1994 Toyota Celica ST review from North America
"Ugh! Looks obviously aren't everything"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Clutch replaced six months after purchase (no big deal it's routine)
Trunk hinges faulty (have to shake the trunk to get it to open)
Drivers window always leaked.
In heavy rain the moon-roof leaks.
Rattles all over (mostly, but not only in the rear)
Engine replaced at 190000 miles (new engine is close to that now and the sound that preceded the first engines breakdown has returned in the new one)
Brake pads wore unevenly and messed up the whole brake system severely. Caused several breakdowns and was hard to diagnose.
General comments?
I bought this car as my second car and was thrilled about it. I love the look and at first I loved the car too.
Six months later however things went bad. The car was in the shop at least once a month. Usually not minor problems. Most problems like the brakes for example left me immobilized on the road somewhere.
The engine began rattling one day and when I took it in to get checked out the dealer said it was a spring (it ended up being a connector rod) in the engine and to fix it at my leisure. Well three weeks later I'm stranded on the highway waiting on a tow truck. The new engine is now making the same noise.
The brakes went bad and would get overheated so bad they would completely stop me when I was just driving down the road. The car wouldn't budge and inch. It took four trips to the shop, a new master cylinder, new brake pads and more to fix the problem.
Over all the car is fun to look at and fun to drive (not in rain) but looks obviously aren't everything.
Recommended reviews
| Great reliable affordable drivers car with utility |
| Good car, easy to maintain. Power seems lacking on uphill driving |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1994 |
| Year of manufacture | 1994 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.0 Manual |
| Performance marks | 3 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 4 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 3 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 180000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 220000 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Accord |
| Date of Entry | 19th July, 2008 |