1996 Toyota Celica Review
Price Estimate: -$77 - -$120
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Front and rear styling tweaks, a new spoiler, new wheel covers, two new colors and revised fabrics debut this year on the 1996 Toyota Celica.
For sale near Circleville, OH
Vehicle overview
The Celica has long been ahead of its time as far as styling is concerned. Seems like you just get used to the funky looks of the latest Celica and Toyota unveils a new one to challenge your retinas. This version of the Celica, while toned down somewhat from its predecessor, is still difficult to swallow at first glance. If not for the odd headlights and oversized rear spoiler, it would be a very pretty car. But it's not.
Reminding our staffers of several species of brutal underwater fish, the front styling is just too radical, despite some slight revision for 1996. However, the interior of the Celica is quite nice, with a subdued driving environment that places all the controls in all the right places. The effect is somewhat Teutonic in nature, and is nicely complimented by snug, supportive seats, covered in a new-for-1996 fabric. New wheelcovers for the ST and two new colors are also new this year.
ST models are rather basic, and power is supplied by a 1.8-liter twin-cam four cylinder that makes a whopping 105 horsepower. Front disc/rear drum brakes are the only ones available on the ST, and ABS is optional.
Under the hood of the GT is a 135-horsepower 2.2-liter four cylinder that moves the Celica briskly but without fanfare. Four-wheel discs are standard; ABS is optional. Compared to most of the competition in the sport coupe class, the Celica is woefully underpowered. But boy, it's as reliable as Grandma's pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving dinner.
A new convertible version appeared for 1995, and is the most attractive Celica drop-top in a decade, despite the bulging headlights and gaping air dam. Powered by the same 2.2-liter engine as the GT but hauling around some extra weight, don't expect the Celica convertible to force you back in your seat while doing the on-ramp shuffle. And at a starting cost of $24,000, we have three words for potential drop-top buyers: Mustang GT Convertible.
The Celica is solid, reasonably sporty, and has an outstanding reliability record. We can't recommend it, though, when less-expensive and speedier cars like the Probe GT, Neon Sport Coupe and Acura Integra are available for the taking.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$168/mo for Celica GT
Celica GT
vs
$162/mo
Avg. Compact Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Toyota Celica Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
The most fun car I've owned
5 out of 5 starsClare Kline, 09/16/2017
1996 Toyota Celica ST 25th Anniversary 2dr Hatchback
Being a stick shift, traffic is not fun, but for the open country I drive, the car is really great. Very fuel efficient, minimal maintenance needed, and corners perfect.
A+ All the way!!!
5 out of 5 starsLipweb, 10/29/2006
1996 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Hatchback
Since day one this vehicle has been a blast to drive. It rides tight and performs great, although a few minor adds like exhaust and an air intake will go along way - power wise. I've had nothing but comments on my car and everyone I take for a ride in it almost instantly wants one. I owned a Z-28 t-top Camaro before my Celica and now own a newer convertible Camaro pushing over 300HP … as well as an Eclipse GT pushing over 240HP and my favorite of the 3 is still the 4 cylinder Celica GT.
Favorite Car!
5 out of 5 starsVanessa H, 10/19/2004
1996 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Hatchback
It took me a while to find the exact
car I wanted...and it was completely
worth the wait! This was the best car
I EVER had! We've been together for 7-
8 years and it's still in EXCELLENT
condition!
Fantastic quality automobile... Classic
4.63 out of 5 starsKeith, 01/25/2009
1996 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Convertible
This car was owned by my brother first for 4 years. It went through many drivers when he owned it and was always extremely reliable and economical to own. I bought it a few months ago after a minor accident. I fixed the imperfections and am now driving it everyday. It's getting about 23 mpg with the top down most of the time. It shifts very smooth and takes corners effortlessly. … Acceleration is about 10 seconds to 60 mph (automatic) and has about 93k on it. The styling is classic and even though a '96, not out of style in the least. Mine is black on black and always gets great comments on it's looks.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Toyota Celica, so we've included reviews for other years of the Celica since its last redesign.
1996 Celica Highlights
Coupe
GT
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $168/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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