2003 Toyota Celica
My 1994 Celica GT was the most reliable car I had ever owned. The only repair ever needed during the time I owned it was replacement of the CV boots which is a fairly common issue with Toyotas. By the fall of 2002 this car had never developed so much as a rattle. So why was I at the dealership looking at the 2003s? My 㥦 was starting to rust. Well I guess I should say it had started to rust a little while before I started taking it in for the body shop estimates. My estimate to bring it back was about $2500.00. Not really too crazy to have a new body again, but the problem was that body repair guys I spoke to all said that there is really no guarantee that rust won’t quickly start again from the inside after repairs. So after thinking about it for a bit, I decided to start looking at the new models.
New Generation for Celica
The current generation of Celica’s is I believe the 7th and started with the 2000 model. Prior to 2000 the 6th generation (1994-1999) was characterized by a sleek rounded design, some sporty and some luxury car features, and pricing more towards the luxury car market. The 㥦 I had was a great car, and the higher pricing (at least where I live) was not really a bad thing as it kept the car fairly rare which added to its exoticism.
When the 2000’s came out radically redesigned and lower in price I initially thought that I’d end up owning something else next, but when the time came to search I had already heard some good things about the car and decided to give it the benefit of the doubt.
The newest generation of Celica featured some interesting changes which go beyond the modern sharper styling. First off they had to find away to bring the costs down in order to pass on reduced pricing to the consumer. This they did by eliminating some frills and standardizing some options. The inside door lights are gone, the engine is smaller (but actually offers slightly better horsepower (perhaps in part due to the lighter weight of the vehicle), some motorization of such things as the air vents I believe had been economized. The headlights while stylishly different also are now without the air-bubble level indicators which were on the 6th generation Celica’s (a fascinating feature). The car has lost some weight and been shortened about 4 inches. This feels like a smaller car although the dimensions for width and available storage space are identical. (The hatchback actually holds slightly less due to either reduced length or height or a combination of both). Gas mileage has increased making this one of the best cars in its class for fuel efficiency. The Celica has maintained its great road handling ability into the current generation. The placement of equipment in relation to the drivers seat is still well thought out and convenient. This car has some added horsepower and combining this with the reduced weight of the vehicle makes a noticeable improvement in available torque over the last generation of Celicas. The interior is as roomy as ever for the driver and front seat passenger (although leg room in the back seat has been reduced noticeably).
Slight Differences for 2003
There have been some slight changes from the 2002 to 2003 models including a redesign of the front grille and hood scoop. The taillights have also become all red (they used to be yellow and red). Some minor changes to the engine as well.
Differences Between the GT and GTS.
The biggest difference between the GT and the GT-S, besides the price difference of about $4000.00) was the 6 speed transmission for the GT-S (vs. 5 speed on the GT). This is an interesting difference although I found it more of a novelty than a significant step up in performance. The gears on this car are tight even on the 5 speed and cramming an extra gear position in there really requires some precision when changing gears as to not miss the one you’re going for. There is also a difference in the engines with the GT-S sporting a 1.8 litre VVTL-i Efi engine while the GT has a 1.8 litre VVT-i Efi. The difference is slightly higher lift in the cam of the VVTL-i which translates into a little more consistency in power. Of course both the GT and the GT-S come with a 4 speed automatic, but the dealership I bought from didn’t even offer them (although I’m sure one could have one shipped in if I would have insisted).
Other standard differences include 4 disc brakes on the GT-S (this used to be standard on all models in previous generations) while the GT has front disc and rear drum brakes. The standard tires supplied are slightly different too (205/55VR15s for the GT-S and 195/60VR15s for the GT). Leather interior was also available on the GT-S while I believe it was not an option for the GT as well as a JBL stereo vs the standard Toyota stereo (which actually isn’t that bad). .
What I decided on was the GT with the extended option package which included the moon roof, fog lights, alloy wheels, cruise control, power windows and door locks.
As well I believe the normal spoiler is now standard across all packages. The price was a couple of thousand dollars less than the GT-S which in my opinion made the most sense.
Overall Impressions
This car, as is the case Celicas of days gone by, is basically a lot of fun to drive. It handles very well and the extra torque is a welcome improvement over the heavier 6th generation models. The drivers compartment is well designed and access to everything is convenient. Although this is a low car entering and exiting the drivers seat is very comfortable. The ride is comfortable and smooth although on longer trips the drivers seat can become slightly uncomfortable. I find that when approaching about an hour on the road I have to take my wallet out of my back pocket to make the ride more comfortable. The overall feel of this car is more rigid / sporty than luxurious. The car can feel a little stiff over bumps which is to be expected. The road noise level is also more in line with a sports car than a luxury car, but engine noise is decidedly better than in previous Celica incarnations. Although my Celica is only about 8 months old, it feels very solid with no squeaks or rattles. The 9 year old Celica I owned previously was the same and never developed any. Thus I am ready to assume that this one will be the same. Overall a fun ride rather than a luxurious one (another vehicle of ours is a 2003 Ford Taurus which rides like a luxury car). For turning at speeds and for acceleration and maneuvering this car scores high. For long trip comfort I would say it get a medium rating.
Conclusion
Overall, this is a fun car to drive. The difference between the feel of the GT-S and the GT (test drove them both) is there, but isn’t significant enough to justify the price difference. I believe they are selling a lot more GT models than GT-S ones. The traditional great handling is there, and thus far the solid workmanship which is characteristic of Toyota seems to be there too. This car has a little more power than that of the generation which preceded it and yet is better on fuel. Leg room in the back seat could be better, but this is a sports car. Comparative models were the Acura RSX, and the Honda Accord neither of which quite measured up in terms of a combination of value, features and sporty-ness. Although this isn’t a high-end sports car, it’s still got a good sports car feel and is yet convenient for carrying things around in (liftback) and won’t break the bank in the showroom or at the pumps. The styling is modern and unique and grows on you pretty quickly. Recommended purchase for someone who is discerning but isn’t ready for a sedan yet.
Amount Paid (US$): 17200
Condition: New
Model Year: 2003
Model and Options: GT 5 speed manual
