2002 Toyota Celica Review
2002 Toyota Celica Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Radical styling, rev-happy GT-S engine, outstanding steering/braking/handling.
Cons
- Mediocre interior materials, difficult-to-master six-speed shifter, doesn't offer much in terms of features.
What’s new
There are no changes to the 2002 Toyota Celica.
Edmunds says
A distinctive and entertaining sport coupe biased toward performance rather than convenience.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$157/mo for Celica GT
Celica GT
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Introduced in 2000, the latest Toyota Celica is a sharp, if somewhat high-strung, performer. Styled in California by Calty Design Research, the Celica's cab-forward shape features a high-fashion look with racecar design elements. Sharp-edged panels, dramatic plunging curves, a tall tail and a radically lowered front fascia create stark contrasts.
There are two versions on sale: a base-level Celica GT and a more-powerful GT-S. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder dual overhead camshaft engine powers the Celica GT-S. Hitting an impressive mark of 100 horsepower per liter of displacement, the engine generates 180 ponies at 7,600 rpm and 133 pound-feet of torque at 6,800 rpm. The GT-S powerplant, co-developed with Yamaha, utilizes Toyota's new VVT-i engine technology. Similar in concept to Honda's VTEC, the system can adjust both valve timing and lift. The GT model's adequate 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces 140 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque at 6,400 rpm.
Celica GT and GT-S are both available with different variations of automatic and manual transmissions. GT comes standard with a five-speed manual gearbox. Optional on both trims is a four-speed automatic transmission, equipped with E-shift steering wheel-mounted buttons in the GT-S. These allow for "manual" shifting of the automatic transmission. The manual transmission in the GT-S features six forward gears, but the shifter gates are closely spaced and it's easy to select the wrong gear.
Suspension and braking systems provide outstanding handling and performance. The front suspension utilizes MacPherson struts with offset springs and a solid antiroll bar, while the rear suspension employs a double-wishbone design with a camber-control function and a solid antiroll bar. ABS is optional on both models. The Celica GT rides on 15x6.5-inch steel wheels with 195/60R15 tires, while the high-grade GT-S features 15x6.5-inch alloy wheels on 205/55R15 tires. Both models offer optional aluminum alloy wheels, sized 16 inches for the GT-S.
Celica's interior is stylish, functional and comfortable for two adults and a healthy amount of their gear. A simple, downswept dash layout, big analog gauges, sporty bucket seats, faux-drilled metal pedals and fashionable metallic silver accents add to Celica's cockpit ambience, but material quality is less than impressive. Both GT and GT-S offer a center console big enough to hold eight CD cases, as well as two oversized cups. The rear seatbacks also can be folded forward, providing additional cargo space. Driver and front-passenger airbags are standard, and side airbags are optional. GT-S models can be equipped with leather.
Until recently, Celicas were generally considered slow, overweight and expensive. Detractors claimed they were "secretary's cars." Not anymore. The 2002 Celica, especially in GT-S trim, is one of the most exciting sport coupes sold. While it might be too loud and polarizing for some, we have no problem recommending it to those who want a fairly affordable and entertaining vehicle.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Toyota Celica.
5 star(93%)
4 star(5%)
3 star(1%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
97 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
BEST CAR
steelerfox, 10/18/2012
2002 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
I have a 2002 celica gt with original action package. i love this car. i got this car as my first car 3 years ago and i will never get rid of it. this car will remain in my garage even after i get a new car. this car is amazing fun to drive
possibly to much fun. it has been extremely reliable and the only problem i have had is an eval check engine light. fortunately i know a mechanic … who helped me get that sorted out. this car is gorgeous and people tell me how much they love it all the time. it does very decent for a little car in the snow. i live on lake ontario in NY and we get quite a bit of snow but she has never let me down. the back seat is useless but who cares its not a family car.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Toyota, Please bring this car back
qkslvr, 05/13/2010
2002 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
I bought my 2002 new and have 190,000 miles on it. I just returned from a seven week 9400 mile road trip. My guitar, my golf clubs, my clothes with room for a passenger. This is one of those amazing cars like the old Honda Civic Hatchback that do so many things well. On top of that, this design was over the top for a $20K sports car. I hope you all recall the great commercials … implying that the car looked like it was going 60 while standing still. Since Toyota sold nearly as many of these as Mitsubishi did of their Eclipse I still don't understand the move to discontinue it. Let's face it, the MR2 may have been a performer but one could never travel in it with more than a carry-on.
4.88 out of 5 stars
I love my Marklar!
Clarg , 02/05/2003
2002 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
I bought my Celica last summer and I
love it. It is fun to drive and handles
really well. I couldn't believe it when
I realized I could take corners and not
have to slow down! Warning: if you are
used to driving a Celica, and have to
drive another car (i.e. a rental on
vacation), drive safely, because I
nearly killed myself when I drove a
Corolla for a few days and … forgot that
a Corolla doesn't handle like a Celica!
4.88 out of 5 stars
Great car and fun to drive
Keri, 06/19/2008
2002 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
I have to say I was hesitant about buying this car. I liked the look of the car but the size worried me a bit. I am so glad I bought it. It has been reliable and really fun to drive. It is small and at times, I have had to sit in the back seat and I was cramped. However, I rarely do that. I don't care, the performance, gas mileage, the look, etc. make it well worth it. I love my … car.
2002 Celica Highlights
GT
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $17,085 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $157/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.9 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
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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