1999 Toyota Celica Review
1999 Toyota Celica Review
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Used Celica for sale
Appraise This CarToyota Celica model years
Toyota Celica types
- Convertible
- Hatchback
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- The 1999 Toyota Celica offers rock-solid reliability.
Cons
- Cost, looks, power (or lack thereof).
What’s new
The Celica GT Sport Coupe has been discontinued along with the color Galaxy Blue Metallic.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 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 $3.20 per gallon for regular unleaded in Kansas.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Kansas
$181/mo for Celica GT
Celica GT
vs
$160/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
With the rapid disappearance of smaller, sporty cars, we have to wonder how long the Celica will hold out. This model has been through many iterations with the current one still a bit, well, eclectic to say the least. If not for the odd headlights it would be a pretty car. The front styling, which reminds our staffers of several species of brutal marine life, is just too radical to be considered handsome.
However, the interior of the Celica is pleasant, with a subdued driving environment that places the controls in all the right places. The effect is somewhat Teutonic in nature, and is nicely complimented by upgraded seats, which are snug, supportive, and covered in a quality 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 disc brakes are standard: ABS is optional. The GT is available as a liftback or convertible this year. Compared to the surviving members of the sporty car class, the Celica is woefully underpowered. But, boy, it's as reliable as Grandma's pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving dinner.
A 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 liftback, but hauling around some extra weight, don't expect the Celica convertible to impress the kids in their hot-rod Hondas.
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 Mustang GT, Camaro Z28, and Integra GS-R are ready and willing to give you more bang-for-the-buck.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Toyota Celica.
5 star(92%)
4 star(8%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
59 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Tough and beautiful
jt, 12/15/2008
1999 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Hatchback
Purchased this beauty silver Celica GT brand new in June 1999. Came with one defect (cold hard start). The dealer right away on 5-6 separate occasions kept saying they can't find anything wrong. I don't think they even bother to check, car seemed tobe just dumped there. Finally got it repaired (idle air control valve) more than 2 years ago by a local shop. Thereafter, the car has never … given me any problems except a brand new water tank. This is a tough safe durable car, although it doesn't run that fast. Comfort is OK, except for the cup holder. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Car!!
cowgirlz07, 08/17/2007
1999 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Hatchback
I have always wanted a Celica. When I finally got one, I was so excited. Unfortunately, I only had it 3 weeks before it was totaled. I thought it was a great car. The car had great safety, which is why I'm still alive. I was t-boned in my driver's door and got buried in the woods. My car was demolished, but I escaped with only stitches and a concussion. Great car performance-wise and … safety-wise!! Would recommend to anybody. I had the 5 spd and for me it had great pick-up and handled great.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Very Fun Car So Far
jwalsh, 11/28/2004
1999 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Convertible
Just picked this car up in early
November. Very clean black GT
Convertible (Manual Trans).
No complaints at all, just some minor
fixes to make with the seals where the
rear and front windows meet.
This car handles like a dream. It is
a tad bit underpowered for its weight,
but it grips the road so good, that
you can just whip it around for some
real fun … driving.
The car is very sharp, and becoming
increasingly rare as time goes on.
Standard features from Toyota include
a decent stereo (with 75k, the door
panels do rattle a bit). Easy to use
climate controls, glass rear window,
and convenient cruise control
Would wish for a little better gas
milage 25mpg overall.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 Toyota Celica, so we've included reviews for other years of the Celica since its last redesign.
1999 Celica Highlights
Convertible
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $181/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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