2003 Toyota Celica VVT-i review from Estonia

Small rattle inside left pillar, was a loose screw, fixed by dealer.

Rims have corrosion and paint is peeling off, however this is a typical problem with all Toyotas and Lexus from 1999-2004 using the same type of stock rims.

I have the base model, without any extras, yet everything essential is there.

Inside, everything is perfectly placed and easily accessible. The 2003 model has better looking trim than 1999-2002. Inside finish is of good quality.

I am 6'2" and fit in the car comfortably. The driver's and side passenger's seats are very comfortable. I don't have any back aches driving for 3 hours on the highway AND back the same day.

Anyone over 6" will have issues in the back seat, because his/her head will touch the ceiling. If you need to regularly transport more than two people, look at the Lexus is200 instead.

Rear seats can be folded for a huge amount of space, trunk can fit pretty much anything needed.

The 6 speed manual transmission is very exact, however, shifting gears needs quite a bit of force. The clutch is very sensitive, so you have to be very soft on it, unless you want a jerk every time you change gear.

Power is adequate, the car only weighs around 1180 kg and has 140 bhp. Gets good fuel economy - 35-37 mpg highway, 25-27 city. Depends on how much you use the A/C. VVT-i flattens the torque curve, and you have a very decent (for N/A) amount of torque at 2000 rpm.

Suspension is firm, as is expected with a such coupe. Handling is excellent - responsive, exact. Brakes are one of the best in it's class, not too sensitive, you have to push the pedal all the way down for the ABS to engage on a dry road.

Externally, car looks elegant and pretty without body kits/spoiler. Gets lots of looks, paint is holding up well (I have mica blue). Hatchback is convenient.

For city driving, it is the perfect car - small, nimble, small turning radius. Perhaps the only problem is fairly low visibility due to a low sitting position.

If you mainly do highway driving, this car is not for you. The steering is way too responsive for the highway, due to which you need to concentrate more than should be needed. My particular car also lacks cruise control.

Due to the gas pedal being very soft, it is not possible to rest your foot on it during highway driving. You can still rest your knee on the side however.

When looking for a used car, forget the colour, extras, etc. Make sure the car has been given sufficient care. In particular 1999-2003 model year celicas can suffer from the engine suddenly leaking/burning a lot of oil and failing, if not given proper attention.

Overall, I recommend the Celica to anyone who is looking for a reasonably priced coupe. It is a joy to drive every day and a bargain if you can a well serviced car.