2000 Celica cost now?
The value of a used 2000 Toyota Celica ranges from $1,031 to $4,513, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
Why was the Celica discontinued?
The Toyota Celica was discontinued due to a combination of declining sales, a shrinking market for affordable sports coupes, and changing consumer preferences. Sales in North America dropped dramatically from over 52,000 units in 2000 to just over 3,000 in 2005. As the sports coupe market shrank, it became a less profitable segment for Toyota.
You can watch this video to learn more about the history of the Toyota Celica and the reasons behind its discontinuation: 56sGT ContentYouTube · Sep 11, 2018
- Declining sales: Sales in the United States fell sharply, from 52,406 in 2000 to 14,856 in 2003 and 3,113 by 2005.
- Shrinking sports coupe market: The market for entry-level sports cars was shrinking, with many competitors already discontinued. This was partly due to the 1997 Asian financial crisis and slower economic growth, which impacted consumer spending on less practical vehicles.
- Changing market and competition: By the mid-2000s, the market for affordable sports coupes was considered outdated, and the Celica faced increased competition.
- Focus on more profitable models: Discontinuing the Celica allowed Toyota to focus resources on more profitable vehicles, such as the Prius hybrid and Sienna minivan, which were seeing increased sales.
This video provides an in-depth economic analysis of the factors contributing to the decline of the Toyota Celica: 51sRegular Car ReviewsYouTube · Feb 16, 2015
How much is a 1990 Toyota Celica worth?
The value of a used 1990 Toyota Celica ranges from $1,043 to $8,523, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
Is the Celica a baby supra?
The styling of the original Supra was derived from the Toyota Celica, but it was longer. Starting in mid-1986, the A70 Supra became a separate model from the Celica. In turn, Toyota also stopped using the prefix Celica and named the car Supra.
