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Toyota Celica

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Toyota Celica: The sport coupe legend. From rear-drive classics to the rally-bred GT-Four and the screaming 7th-gen GT-S.
Photo: Vauxford / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

The sport coupe legend. From rear-drive classics to the rally-bred GT-Four and the screaming 7th-gen GT-S.

The Toyota Celica is a sport coupe with a long, varied history, beloved by enthusiasts across its seven generations from 1970 to 2006. Early Celicas were rear-wheel drive, while later cars moved to front-wheel drive, including the rally-bred all-wheel-drive GT-Four (Celica GT-Four / All-Trac Turbo) that won World Rally Championships. The final seventh generation (1999-2006) is a tuner favorite, especially the GT-S with the high-revving 2ZZ-GE engine making around 180 horsepower and revving past 8,000 rpm. The Celica blended style, affordability, and a sporty character across its run. On WhipJury, Celica submissions span classic rear-drive cars, the rally GT-Four, and the 2ZZ-powered GT-S.

Celica highlights

Classic rear-drive (1970-1985). Stylish coupes, now appreciating classics.

GT-Four / All-Trac Turbo. Rally-homologation all-wheel-drive turbo, a WRC winner.

7th gen GT-S (1999-2006). High-revving 2ZZ-GE, a tuner favorite.

Celica on WhipJury

Classic, GT-Four, and 2ZZ GT-S cars all draw enthusiast interest.

Frequently asked questions about Toyota Celica

What is the Celica GT-Four?
A rally-homologation Celica with a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive (sold as the All-Trac Turbo in the US). It won World Rally Championships and is a collectible enthusiast car.
What is special about the 7th-gen GT-S?
The final Celica GT-S uses the high-revving 2ZZ-GE engine making around 180 horsepower and revving past 8,000 rpm, a Toyota-Yamaha collaboration popular with tuners.
Is the Celica rear-wheel drive?
Early Celicas were rear-wheel drive; later generations moved to front-wheel drive, with the GT-Four adding all-wheel drive.
Is the Celica reliable?
Generally yes, with typical Toyota durability. The 2ZZ engine requires diligent oil maintenance to protect its variable-lift system.
When did the Celica end?
Production ended in 2006 after seven generations. Toyota has hinted at a possible revival, but the classic Celica remains a beloved nameplate.

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