2000 Toyota Celica GT 1.8 VVT-i

Summary:

Another Bulletproof Toyota

Faults:

Left Headlight seal was compromised. It caused condensation within the lens.

Plexiglas sunroof has begun to oxidize so that it is a translucent yellow rather than transparent.

Oxygen sensor went out at 110,000 miles. The OEM sensor costs $180 at Auto Zone and Advance Auto Parts. The sensor doesn't significantly affect performance so I have yet to replace it.

Hinges on ashtray broke.

Lifting arms cannot support rear lift gate. The problem is magnified in cold weather.

MAF sensor blew out, it cost $120 to replace it with after-market sensor.

Platinum spark plugs were replaced. They are very expensive.

General Comments:

This is a very quick and nimble car.

This car red lines at 6800 RPM, but the limiter doesn't kick in until 7000 RPM, which is it's peak HP point. The GT-S has a higher red line, but the power bands on these cars are almost identical up to the 7000 RPM point. Most people don't spend much time in the 7000-7800 RPM area anyway.

Gas is a dream on this car. It is nearly impossible to make the car get less than 25 MPG. I can get 350-400 Miles per tank on the interstate.

I'm 6'1" and the front seats are very comfortable. I would not, however, consider the back seat comfortable. I generally refer to my car as a "two-seater with a cargo shelf in the back."

The car is probably the best-handling front-wheel drive car I have ever driven.

The leather Seats have hardly begun to show wear at 120,000 miles.

This is a very rewarding car to clean. It doesn't take much effort to maintain, and it looks fantastic when detailed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th February, 2006

12th Apr 2007, 07:07

Excuse me, but I thought you said the car was bulletproof yet you list all those problems. I have read several other reviews about the same vehicle and no one seems to have any problems that you listed.

5th Oct 2007, 16:58

I just want to speak to the author of the first comment and say, in the grand scheme of things it appears his car has been bullit proof and very reliable. Count the cost of what he has replaced verse other vehicles needing transmissions and motors and such. I am certified with Honda, GM and Chrysler and feel qualified to comment on this.

To the author of the review, I have been toggling back in forth between another Integra (I currently own one and love it) or the Celica. I see you have owned an Integra before and wanted to get your thoughts on the ownership experience between the two.

2000 Toyota Celica GT-S

Summary:

Fun, Sporty, Trouble-Free

Faults:

Absolutely nothing. I bought this car new 6 years ago. Is still drives like the day I bought it. Besides some chipped paint, it can pass for brand new.

General Comments:

This is a great car. I could not have been more pleased. I have a manual transmission so I cannot comment as to the problems with the automatic transmission. At 6 years and 130,000 miles, I have only replaced tires and changed the oil. That's it. I am about to have the belts and hoses replaced just as a precaution. It is a sporty. practial everyday car. It is not the fastest thing on the road, but you know that going in. I am about to get a new car just for a change, but I feel like my celica can last until 200,000 miles easy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th December, 2005

7th Dec 2005, 10:40

There's no point getting belts and hoses changed if youre swapping your car!

2000 Toyota Celica GTS 1.8

Summary:

This is a great car for the price

Faults:

Right now I would like to know what is wrong with it. It has been running really weird and when I kick down the gas the RPMs go up really fast and then they even out. The RPMs are very jumpy. I plan on getting it fixed, but would like to know what is wrong with it. The check engine light also went on for a while, but shut off a few days ago.

General Comments:

Other than the problems I mentioned the car is great. Very fast and handles beautifully. I would recommend it to anyone. It gets a lot of looks too.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th October, 2004

5th Nov 2004, 11:04

Try checking the idle. On the airbox there should be a little plug. That's your MAP sensor. It may or may not be connected right. that's a simple fix, if its not that, its something a mechanic would have to look at.

1st Feb 2005, 21:51

If your car has a manual tranny, you probably need a new clutch.

27th Mar 2005, 17:55

His description of the rev problem is in no way indicative of a bad clutch...

28th Apr 2005, 11:49

Actually it sounds very much so like a clutch problem. I had the same thing go wrong on my GT-S at 110,ooo miles. The RPMS went higher almost like it wasn't getting traction then it would slowly lower itself. Then I noticed a funny smell which was indeed a burnt out clutch.

18th Oct 2005, 21:18

Hi, I have a manual gts 2001, after I rev. RPM red-line days ago, now tachometer has been jumping abnormally. And, also the funny smell every time I finished my driving. I afraid it has been already damaged. What should I do? Ben.