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Toyota Celica (Hatchbacks / All Years)

1544 messages,  Last post on Jun 16, 2013 at 5:59 PM

You are in the Toyota Celica Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Celica, Coupe, Hatchback

Messages Page 99 of 155

#974 of 1544 by tundradude

Mar 04, 2003 (10:25 pm)

The Corolla GT-S really did not have a replacement until the new Celica GT-S. The Paseo replaced the 2-door Corolla line in 1992 and it lasted until 1997. We all know that the paseo was not much of a replacement.
 
The Celica ST came out in 71, GT in 74, GT-S in 82 or 83, with the All-trac in 88. Since the GT-S model, all of those models up till 1993 were serious handlers. My mom has a 1990 GT-S and I have proved the theory. All-tracs also handled well, however, they were heavier like the Supra and extremely rare. The 94-99 GT's were also known to handle. I know the new Celicas take handling to a higher level, but handling has been a strength in the past Celica. The new ones just have more power and less weight.
 
In 1990, the ST used a Corolla engine up till 1997, but it was still built off a Camry chassis. These ST'S had little power because the GT and GT-S from these years had average power like the one I currently own.
 
The Corolla GT-S from 85-91 shared most of its mechanicals with the 85-89 MR2. This basically meant high reving, short close shifter, loud motor, keep the neighbors up machine. Just this sound familiar with the new Celica GT-S. Finding parts for the car sometimes was annoying because they were unique. The new Celica doesn't share parts with the Corolla but it does share some with the Matrix. Same is true today.
 
Performance for my 89 Corolla GT-S was in the late 7's, early 8's range 0-60, and I did 135 in it once. There hasn't been a car since the Corolla GT-S that has been equivalent, maybe except for an Integra GS-R, but not from Toyota.
 
The new Celica (generation) is really close.
 
If you have looked at Celica History. They have low torque and redline low also. I know my 79 Celica that I had redlined at 5500 rpm and cruised at 2100 rpm. Up til 85, the Celicas shared the same engines they put in the little trucks. The 86-89 GT-S engine was somewhat close (It had a redline of 7000 with 135hp and somewhat less torque), but the engines haven't been since 90, till the new generation GT-S models in 00.
 
My 89 Corolla GT-S redlined at 7700 rpm, and crusied at 3400 rpm.
 
Doesn't the new Celica GT-S redline at 8000?
 
There is also no question that the Corolla and Matrix are made to be more stodgy. However, all of the engines in all three cars come from the same 1.8 makeup. One is built for 4WD 123hp, one for sedan quiteness 130hp, one to be slighlty higher 140hp, and to have fun 180hp.
 
I know the Corolla GT-S is one of the most underappreciated cars from the Toyota lineup, but the new Celica brings back not only the Corolla GT-S, but the old MR2 as well. Imagine if they put the 180hp in the new MR2.
 
The new Celica blends the handling prowness of previous Celicas (certain ones mentioned above)and the rev-happy performance of previous MR2's and Corolla GT-S's. The current generation also is smaller, weighs less, uses a 1.8 liter engine (weight), and costs less (adjusted for CPI) than several generation Celicas.

#975 of 1544 I don't know by nippononly

Mar 04, 2003 (11:17 pm)

that corolla GTS was so underappreciated - it was a great little car, and you still see plenty of slammed GTS's around, even now 15 years later. Compare that to the new celica - there are still very few with any aftermarket mods at all, despite Toyota's design intention to get "the kids" and aftermarket enthusiasts interested in this model again after a decade.
 
Problem was, corolla GTS competed too closely with celica, so Toyota had an infight on its hands. The corolla lost when they discontinued it. You can see why too, from the really lousy sales of the Paseo for those years. Paseo was really just a two-door Tercel in a slightly sportier, more stylish package.

#976 of 1544 80s CELICAS by zombo

Mar 05, 2003 (7:39 am)

IMHO the best celicas Toyota ever produced were the model years 1986-1989. These cars were roomy,zippy,great looking ,and available with options only found on more expensive cars[heated mirrors,tilt-telescopic steering wheel,auto shutoff lights-if you left them on they shut off as soon as the door was opened,digital dash,adjustable wiper delay,power ant,power seat].When my 86 GT was rear ended and totaled I upgraded to a 92 GTS which was great looking,but a total dog performance wise and only got 20-23 mpg-I averaged 30 with my 86 GT.I sold that after 1 year and got an 86 GTS ,which was a great car until I retired it-a victim of rust and old age,leaky seals etc.My current car is a 2003 Matrix XR[no room for 6'3"me in the new celicas,too narrow leg space]and it is a good car,but if I could get a new 86-89 GTS I would have it rustproofed and drive it til it dies!

#977 of 1544 by gambit293

Mar 05, 2003 (11:32 am)

Ok, I see; so you're saying that the current celica GT-S is the descendent of the Corolla GTS in spirit.
 
It'd be interesting if Toyota decided to make a performance version of the new Corolla (not that silly S-type package).
 
Interesting discussion. Thanks for sharing the info, all.
 
Btw, I think the actual engine cutoff for the current GT-S engine is 8200 (except for the 2002 Celica GT-S, which had an earlier engine cutoff).

#978 of 1544 Questionable Quality? by dq1

Mar 11, 2003 (7:39 pm)

Thought I'd share that I'm meeting with my Southeast Toyota Rep. tomorrow because my local Service Director won't work with me anymore because I might file under Florida's Lemon Law.
 
I put together a summary of all repairs done on my 2001 Celica GT in the past 2 years to get a feel for my cars overall quality. Here are my surprising results. My car has been in the shop for 29 warranty repairs! Of those, 18 are unique, the remainder are items which required more than one visit.
 
Repair items range from window regulator to belt and tensioner to a metallic rattling noise coming from a cold engine (still a mystery to the dealer) to horrible wind noise and water leaks.
 
I thought this one would last me for a long time, but I think its time for an RSX. I hope all of you have better luck than I did.

#979 of 1544 funny by nippononly

Mar 12, 2003 (6:24 pm)

you should mention those water leaks - I remember when I first got mine the window had been installed misaligned...it went up and down just fine, but when I went to the car wash, BOY did I get a cold wet surprise! It came sloshing in as if the window were down!

#980 of 1544 by coolguyky7

Mar 16, 2003 (4:00 pm)

My cousin has an automatic 2000 GTS. He was driving down the road in the fog (not sure if road or interstate) and hit something on the road and now his air conditioning isn't working. Does anyone know what might have happened? The object he hit is unknown.

#981 of 1544 by guitarzan

Mar 16, 2003 (4:34 pm)

Whoa! Physical damage--get it looked at. Who knows? Could have cut the belt and done damage elsewhere.

#982 of 1544 coolguyky7 by lngtonge18

Mar 17, 2003 (8:39 am)

More than likely either the drier or the condenser for the AC system was damaged. The drier is a metal cylindrical canister normally located in the front of the car around the grill area. The condenser looks just like the radiator and is also located at the very front of the car in the grille. The object he hit probably punctured one of these items and let all the freon out. Good luck.

#983 of 1544 coolguyky7 by dq1

Mar 17, 2003 (12:22 pm)

Definitely get it looked at. The new celicas have a plastic "shield" under the engine compartment. My guess is to decrease drag and keep sand/dirt out of the engine compartment. I've seen the dealer remove it everytime the oil is changed. Whatever he hit had to go through that plastic shield before damaging something in the engine compartment. If it were mine, I'd definitely have it seen by a pro.

Messages Page 99 of 155

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