Straight from the owner - 2002 GT

Author's Rating:

Pros: Affordable, sporty, and handles well.

Cons: Can't see out the back very well.

Handling And Control:

The Bottom Line: 
After TONS of research on my own, this was the car I've decided on for a price under $30,000.

Author's Review
IntelliChoice Rating
In 2002, The Complete Car Cost Guide rated the Celica as:
Lowest Ownership Costs in its Class
Lowest Depreciation Costs in its Class
Highest retained Value in its Class

Non-Technical Review

I'd like to apologize if I offended anyone by saying that this car is viewed by the younger generation as a feminine car. From all 15 males I've spoke to (which hardly qualifies as "the younger generation"), they informed me that they would not consider buying a Celica for that very reason. Some vehicles, like trucks, have a masculine feel to them. I believe that Celica is a feminine car.

My Toyota Celica, a.k.a. Silver Bullet, was the very first car I purchased on my own. It's a 4 speed automatic GT model. I couldn't be happier with my choice now that I've own it for a while. I was looking for a car around $25K that looks good and is reliable.

Some of the things that I had to get used to:

1. The "grrrr" that the car makes when I first turn it on. But it was designed to do that.

2. The back window! I can't see out of them because the back end is so high. I just need to rely on my mirrors and luck more often when I change lanes.

3. The back seats. What back seats? I don't recommend this car if you plan on driving more than one passenger around.

4. The sporty bucket seat has a 2-way adjuster, but I haven't really been able to find that equilibrium spot.

Things I just LOVE:

1. The liquid silver color. It is to die for.
2. The sporty interior. The air vents are actually cool looking.
3. Spacious trunk.
4. Alloy wheels, they make the car look great.
5. Automatic lights!! Never had automatic lights before, so this was a really big plus for me.
6. Great cup holders. I didn't realize how important the design of cup holders can be until I met the ones that are placed in the BMW 528 (those might hold empty paper cups).
7. This car really corners well. Also, you can follow the curves on the ramps comfortably at 40mph.
8. Since the car is quite low, it's easy to give it a bath and reach all its 2000 parts.
9. The large center storage space that can hold up to 8 CD cases.


Specs for GT
Type: 1.8L
Horsepower: 140 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Fuel, manual(City/Hwy): 28/33 mpg
Fuel, automatic(City/Hwy): 29/36 mpg
Brakes: Power assisted with 10.8" ventilated front disc/rear drum

The other model available is GTS which has 40 more horsepower and more standard options for about $5K more.

Price
Invoice: $15,460
Base: $17,085

Standard Features
CD player, AM/FM radio, cassette, AC, driver and passenger air bags, rear defogger, power mirrors, power steering, second row folding seat.

Option Packages
Upgrade Package: power windows and door locks, and cruise control

Action Package: aggressive front and rare bumpers, rocker panels and rear spoiler

Cold Area Package: heavy duty battery and starter motor, and intermittent rear window wiper

Warranty
Basic: 36mo/36K miles
Powertrain: 60mo/6K miles
Rust: 60mo/Unlimited miles

Competitors
Acura RXS
Honda Civic Si
VW New Beetle
Mitsubishi Eclipse

Happy car hunting!