Faults:

Well, this car does have a problem; when I get in the car and try and go, it is very sluggish. But once I had replaced the 02 sensor, it was better. This car has low end power, but if you change the 02 sensor and put an air intake on it, it will give it some more low end power and it won't be as sluggish. Also make sure the car is fully warmed up before you drive it. Because of the way the motor is built, the computer in it makes the car sluggish unless it is fully warmed up. Besides, it will save your car so much more if you warm it up, rather than driving it cold.

General Comments:

Hey, I have a 2000 Toyota Celica GT-S 6 speed. I let my boyfriend drive it and he went to a race; he went to throw it into 3rd gear, but he threw it into 1st gear at 65 mph and it went right into gear. Usually the syncros won't allow it to go into first gear, but when they are starting to get bad, they will go right into first gear like it was no problem. Unfortunately, this car has a bad transmission; its just not strong. If you throw it into the wrong gear, it will blow the motor. Luckily mine didn't blow; all I had to do was throw a new clutch on it, and to change the transmission oil and it was a lot better. My check engine light kept coming on, and all I had to do was change the 02 sensors and it was better. The 02 sensors get dirty a lot from changing the intake. But after all that, the car is running great (except for when I come to a stop--the car has a rumble like the idling isn't right, but the idle stays at 1 and it will just shake for a second and then its all better). If anyone has experienced this problem, please help me to fix the idling problem.

Faults:

The rear hatchback rattled constantly.

The paint was very susceptible to scratches, the brushes at the car wash scoured my paint.

The under engine shields would lose their screws and hang down.

The automatic transmission would shift down at the slightest incline and stay out of overdrive until the road was level again.

The engine used a quart of oil every 600 miles. I took it in once I discovered the problem and Toyota service gave me the worst run around and even stated "I" was draining out the oil in order to get a new engine. They finally did an oil consumption test and confirmed my story... and supposedly rebuilt the engine. When I got it back, it didn't run or sound differently (I would expect a rebuilt engine to sound tight and maybe be a bit weaker) than it did when I took it in. It also still used oil at the same rate. I thought they rolled over on the new engine too quickly, does Toyota have a new service tactic where they give you a rental car for a month and park your car, wait for the extended warranty to run out and repeat as needed?

General Comments:

Oil problems aside, the Celica was fun to drive and handled like a race car. The bucket seats were supportive and held me in the corners.

I'm just happy I got out of it. Toyota quality and service are over hyped and a big ripoff.