1992 Toyota Celica GT Convertible 2.3L Twin Cam 16v from North America

Summary:

Fun, Fast, and Reliable

Faults:

The battery died at about 169,000 miles, but I know it hadn't been replaced in a long time, so it was to be expected.

One of my tires went completely flat, I had to buy a new one for 78 dollars.

My windshield wipers had to be replaced because they were very old, that was about 15 dollars.

AC blows, but the air is not very cold. I don't want to hassle with fixing it, so I can just take the top down or roll down the windows.

Radio was working when I bought the car, but producing no noise. Replaced it for 100 dollars, because the dealer wanted over 300 dollars to replace it!

General Comments:

This car was my first car, and I have no regrets about it.

I think I would not have preferred a convertible, simply due to the fact that the top needs to be replaced and it costs money, however when I bought the car it was relatively new and it is still in great shape.

The car really packs a punch, and for a 4 cylinder car really keeps up with the competition. For those times when it lags a bit, there is a ECT POWER button that gives the car a little boost. I enjoy using this on a hill where my car needs to speed up a little.

The room in the front seats is fine, actually, better than fine. The backs seats may not be so comfortable, but I am only 17 and therefore it isn't too hard for people to get in and out of. However, I have sat in the back for a ride, and it's not so bad. Just don't get stuck there for an extremely long trip.

The seat belts are a bit hard to reach from the front. My mother always had a problem with that.

It is a bit noisy to drive in on the freeway, due to the convertible top, but it is nothing that turning up the radio can't fix. It never really bothered me, but for people who need a quiet ride, this isn't the car for you.

For a first car this was really fun, but not the most practical. I will always love this car and the fun memories, but now it is time for me to move on to something more practical.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th August, 2003

1992 Toyota Celica 1.6 ST 1.6 from Italy

Summary:

A nice and very reliable car with a great design

Faults:

Front disk brakes replaced twice a year (every 20000 km) due to excessive vibrations. Issue permanently fixed with "Brembo" kit.

Cruise-control broken at 100.000 km.

Alternator ball bearing substituted at 150.000 km.

Clutch substituted at 250.000 km.

Internal switches quality and materials very poor.

Air conditioning and ventilation never been effective.

Original AM/FM radio too basic.

General Comments:

Good value for money car.

Still prefer its design if compared with most recent Celica.

Too heavy car for a 1.6 Lt engine, but still fast once adequately launched.

Never had any electrical problems, only changed one front headlight lamp in 6 years.

Original front wheel brakes under engineered for the car's weight.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th June, 2003

1992 Toyota Celica GT Convertible 2.2 four cylinders from North America

Summary:

Fun car for anyone who cannot afford a Porsche and do not need a Porsche

Faults:

Stalled in the traffic lights a few times, I was told that was caused by dirty fuel injectors (12 yrs old car). I added one bottle of STP Fuel Injector Cleaner ($3.50) to a full tank gas and fixed the problem.

Surfaced front breaks' disc due to the vibration in the high speed break. $60.

Need a new convertible top for the cosmetic reason more than function.

General Comments:

A fun and practical car. Good looking, which was a very fresh design in 1990. Nothing better than the convertible in the summer. Fast and stable. Good traction on wet surface. Strong break. Front seats are comfortable, real seats is tight, but you got 4 seats. The trunk is good size consider it is a small car and convertible. it is a good car on daily winter driving too, although the rear visibility is not as good as non-convertible model since the plastic rear window could not provide a clear rear view as the glass one. No window defrost.

It is cheap to own. Great Toyota reliability means low maintenance cost and celica is not a expensive car to fix even in the dealer. Good gas mileage and use regular gasoline. Although the high performance tires are expensive, but it is worth every penny.

Good body paints. Consider it is a 12 yrs old car and in Northern USA, the body still in a good shape. The car still has the original muffler.

Good suspension. Celica GT has a tight and supportive suspension. It gives you a good road feeling on high speed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th April, 2003