1987 Toyota Celica Reviews, Pricing & Specs

My car was not stock or in factory trim by any means... I mean it was when I first got it but I replaced alot of parts on this car. I had a Jap-spec 3s-ge engine, which by the was was and still is one of the best 4-cyl. engines on the market, makes decent power easily in n/a for forced induction trim. Solid platform, decent handling, stiff chasis. Looks pretty good too eventhough the car was made in '87. I loved the car, the only problem was that it was fwd, that was probably the only thing i wasnt in love with. This car will always have a special place in my heart.May 04, 2010

I have owned this car since 1987. It was my first new car, and I have never tired of it. Mine is a well-tended hanger queen with just over 100,000 miles. I get 35 miles/gallon and it is a zippy little thing that still turns heads. The transverse mounted four is an engineering masterpiece. I easily still keep up with the big boys.(I have the five speed with overdrive). It's not going to snap your head back like a V-8, but it's not a gas sucker, either. I was driving a car with a 402 V-8 and a four barrel carb when I bought the Toyota. it had to be a going car or I never would have bought it. It gives a great feeling of acceleration and has good road feel. I really liked it when I had speed rated radials on it. The interior is still in excellent shape. Doors close well, there are a few small rattles, but not bad for a 22 year old car I thought I would trade in after five years. Why didn't I trade it? Never got tired of it, and it stil grabs my eye when I drive past a window and catch the reflection. Age-related issues: I have had to work on the power windows in the last year, and replaced the power antenna. Neither was difficult, and guys...I'm a girl. Heck - I'm 48 and I still work on my own cars... The tape player has died - I need a CD player any way. Considering the years on it, it is in fabulous shape. We replaced the windshield because of a rock chip that walked. It's still a headturner - looks great with a coat of Meguire's. We have other cars with bigger engines. The Toyota is still the one that makes me smile the widest when I am winding up that four banger and am rocketing past something newer. Braking is good - handling good for a front wheel drive - not too much fishtail. We just replaced the original shocks on it last month. The downsides. 1. Parts are expensive, so don't break anything vital, and it's hard to work on yourself on many things. It's a complex power plant and can be screwed up royally by someone who doesn't know what they're doing. 2. My 14 year old son has eyes on it. I'll have to hide the keys in a year or so. 3.Not great for tall dudes. 4. Everything else has gotten big, so don't get in an accident...you'll lose. 5. Never liked the standard wheel that came with it - make sure you use the trim rings if you still have the OEM wheels - the GTS wheels were much nicer, (mine is a GT). 6. MAny out there have been really abused, so if you buy a used one, be careful. They will take a beating and keep on ticking, but try to find a clean one. All in all, a fabulous little car - fun to drive, economical, nicely styled, solidly built.Apr 23, 2009