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History of the Celica

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Old 04-08-2005, 04:02 PM   #1 (permalink)
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History of the Celica

History of the Toyota Celica

Timeline:
1971 - First generation introduced in U.S. as 'ST' model.
1974 - Celica GT introduced.
1976 - CY 1976 - Celica wins Motor Trend "Import Car of the Year".
1977 - Celica introduced in liftback form.
1977 (June) - 1-millionth Celica produced.
1978 - Second generation Celica introduced.
1978 - CY 1978 - Wins Motor Trend "Import Car of the Year".
1982 - Third generation introduced.
1984 - Celica GT-S among "Best Buys" - Consumer's Digest
1984 - "Ten Best Cars" - Car and Driver
1985 - First generation convertible produced.
1986 - Fourth generation, front-wheel-drive introduced.
1987 - Second generation convertible produced.
1987 - 89 - Among "Best Buys" by Consumer's Digest.
1988 - All-trac introduced.
1990 - Fifth generation introduced.
1991 - Among "Best Buys" by Consumer's Digest.
1993 - Last year of GT-S, All-Trac Turbo.
1994 - Sixth generation introduced.
1995 - Third generation convertible produced.
1996 - Minor change to front fascia.
1997 - "Most Reliable Used Vehicles, MY's '89-'95" - J.D. Power & Associates
1999 - Coupe grade is discontinued.
2000 -The all-new seventh Celica is introduced
2001- Consumer Reports rates Celica GT-S "Best Sports Coupe"
2001 - CY 2001 - "Most Wanted Sport Coupe Under $30,000" - Edmunds.com
2002 - CY 2002 - Consumer Reports "Most Reliable Sporty Car."
2002 - Edmunds.com "Most Wanted Sport Coupe - - Under $30,000."
2003 - Receives minor changes.
2004 - "Women's Automotive Satisfaction" for Compact/Sporty Cars - Good Housekeeping
2004 - Celica GT named "Best Vehicles for $25,000 or Less," car - Consumer Reports
2005 - Action Package now an option package -- no longer a separate model.

History:
Celica was originally designed for motorists who were young at heart and wanted more than simple transportation. Planning for the Celica was begun in 1967, and the vehicle was released to the public in 1971. Based on the EX-1 "Car of the Future" prototype, its styling was quite revolutionary for the day and it was influential in the establishment of the sporty subcompact market segment.

The original Celica was equipped with a carbureted four-cylinder engine displacing 1.6 liters. Available only in ST form and as a two-door sport-coupe, the Celica was Toyota's version of the Mustang - an image car rather than a high-volume car. The Celica sold well from the outset, its first major change or addition taking place in 1974 with the addition of the GT model. Introduction of the GT brought with it a two-liter engine that would, in various versions, power Celicas for the next 11 years.

In 1976, the Celica line was enlarged with the addition of the liftback model, available only in GT trim. The GT package included the larger engine, offered sportier handling, higher-grade trim, etc. The liftback model was marketed as a sport-touring type vehicle, offering greater comfort and luggage capacity than the notch-back models.

The second generation Celica was released in 1978, and was again available in both ST and GT trim levels. Power was provided by 2.2-liter engines for both models. This new generation offered more safety, power and economy than previous models, and was awarded Motor Trend's "Import Car of the Year" for 1978.

1982 saw the introduction of the third generation Celica. Styling was changed considerably from previous models and power was now provided by 2.4-liter engines. In 1983, Toyota added the GT-S model to the Celica line to re-inject the sports image that Celica had lost as it grew larger and heavier with each subsequent model. The GT-S included larger wheels and tires, fender flares, sports suspension, and a sports interior including special seats and a leather-wrapped steering-wheel and gearshift knob.

For 1986, Celica changed completely. It was an all-new vehicle with front-wheel-drive, a rounded, flowing body and new 2.0-liter four-cylinder twin-cam engines. Celica was now available in ST, GT and GT-S trim, all available as either coupe or liftback models. STs and GTs came with a 116-horsepower engine, while the GT-S was given a 135-horsepower version of the same 2.0-liter engine. Front-wheel-drive and four-wheel independent suspension made the Celica the perfect all-around sports car.

In 1988, Toyota introduced the "ultimate Celica", the All-Trac Turbo. With full-time all-wheel-drive and a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, it immediately took its place as the flagship of the Celica range.

The next generation Celicas, the fifth, were introduced in 1990. They received revised styling, upgraded wheels and tires, and more power. The GT and GT-S engines grew to 2.2-liters, while the ST sported a 1.6-liter -- all were DOHC 16-valve. Anti-lock brakes were available on all models, as were numerous luxury items -- all were standard on the All-Trac model though. With its leather interior, ten-speaker sound system and power-operated driver's seat and sunroof included as standard equipment, the All-Trac was the most expensive Celica yet. With its 200-horsepower turbocharged engine, it was also the most powerful Celica yet.

For 1994, Toyota pulled out all the stops. The sixth-generation Celicas bore very little resemblance to their previous brethren. Celica was only available in ST and GT configuration for the 1994 model year, but the addition of the optional "sports package" to the GT produced GT-S-like handling. The All-Trac model was dropped, and for 1994 there was no convertible. Styling of the new Celicas was acclaimed by most publications as "Supra-esque" with four exposed headlights. Celicas were available in either coupe or liftback form, with the GT sports package available only on the liftback.

New safety equipment in the form of driver- and passenger-side airbags was standard, and anti-lock brakes were available on all models. Celicas also sported CFC-free air-conditioning.

1995 saw the introduction of the third generation convertible. Built off of the GT Coupe model, the conversion takes place in the ASC facility in Rancho Dominguez, Calif. The vehicle arrives in the U.S. as a partially assembled vehicle. At ASC, the roof is removed and a three-layer insulated and power-operated top is installed, producing a vehicle that is virtually water and wind proof.

The 1996 Celica received optional side skirts to improve its aerodynamic efficiency, as well as a redesigned rear spoiler. Also available were optional driving lights in the redesigned grille area (standard on GT models).

For 1997, the only change in the Celica was the discontinuation of the GT Coupe model.

In 1998, the ST model was discontinued to simplify the Celica ordering process. All Celicas (Coupe, Liftback and Convertible) were now GT model's. All '98 Celicas included additional standard equipment, making Celica a better value.

In 1999, the Celica ordering process was simplified even further with the elimination of the Coupe grade. Celica was now available in GT Liftback and GT Convertible.

For 2000, Celica went back to its performance car roots by entering its seventh generation with all-new cutting edge styling, powerful performance and an aggressive attitude.

The new Celica was styled at Calty Design Research, Inc., in Newport Beach, Calif. The cab-forward design featured a high-fashion look with Indy-car design elements. Sharp-edged panels, dramatic plunging curves, a tall tail and a radically lowered front fascia were stark contrasts compared to past models. The new Celica was shorter in length, but longer in wheelbase with greatly reduced front- and rear-overhangs.

The Celica GT-S grade was powered by an all-new 1.8 liter, four-cylinder DOHC all-aluminum engine that generated 180 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 133 lbs./ft. of torque at 6,800 rpm. The GT-S powerplant, co-developed with Yamaha, utilized variable valve timing and lift, with intelligence control (VVTL-i) that increased the intake/exhaust lift when the engine speed was high to improve output and fuel efficiency.

The GT model's 1.8-liter, four cylinder came equipped with VVT-i and produced 140 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 125 lbs./ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm.

The GT-S model came with either a six-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic with sport-shift. The GT version was available in five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.

The 2001 model carried over with no new changes.

For model year 2002 the Celica carried over unchanged, with the exception of a black mesh cover for the front grille. A Celica Action Package was offered and provided a more aggressive look that added an aggressive front-bumper, rocker panels and rear aero bumper, which were constructed of durable polyurethane, and an adjustable rear wing.

For 2003 model year Celica underwent a minor refreshening with an updated front fascia that included a lower air intake and wider upper intake, and available high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps for GT-S models. The rear also received a minor change with revised tail lamps.
Interior convenience was enhanced as a JBL audio system replaced the previous premium audio. The interior also received new instrument meter faces, a darker gray I/P dash color with a brighter metallic center I/P cluster, and revised fuel gauge graphics. The audio illumination was changed to amber to match the instrument illumination.

Celica also received interior seat upgrades that included a choice of red, silver, or black seat bolsters on the GT grade, and rear seat center inserts became fabric-covered to match the front seats. Finally, remote keyless entry system became a stand-alone option.

For 2004, Celica carried over unchanged with high intensity discharge headlamps no longer available on the GT grade.

Celica enters into the 2005 model year mainly unchanged. The Action Package is now an option package rather than a separate model. Optitron gauges have been added to the GT model.

What does it mean?
Celica: The name is derived from the Spanish word for "heavenly" or "celestial".

Where is it built?
Celicas are built at the Tahara Plant in Tahara, Japan.


[info courtesy of toyota motor sales usa]
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Old 04-08-2005, 04:02 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Old 09-14-2005, 02:33 AM   #2 (permalink)
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Considering this is a Canadian-based board, perhaps we shouldn't be using American info -- the GTS was available in Canada in the sixth generation.
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Old 09-14-2005, 12:22 PM   #3 (permalink)
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awesome info
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Old 09-22-2005, 02:45 PM   #4 (permalink)
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Liftbacks intro'd in '76 not '77
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Old 09-23-2005, 01:58 AM   #5 (permalink)
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still a fun read, good stuff
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Old 01-17-2006, 01:40 PM   #6 (permalink)
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Celica is now dead. Nothing in 2006. Wich car will replace the Celica???
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Old 01-17-2006, 01:46 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fire
Celica is now dead. Nothing in 2006. Wich car will replace the Celica???
It's still being produced in Japan. No replacement.
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Old 10-01-2006, 12:18 PM   #8 (permalink)
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I was speaking to a lady at a Toyota specialist the other week, and she said she had placed an advanced order for a new model that "looks a lot like a celica (gen 7), but with a convertible roof". Anyone know anything about this?

Yatesy
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Old 10-22-2006, 11:39 AM   #9 (permalink)
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probably... not a celica named vehicle... just look alike...
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Old 10-22-2006, 05:42 PM   #10 (permalink)
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yeah, or else she may be talking about the 2008 supra. it will have a motorized drop top.
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Old 10-23-2006, 12:59 PM   #11 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ratko
yeah, or else she may be talking about the 2008 supra. it will have a motorized drop top.



thats crazy
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Old 10-25-2006, 06:41 PM   #12 (permalink)
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yeah i heard about the Supra coming back Ratko, it could well be that that she's bought. Anyone seen any pics of the new Supra then?
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Old 10-25-2006, 08:28 PM   #13 (permalink)
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The Celica is still sold in Toyota UK
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Old 07-29-2007, 05:17 PM   #14 (permalink)
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Re: History of the Celica

history is nice and accurate but what about the celica supra? and also one more thing the car that replace the celica is the Tc from Scion. lots of people think that the Tc stands for Toyota Celica...I mean Scion is a sister company of Toyota and since they are interested in selling the new brand of Scion here in america toyota doesnt want to compete with its self maybe thats why the car was stopped from being produce.
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Old 07-29-2007, 05:17 PM   #15 (permalink)
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Re: History of the Celica

i mean imported to the US
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Old 07-29-2007, 07:54 PM   #16 (permalink)
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Re: History of the Celica

The tC IS the new Celica around here. If you check the chassis codes, they're the same (or very similar in the newer models). They took the Celica and stripped it down, then re-badged it under the Scion name to appeal to a bigger demographic since the price is now much more economically competitive compared to the Celica. They're appealing to the same people as before, but now they can include the low-end market, too.

The real genius of the tC came from Scion's marketing team, when they decided to make their cars available for purchase/customization through the internet. That nearly eliminated the cost of overhead (on Toyota's part) because they didn't have to subsidize the upkeep of the cars sitting on a lot forever. A customer could get the car they wanted right off the bat, and Toyota didn't have to meet them halfway. This also largely eliminated the need for the car lot salesman (thank GOD). Both of those things combined are also large contributors to the low cost of Scion vehicles.
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Old 07-29-2007, 10:20 PM   #17 (permalink)
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Re: History of the Celica

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alvos
The tC IS the new Celica around here. If you check the chassis codes, they're the same (or very similar in the newer models). They took the Celica and stripped it down, then re-badged it under the Scion name to appeal to a bigger demographic since the price is now much more economically competitive compared to the Celica. They're appealing to the same people as before, but now they can include the low-end market, too.

The real genius of the tC came from Scion's marketing team, when they decided to make their cars available for purchase/customization through the internet. That nearly eliminated the cost of overhead (on Toyota's part) because they didn't have to subsidize the upkeep of the cars sitting on a lot forever. A customer could get the car they wanted right off the bat, and Toyota didn't have to meet them halfway. This also largely eliminated the need for the car lot salesman (thank GOD). Both of those things combined are also large contributors to the low cost of Scion vehicles.

Unfortunatley most reviews say it handles like a water buffalo. I wonder of a Scion very of the dead MR2 is next. If it is it will probably weight 3500lbs. :)
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