2000 Toyota Celica GT-S 1.8 VVTL-i from Lebanon

Summary:

Indeed a well performing entry level sports car

Faults:

Check engine light kept lighting up because of the poor quality of the fuel available where I live.

Two separate bumps in the fuselage, one on the front right bumper, and one on the back left bumper, due to poor handling in the port (I had the car shipped from the USA to where I live).

Since the first day I got it, it seems that the back-left woofer is suffering from some kind of defect, since it would start distorting bass sounds on the higher volumes (While the other woofer doesn't seem to have any problem).

No major problems however.

General Comments:

Very precise pedals and handling make the car feel like it's on rails (Quick brakes and steering, short and quick transmission lever), however they make you dread any mistakes as a less experienced driver will risk stalling the car.

Excellent acceleration, but sometimes brutal enough to make you lose traction on the first 2 gears if you're using crappy wheels.

Comfortable front seats, comparable to gaming seats, but awful back seats, more suitable for torture than for seating.

Automatic headlights, front and back wipers, and locks make life easier for people like me who have trouble remembering stuff.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th January, 2009

2000 Toyota Celica GT 1.8L from North America

Summary:

Good handles but needs more power

Faults:

Well first of all I RAGGED on this car sooo much. I was burning oil. Other than that I have had no real problems that were not caused by me.

General Comments:

This car is one of the best handling cars out there no question. If you just get good tires, and some shocks and struts you will out handle M3's. Well the E46's.

But that in mind the car is too underpowered. And the only power you get is near the red line. Sorry if you don't have a manual.

Other thing I don't like is when you're sitting, the people looking in see the top of your head...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2008

2000 Toyota Celica GTS 1.8 2zz from North America

Faults:

The 4 spd automatic transmission won't shift into 4th gear/overdrive. The indicatoron the dash says the car is in fourth gear, but it's not. Check engine light is on. Also, trying to determine if the cars computer is the same of the GT and the GTS? Anyone know or have experience with these problems?

General Comments:

Car appears to run fine except that the check engine light is on and it won't shift into 4th (auto). This is a clean one owner California car. 89

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

Review Date: 14th April, 2008

2000 Toyota Celica GT 1.8 VVTi from North America

Summary:

It only LOOKS fast!

Faults:

Clutch went out at 76K, previously owned by two 17 year olds.

Front struts done at 79K.

Aside from that, nothing much!

General Comments:

This particular model (GT, powered by the 1ZZ-FE) is notorious for throwing rods. When I was in high school, I used to drive the crap out of mine, thinking I was hot stuff trying to impress everybody in the parking lot. This car only LOOKS fast, very very underpowered. I wish I had spent more time looking for a first car; I would have gotten the GT-S. Buyer's remorse, what can ya do...

Aside from that, this car is great! Replacement parts are not cheap though, but if you take care of it and treat it right, you'll be fine. Great commuter car, I'm getting at least 30+ to the gallon commuting up and back to school and work everyday. I shift around 2-2.5k and get great mileage; I get it up into 4th gear around the city and just cruise and sip gas.

This model isn't really that quick, at all. FWD is great in the snow... with snow tires! I slid once or twice on worn all-seasons and learned my lesson. Invest in quality snow tires for the winter and put them on all 4 wheels. Believe me, its well worth it.

Recently I bought GT-S rims and had them wrapped in $600 worth of tires. I've got about 90K on the car and I hope that it will last me through college until I get something a little bit faster. But aside from that, great car. Just keep an eye on the oil!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2008

3rd Feb 2009, 14:41

Hey, I'm the guy who originally wrote up the review.

You make a good point, but honestly it's a naturally aspirated 4 cylinder 1.8L motor... and although the VVT-i motor can probably take revving to 6-7K, I don't even try it. A few times trying to keep up on the entry ramps to the freeway I'll take it up to 5K, but even then that's pushing it.

I'm just concerned that I'm going to blow a piston/seal or something pushing that much. I wish I had the 2ZZ-GE found in the GT-S with a 6-spd tranny. But this car is a great daily driver, and not having to put premium octane in it is great along with the cheap insurance. Being a college student working two minimum wage jobs, I don't have a whole lot of money for mods, and I really don't have any plans for this car. I just want to get as many miles as I can on it from commuting and then when I get out of school and have a nice job making decent money, I'll pick up something new. Or I may keep it; I'm considering getting a DSM as a project car and keeping the GT as my daily :D.

10th Jan 2010, 19:28

I have a 2001 Celica and I love it but there are some issues.

The GT engine (1zz) has a known problem where sludging can occur around the 70k miles mark (I am at 100k miles). I had my engine replaced under warranty. Apparently the problem with the piston rings was fixed in the 2003+ models.

Another common fail item is that the tailgate hydraulic struts tend to fail (not support well) after a few years. Had mine replaced by Toyota twice, but they only tend to last 3 years or so.

I agree that is looks faster than it drives (in stock form) but to be honest, I am very happy with it.

Parts are not that expensive since it shares components with the more popular corolla!

My car is now 9 years old and I plan to drive it a few more years with some maintainence.

The car really keeps its value well in the resale market because a) not that many were sold and b) it is a recognizable halo car for the Toyota brand.

Right now, the Scion tC is a good alternative, but the Celica was definitely designed for sportier driving.

As a final note, it handles like a go kart - great!