1983 Toyota Celica 22-RE review from North America

I have had VERY few problems with this car... Here are the only problems I have had aside from standard maintenance, (oil changes, tire changes, brake changes, spark plug changes, etc, etc) :

* The catalytic converter blew like once every 100K miles. (and believe me it was not a pretty sight!)

* The brakes seem to wear abnormally fast... I have to change them every 20000 miles, and I use semi-metallic ones.

* The motor seems to be a tad weak when I drop it in 4th gear from 3rd when the engine is spinning below 3000 rpm, but then again it is one of the smaller 22REs.

* After you switch into any gear from any gear, it slips into neutral after about 9 seconds unless you hold the stick in position.

* On ice and snow it has a bit of an oversteer problem. (On turns this car's rear tends to slide into the next lane, this can be counter by locking all 4 wheels {don't forget to depress the clutch} just before entering the turn and turning a little away from the corner. Then let off the brake as the car enters the corner and turn the steering wheel all the way toward the corner. Down shift a gear or 2, let off the clutch and give it some gas. It takes a little practice to get the timing down on for a turn, but once you get the hang of it you can estimate the timings for almost any corner, heres a hint, the most important thing is when you let off the brakes, too soon or late will result in you either going into the next lane or going up on the sidewalk! Make sure you start off at a sane speed {like 5 to 15 mph} and work your way up to the speed limit or to where you feel comfortable and safe)

I begged my dad to help me get this car when I was a senior in high school. He decided to help me get it, but he told me to take very good care of it, or he would take it back. And believe me, I did! I have been doing a full inspection of everything on/in it, every month for the past 21 years!

I have used this car for almost everything. I off-road with it, rally with it, take it on 2000+ mile long road trips, and use it for everyday use. It lacks a that instant pick up you get from a mustang or viper, but it handles extremely well on dirt and pavement, even on snow and ice it handles really well for a FR (front-engine, Rear wheel-drive) car.

I have pushed this car quite a bit, but I have also put in more maintenance than normal to compensate. It's only had minor problems, considering how much I push it, and how many miles are on its first engine and transmission. The reliability on this car is stunning, it still runs like it is new even though I have been all over the US and Canada with it.

I Plan to keep this car until it is no longer possible to repair it.

Even after 21 years I don't think any newer car out there can compare with the reliability, durability, and lasting performance of this car. My son who is now 15 even likes how it drives.

If you ever get the chance to get one of these cars, GET IT! you will not regret it!