Unlike practically anyone else (Germans, Swedes, Americans), the Japanese are not very daring. They don't change entire systems in cars when they re-model them. I'm not saying they don't have problems, but in my opinion, problems are rare because they rarely change major components. I typically go with Honda and Toyota because they require oil changes and nothing else.
That being said, I have 2000 miles on my 2000 Celica GTS. Sometimes there is a slight rattle from the moonroof cover, and I just started getting a little rubbing feeling in the brakes. I'll have to take it in, but I wonder if perhaps I got a warped rotor or similar. The car drives like a dream otherwise.
#364 of 1543 Re Celica reliability & visibility
by oneibt
May 23, 2001 (7:44 am)
anna12 & cdelle
I have a 2001 Celica GT with 3000 miles on it. The visibilty for lane changes is certainly limited, but between adjusting the mirrors out and just getting used to it I don't have any serious problems anymore. I do have to admit however, that backing up is an adventure.
As far as reliability, Toyota and Honda have the best reputations in the business. My personal experience with Toyota has been great. My Celica has had no problems and my 92 Tercel has 130,000 miles with no problems.
I can't help you with the sound system. I bought the standard 6 speaker system and am very happy with it. I guess I'm just not a connosieur.
Overall, I am very happy with my Celica. The acceleration could be better, but I'm already afraid I'm going to be getting a lot of tickets, so it's probably just as well. The handling is outstanding. I purposely search out curvy back roads so I can really push it. All in all, a real blast to drive.
Oh, and concerning headroom. I'm 6 feet tall and fit just fine, but when I sat in a sunroof model, it did brush my hair.
Upshot: If you want the best rep for safety buy the Volvo. If you want the best rep for reliability, not to mention a lot of fun and great looks, buy the Celica.
Buy whatever car that you want to buy. You are guaranteed only one life, so you should do whatever makes you happy, not what makes someone else happy.
As far as being safety conscious, the superb handling and brakes make the Celica a very safe car. I feel that a vehicle's ability to avoid an accident is more important than how many air bags blow up in your face if you screw up.
My mother (who would kill me if I revealed her age) has driven nothing but red, sporty cars (Camaro, 240SX convertible, and Firebird) for the last 15 years. By the way, I am almost 30 and my mother was -1 when I was born. She was on the cover of "Weekly World News" with the headline: "Woman gives birth to child before conception!" You are only as young as you feel.
I have 15,000 and 1.5 years on my GT 2K auto. So far no problems, if not to mention body damage - someone parked into my car. The damage was not big, but they had to replace the whole side panel because this is _japaniese_ car, steel is too thin. What I would complain about is bad cruise control programming - easily gets into resonance and often shifts to third and the only way to get out is to turn cruise off and on. Someone may say that this is because it is 4cyl, but I can easily keep steady speed on the same road without cruise control, so it must be faulty program. Otherwise Celica is real fun to drive. I have noticed that in general american cars have better auto transmission and cruise control.
You can talk about great Toyota and Honda reliabilityI - but I also have Mercury Grand Marquise, which has 70K and is 6 years old - I had no real problems with that, only tape player was replaced in the beginning, and recently I got new front brakes. And it is a great car - I have hard time believing that Celica can cost as much as this street ship, - but you are not going to have much fun in it, it is a serious luxury transportation, great for the family.
#368 of 1543 Thanks very much for the advice and experiences from this group
by anna12
May 23, 2001 (3:46 pm)
Sounds like your celicas are as reliable and safe as I could wish! I feel like I have one more "sporty" car in me before I need to retire to the rocker and the Volvo!
How are insurance costs on your celicas, any particular companies offer the best deals?
Anna
anna12 - Maybe you should look into a BMW 325i or ci. These offer acceleration, unmatched handling and by far, better looks than any japanese car. I will admit, the toyota reliability you won't get. BMWs are reliable however.
Superior looks to a new Celica? What cave do you live in micga? I'm only asking 'cause I wonder if your cave is near mine, and if I should stop by to say hello
Micga,
Who wouldn't love a BMW? Are you suggesting that the best features of a celica can be found in a competitive price range Beamer? I have to admit I didn't even check it out-I need to stay well below $30,000. I'm figuring on around 25K for the celica, with lots of goodies, fun driving and and good looks (though maybe not as classy as the BMW!). Maybe if that lottery ticket comes through. Anna
#372 of 1543 For those interested: Celica GT-S Video Clip
by pocahontas
May 24, 2001 (8:43 am)
Please note: you'll now find a link to Edmunds.com's new video of the Toyota Celica GT-S in the Additional Resources box on the left side of the page. Happy Motoring!