2004 Toyota Celica Review
2004 Toyota Celica Review
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Used Celica for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Radical styling, rev-happy GT-S engine, outstanding steering, braking and handling.
Cons
- Mediocre interior materials, difficult-to-master GT-S six-speed shifter, short features list.
What’s new
High-intensity discharge headlights are now optional on all 2004 Toyota Celica models.
Edmunds says
The 2004 Toyota Celica is a distinctive and entertaining sport coupe, but you better be small and easily impressed as the cabin is tight and the features list short.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Maine.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Maine
$174/mo for Celica GT
Celica GT
vs
$186/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Before the current generation arrived, Celicas were often chastised for being slow, overweight and a little on the expensive side. But not anymore, as the latest Celica is a sharp performer that's as nimble as it is stylish. Designed in California, the Celica's cab-forward shape features a high-fashion look with race-car design elements. Sharp-edge panels, dramatic plunging curves, a tall tail and a radically lowered front fascia create stark contrasts. In high-performance GT-S trim, the 2004 Toyota Celica is the martial arts action hero of sport coupes. It is quick, nimble and an absolute joy to drive on curvy roads thanks to ultraresponsive steering and a tightly controlled suspension. Used for commuting, however, the Celica's somewhat stiff ride and high-strung powertrain can take their toll. If all you want is a sporty look, more relaxed cruisers like the Hyundai Tiburon or the Mitsubishi Eclipse might be better choices. Or, if you want something in the middle, the Acura RSX is another coupe worth considering. Those cars aside, the 2004 Toyota Celica is a solid performer that will rarely leave you wishing for more when the road turns twisty.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Toyota Celica.
5 star(89%)
4 star(10%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(1%)
73 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Fun and Exciting. Looks sharp, drives sharp.
Toyota Fanboy, 04/30/2016
2004 Toyota Celica GTS 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
First thing to say, I love the car. Fun to drive, fast take off- not that fast high end speed- but really? who needs to drive 100+. Has awesome resale value. (not selling mine though- I am driving mine into the dirt)
The Pros then the Cons
Pros- Car handles like a champ. Snow,rain,sun. Car is light, and you can feel it. (Can feel windy days but good handling combats this). Great gas … mileage, I drive about 1000 miles a month, unfortunately, but the car is still good on gas (and i speed quite a bit). Mine came with JBL speakers, so sound is good, had to add my own sub woofer in for base, (nothing crazy 100 W). Car speakers are energy efficient, don't have to worry about car battery dying.
Interior looks okay- I like it but a lil more plastic than other cars. Car has been hit twice by two trucks and still drives amazing. (low end crashes). Didnt feel it. Getting in and out of car is a lil tough since car is low. Car feels comfortable from drivers seat, not from glorified trunk that is a backrow.
Cons- Since I drive a lot and more enthusiastic than most, maintenance adds up. Parts are cheap- good news, but unless you got a good mechanic, may be expensive to maintenance- car is not easy to work on, super tight engine bay. The car is notorious for check engine light- (o2 sensor possibly) so the quest for what is turning engine light begins, mine was a dirty ocv valve, cleaned myself cost 10 bucs. Loud hull noise- but you can hear the engine- so might not be that bad. Not one drop of rust on my car. 12 years old. Looks good paint job wise. All about who maintained it before you.
Now on to the repair list- labor varies
Right rear knuckle - 100 bucs for part
Fight right Ball joint- 50 bucs
Engine mounts - 100 bucs for all four
wheel balance, rotation every 3k miles- to keep up with good handling
Front windshield- since window is angled I think rocks hit it harder and more frequently than any car ive driven. 300 bucs- insurance covered it- so nothing
Tires - 300- I have 16 inch rims/tires- not all celicas are that large.
Breaks- 100 for all 4. Performance breaks
Bolt that is used in alignments rusted- got stuck- cost 20 bucs for bolt- but labor can be expensive at a shop.
Car needs to be maintained or you will feel it.
However, That is only if your as anal as I am with your car.
Overall opinion. I love it. Drives quick, good on gas, other than small maintenance stuff- the car is one of the best I have driven, and I have driven quite a bit of upper end BMW and Caddies, it keeps up. Not a smooth ride but definitely a fun economic sporty car.
5 out of 5 stars
Wish they still made these!!
Jennifer, 02/19/2016
2004 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
I bought my 2004 Toyota Celica GT, automatic about 2 years ago. It was 11,000 grand. It was a certified pre owned vehicle, so defiantly worth it especially since I haven't spent a penny on it besides general upkeep and purchasing new stock Celica rims since the rims I got with it were low profiles. Which were HORRIBLE in the snow.since getting my new tires and rims this car is a beast in … the snow. And we get a lot of it here in PA.
In general the car rocks. I've made a few upgrades, like the stereo and new tires. But the car is kept pretty stock. (Mostly because I don't trust any car shops around here to make it more sporty looking with a body kit).
I am a 5'11 female with really long legs. And i fit fairly comfortably in the driver seat, and the passenger seat. The bucket seats in back are a different story. My head hits the roof.
The front seats look and feel like that straight out of NASCAR. Thought it's only 143 HP, I believe, the cr has some kick and can accurate fairly well. The only time I have issues is going up hill. Even if it's at a slow grade, it takes a moment for my car to shift and sometimes gets stuck around 40 MPH as I slow everyone down behind me. (Oops!) Something I can look into though.
The interior of my car has held up wonderfully. And I honestly think that for an 04 vehicle, it stands the test of time. I'm pulling 104,000 miles and I've seen so many Celicas that have over 300,000 miles. This babies run. And they run for quite a while.
My only complaint?
THEY NEED TO BRING THEM BACK!
4.63 out of 5 stars
The best. Period!
gtsfreak, 07/19/2011
2004 Toyota Celica GTS 2dr Hatchback w/Action Package (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
Have owned a 2004 Celica GT-S since January 2011. What a blast to drive. Hopefully, I'll get the infamous Toyota reliability out of this car as I did from my 1991 Celica ST. It's a shame Toyota discontinued this model back in 2005. Car runs smooth. Terrific handling. Sharp interior. Unfortunately, Celicas take a beating from the public. I can't tell you how many times people have … purposely scratched, keyed and dented my car out of jealousy. It happened to my 1991 Celica as well. For some reason, they just can't let a sweet looking car look sweet for long. On the other side of the coin, even today, people will stop to complement me about this great looking car. It rocks! Very pleased with it.
4.88 out of 5 stars
This Car RULES!!!
yeahimgood7474, 08/15/2004
2004 Toyota Celica GTS 2dr Hatchback w/Action Package (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
This car is the equivalent to
mechanical Viagra. It has so much
potential as a tuner car, and is a nice
breath of fresh air from the Eclipses
and Civics. It's also a fun, yet
smooth ride, with nice seats, low to
the ground, that give it a really racy
feel. As far as all-around performance
goes, it can dance around cars as good
as the RSX, and gives other sporty …
compacts a run for their money. This
car is definitely worth owning, and the
fact that you know it will last you a
lifetime only makes it better.
2004 Celica Highlights
GT
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $17,570 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $174/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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