1998 Toyota Celica Review
1998 Toyota Celica Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Toyota reliability, fuel efficient, fun-to-drive.
Cons
- Only available in GT model, high price, funky styling.
What’s new
For the 1998 Toyota Celica, the Celica ST trim is eliminated. GT's get more standard features and one new color: Caribbean Green Metallic.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Convertible 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$198/mo for Celica GT
Celica GT
vs
$179/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 upgraded, snug, supportive seats, covered in fabric.
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. The GT is available as a coupe, liftback or convertible this year. 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, 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 1998 Toyota Celica.
5 star(93%)
4 star(7%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
42 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
Still a superior car
hondoman45, 06/21/2013
1998 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Coupe
This is my fourth Celica and all have been great cars.
Good power and handling, great gas mileage (about 29 mpg overall), and reliability that other car makers can only dream of.
It's nice to be low to the ground in a fast car!
It has a pretty smooth ride and is quieter than most at speed.
Not many people buy these so it's rare to see another one during a week.
I don't want to sell this … one I've got as there just isn't a car I'd rather have!
With over 175k, it runs like new and is close to new in looks as well.
Toyota rocks!
I have the automatic and love it!
Update 06/21/2016: Still have this and my son loves driving it. These are rare but cheap to keep. If maintained I see no end in sight for this car.
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Toyota Celica, so we've included reviews for other years of the Celica since its last redesign.
1998 Celica Highlights
Convertible
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $198/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 6.8 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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