1990 Toyota Celica Review

219,000 and still going!!

Written by: K. Chittum on 02/04/2009

Vehicle

1990 Toyota Celica 2 Dr GT-S Hatchback

Review

Bought my Celica GTS 5 spd brand new. Going on my 19th year. This vehicle I think will run forever. Oil changes every 3,000 miles. The paint has just started to fade but no rust at all. No problems with mechanics, replaced usual things ie: alternator, battery, timing belt, power steering hose etc. Believe it or not this car still has the original clutch!! Love it and would buy another one.

Favorite Features

Handling, gas mileage, body style is cool.

Suggested Improvements

Back seat is for midgets.

Report inappropriate post

Hawaiian Celica

Written by: franlum on 08/04/2008

Vehicle

1990 Toyota Celica 2 Dr GT Hatchback

Review

Got this from a private owner that said the car was in tiptop shape. However, buyer beware as the clutch had to be changed, not adjusted, as the seller claimed. New clutch at 133k. Power steering hoses were shot too, so we changed those. Heater hose started to leak so we removed them. Replaced the sparkplug wires, sparkplugs, distributor cap & rotor, with original Toyota parts, at 145k. Put 92 Octane Chevron with its patented cleaner & the car runs like a top. Got other fluid leaks we need to fix, but the shop wanted $1,600 for it. Need to check the brakes pads too. Right now, it's go, go, go around our little island.

Favorite Features

Driving a 5 speed is fun as the engine revs up quickly.

Suggested Improvements

So far, parts haven't been a problem, but we haven't tried to replace the broken windshield washer holder, or the burnt fuse box cover.

Report inappropriate post

Peppy and good mpg

Written by: Firefighterjake on 11/06/2007

Vehicle

1990 Toyota Celica 2 Dr ST Coupe

Review

Way back when I was looking for a commuter car I wanted something good on gas, but also fun to drive to make my long commute to and from work a little more pleasurable. In the end I bought a base ST with 76,000 or so miles and I continued to drive it until just recently when the harsh Maine winters and road salt finally made me realize that after umpteen numbers of years and over 100,000 miles (180K on the odometer) it was time to get something new. I can't complain though -- for the money I ended up with a fun, peppy car that even today looks good even 18 years old.

Favorite Features

Fun to drive and wicked good gas mileage (I was averaging 35 mpg).

Suggested Improvements

Towards the end my poor Celica became an official "Maine beater car" with rust showing, a non-working radio, scratches, bad head gasket, bad brakes, etc. My only suggestion would have been to make this car more of a "guy" car since my good buddy said he noticed girls mostly driving this car.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Not too shabby

Written by: ItzTou on 07/19/2007

Vehicle

1990 Toyota Celica 2 Dr GT-S Hatchback

Review

This is the second one I've owned, both GTS. I orginally wanted to buy an All-Trac as my second one but ended up being desperate for a car and ended up with a GTS again. Bad mistake I should have just waited. The car's design and overall look is fabulous! Waaay ahead of any 1990 built subcompact car. But it is far behind in the performance ponies (130HP 5sfe) For being a sport compact car, the car should have came with the 3SGE 160HP engine instead of the 5SFE. Handling is good but not awesome, reliablity is good, and gas mileage is fair (65-75 mph 3,500 - 4,000 RPM). But overall not too shabby. Great car to start your kids off with!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Three things: more power, better mileage, stronger transmission.

Report inappropriate post

Best car I've ever owned.

Written by: m8x425 on 06/06/2007

Vehicle

1990 Toyota Celica 2 Dr GT Coupe

Review

I have put over 100k miles on my Celica, it now has 220/k miles. This is the most durable car I've ever owned, an absolute value. The engine is showing little signs of being tired. I'm still getting 32 mpg highway if not more. I was an American car nut until I did some research on cheap used cars. This Celica had very little wear and was a good price. I can't believe I bought a car for $3k, that I've driven for over 100k miles. If you can buy a 1990-98 Celica w/ around 100k miles, that's in good shape for $3k, do it. You can probably get 150k miles out of the car.

Favorite Features

The 2.2L auto Celica is pretty powerful for a 4cyl. I don't have too much trouble passing cars, unless the person steps on the gas. Going up hills isn't too bad. The car does okay in the snow if you have studded tires. It does well around curves. It's a very good highway car.

Suggested Improvements

The car had trouble with the MAP sensor. If you have a sensor problem with this car, take it to a Toyota dealership. Do not take it to a gas station mechanic. The A/C in my Celica has never worked.

Report inappropriate post