2002 Toyota Celica GT 1.8 Liter 1zz

Summary:

The worst investment I have ever made

Faults:

Check engine light comes on repeatedly.

Plastics or splash shields are likely and have fallen off.

The car stutters and hesitates frequently at start up, or after driving for extended periods of time.

Lift back shocks stopped working very shortly after I purchased the car, and cost $300 a pair from the dealer to replace. (More expensive than the shocks and struts of the vehicle suspension).

Engine has had a loud knock and tick since 2005.

The car is extremely noisy inside the cabin.

General Comments:

Would trade my Celica for my old Prelude in a heartbeat, despite spending over $25,000 on financing this junk.

Seats are uncomfortable.

The visibility of blind spots is horrible.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th May, 2009

15th May 2009, 20:42

Another good reason to buy a domestic car. Your Celica sounds almost as bad as our Honda Civic. We drive Ford and GM now. No problems at all.

21st May 2009, 21:07

I own a GT myself, and the little things happening are just typical for a Japanese car as the miles get up there. My shocks are shot, I've got to watch my oil a bit more, but if you take care of it, it will take care of you.

You mention a strange "tick"...the VVT-i system produces valve tick, which is not uncommon on many 4 cylinder motors. From what I've researched on Celica forums, it's nothing really to worry about; it comes and goes. I'd say just keep putting miles on your Celica and try to take care of it.

24th Apr 2011, 22:50

My 2002 Celica has been awesome. I love the seats. Yes the lift back struts are dead and it is a bit noisy inside @ 126 miles per hour. My engine runs better than it did new @ 152k. If it was a Ford or Chevy it would be about ready to expire. The steering and handling is better than anything ever made in America, besides the new Corvettes. I could have bought a Z28 for the same price, but how many of them do you see anymore? It would have been falling apart by now!

2002 Toyota Celica GT-S 1.8 turbo 4 cylinder

Summary:

By far the best car I've ever owned!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

The handling is perfect. I got it lowered. I'll take any car on back roads!!!

Interior is a 9/10. The only down side is I'm 6'2", so there's no room for anybody in the back seats.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st August, 2007

2002 Toyota Celica GT 1.8

Summary:

Very fast, and Mean!

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car yet. The only thing I can say is that the brakes sometimes squeak on me when I break going really slow. Other than that the car is perfect!

General Comments:

Handle's like mad!!! I love the way the car runs. Very fast for only being a 1.8! Beats an Eclipse or Civic anytime. Believe me, I've done it without any mods to the engine. HA

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st July, 2005

14th Sep 2005, 10:29

Hey there... I have a 2001 Eclipse and it's FAST FAST. Thinking of getting a 'Yota Celica. What does anyone suggest?? I have heard bad things about both!!!

My Eclipse has 105000, the clear coat's cracked and the resale value sucks. Has anyone else had this problem?

2002 Toyota Celica GT 2.0

Summary:

Excellent value for the money

Faults:

Factory recall for lubricant in cruise control.

Front brakes "clack" when brake pedal depressed, but dealer says this is normal.

General Comments:

Excellent value for the money, my GT fairly loaded cost $17,800.

I replaced the original noisy, hard riding tires with some B F Goodrich Touring HR/4 tires, which were quieter and softer. Now have second set of Michelin Alpine Arctic for the winter.

Rustproofed the car.

Great handling, gas mileage (34 MPG on highway), ride, looks, acceleration.

Improvements would be more expensive seat materials, more adjustments and settings in the drivers seat, steering wheel that would adjust closer and farther away, and more rear seat leg room.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th November, 2003

2002 Toyota Celica GT 1.8

Summary:

A super fun car with great overall value

Faults:

To date I have not had any problems with anything wearing or being defective on the car.

General Comments:

Gas mileage is super even when pushed hard.

Car isn't terrific off the line, but once it begins revving it takes off hard.

Car looks terrific, I've had strange girls follow me home more than once...

Cockpit feels great, it wraps around the driver and you feel like you're wearing the car.

Corners and breaks like a race car!

The factory stereo is surprisingly good!

Not recommended for overly tall people.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th September, 2002

14th Apr 2011, 14:54

I'm 6ft 6in and found it comfortable; a little tight, but way better than my reg cab truck...