1997 Toyota Celica Review
1997 Toyota Celica Review
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Appraise This CarToyota Celica model years
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Toyota dependability, fun-to-drive, fuel efficient
Cons
- Styling, high price
What’s new
For the 1997 Toyota Celica, the GT Coupe is gone, and Fiesta Blue Metallic can be specified for cars equipped with black sport cloth interior.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Hatchback 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 $3.17 per gallon for regular unleaded in Arkansas.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Arkansas
$179/mo for Celica GT
Celica GT
vs
$161/mo
Avg. Compact Car
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. 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 fabric. Get black sport cloth, and you can select Fiesta Blue Metallic paint, which is new for 1997.
ST models are rather basic, and power is supplied by the same 1.8-liter twin-cam four cylinder found in the Corolla DX. This powerplant 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. GT is only available as a liftback or a convertible this year, because Toyota dropped the coupe version. 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 nearly $25,000, 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 Pontiac Sunfire GT, Mustang GT Convertible, and Acura Integra LS are available for the taking.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Toyota Celica.
5 star(91%)
4 star(9%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
34 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Wow!
Oh, joy!, 02/19/2007
1997 Toyota Celica GT Limited Edition 2dr Convertible
I bought this car just shy of two weeks ago and I cannot believe how pleased I am already. The GT is a performance machine that lives up to every expectation. It gets going in a hurry, feels like it will never let go of the road, and makes the driver truly a part of the drive. Sitting in this car felt like home to me right from the start of the test drive. It is also a Toyota, which … gives me every confidence in its reliability. Finally, the fun-to-drive factor is way beyond a mere "10." The only negative I can find about it is the placement of the cupholders. But this is a non-issue placed alongside the overwhelming positives. It's a winner.
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing little cars.
97st6gc5spdhbk, 05/19/2012
1997 Toyota Celica ST 2dr Hatchback
I'm amazed at the quality & overall craftsmanship Toyota put into this car. It ALWAYS starts. 5 speed combined w/ the 1.8 4cyl makes gas mileage INSANELY good! Full tank gets 400+ miles. Car is also super light & brakes easily/quickly. I've seen alot of people complaining about a 'lack of power' ...really? If you wanted power why would you buy a 4cyl "Sports" car? I've never had a … problem passing someone when needed. All-in-all I feel this car makes for aa good investment. 193k without a problem here!
4.75 out of 5 stars
Almost perfect
Celica fan in DC, 09/10/2004
1997 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Convertible
I finally settled on this car after a
year of shopping and have been happy
with it ever since. The cockpit fits
like a glove, with plenty of leg room
(I'm 6'2"), the car corners on rails,
and has enough power to get out of
trouble. Surprisingly quiet with the
top up and shear pleasure with it down.
The reviewers seem to think something is
wrong with the styling, but … I still have
people walk up to me at lights and tell
me how beautiful the car is.
After seven years of driving this car, I
only have two real complaints - 1. The
cup holders are in an awkward spot. 2.
Toyota stopped making it.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Fun car-simple too
slyfox, 02/04/2003
1997 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Hatchback
I've had this car for 4 months now and
it truely is a blast. Great handling
(FWD), good acceleration (could use a
little more at times). Toyota
Quality. And the best of all, you are
more likely to see 100 preludes,
cavaliers, or sunfires before you see
just one of these beauties on the
road. Toyota should have kept this
style, it's much better than the new
celica … body design.
Overall, try it and you will love it.
1997 Celica Highlights
Convertible
GT
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $179/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.2 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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