1992 Toyota Celica GT 2.2 from North America

Summary:

A very dependable and rather sporty car

Faults:

I purchased a 1992 Celica GT in 2001 and have put 40000 miles on it since. Its ran great for me since I have owned it. Whether on interstate or back country roads it handle and runs fantastic and has never caused my any problems. The only things I have had to do is ragular maintanence to the vehicle. Before I owned the Celica I drove a 1991 Dodge Daytona. You boys talk about a quick car, this old thing had a 3.0 v6 and would run with the best of them. Even though it was heavy, the 3.0 would pull it around quite well.

The engine did start to burn a little oil, but it still runs pretty good, though my brother has been a bit rough on it.

General Comments:

I have a few questions for the boys with early 90's celica like mine. First off, is it really useless to add any sort of lower cost mods to up the power and capable speed? What mods are worth adding on? I really haven't done much to the car besides a few small cosmetic extras. I put 15 inch chrome rims (wanted to stick w/stock so I wouldn't lose any horsepower, tinted windows, and put a kicking stereo in it. Looks are not everything to me though. I want a car that will run descently quick. My first car was a 1966 Ford Thunderbird with a 390 V8. It was a beast and had all sorts of power. I still own the Thunderbird, its going in the shop sometime this winter for a total body restoration, although not much is needed. It only has 52000 miles on it and 3 rust bubbles on the rear quarter panels. I just want to ask for peoples suggestions on hyping up the celica? Also I'd like suggestions on beefing up the 390 V8. You can send your emails to Gallaher06@aol.com. Thanks a lot for your comments. I hope to get some good ideas.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th November, 2002

8th Apr 2003, 19:30

There are a few easy, somewhat low cost mods you can do to the car, especially one such as the Celica. For instance, an AEM Cold Air Intake will add from 9-15hp to your car, and AEM sells them for 250 dollars, and they are not difficult to install. You can get cheaper CAIs as well, but AEM tends to have the best quality and best hp improvement.

Another simple mod is adding a new exhaust system, either just the muffler and tail pipe (s), or the whole system. This can run from 100-3000 dollars depending on the system, and can up your hp by about the same amount as the CAI, and it gives you better gas mileage. Beyond this, some mods are computer chips and flywheels, though they tend to get a bit more expensive. Check out NOPI's site (I'm not sure of the URL), they have tons of great upgrades and awesome prices. Hit me up at zeropunkblader@aol.com if you have other questions.

22nd May 2007, 16:59

The revision two 3SGE (which is what you should have) is restricted on its intake. The exhaust is fine for up to 200 bhp. The real let down is the management, it's a good system, but changing to a stand-alone programmable ECU would work wonders for future work.

With ITBs, cams, light porting (very light) and bigger inlet valves you can program in a good 200 if its all setup well. Any more than this is too much money.

Import an ST185 or ST205 if you can, all the celica goodness with a turbocharger and full time 4WD.

:)

1992 Toyota Celica GT Convertible 2.2L V4 from North America

Summary:

It will be hard to part with my reliable, loyal Celica when the time comes.

Faults:

The AC compressor went out which was very expensive to repair. Just recently, the evaporator started to leak.

I've replaced the retractable antenna twice due to antenna motor failure.

Oil leaks, oil leaks, oil leaks despite gasket replacement. And the power steering leaks, too.

The factory CD player and tape player do not work, but hey-the car's almost 11 years old.

I've replaced 2 of the power window switches due to contact failures.

General Comments:

Even though I have plenty of repairs in the history book, this car has only actually broken down on me once (the timing belt) in 8 years of ownership.

The things that have gone wrong with it over time have mostly been cosmetic problems, however have been very expensive to repair/replace.

I still get admirers even though the car is over a decade old.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th September, 2002