2003 Toyota Celica

The Toyota Celica was produced from 1971 to 2006, through seven generations of styling, three different body styles, and initially with rear-wheel drive configuration, switching to FWD (front-wheel drive) in 1985, and adding four-wheel drive as an option in 1986. In 1976, the Toyota Celica Liftback GT won Motor Trend Car of the Year (Imported Vehicle). The final Celica left the production line on April 21st of 2006, signaling the end of 36 years of production. During its final year, the Celica was only officially sold in Japan and Europe. Exportation to North America and Australia ended in July 2005.

The 2003 Toyota Celica was part of the 'Seventh' and final generation of the Celica (T230), produced from July 1999 to April 2006. Its styling was similar to the XYR concept, and its design was courtesy of Alan R. Schneider, Yasuhiko Mizuhata, and Hiroyuki Metsugi.

The North American market received both the GT and GT-S trim levels of the Celica 'liftback' with rear seats contoured for two passengers. The 1ZZ-FE engine powering the GT developed 140 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and 125 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 RPM. The GT-S used a 2ZZ-GE powerplant developing 180 horsepower at 7,600 RPM and 133 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 RPM.

The Toyota Celica GT-S
The Toyota Celica GT-S was offered with either a four-speed automatic with shift buttons on the steering wheel, or a six-speed manual transmission. The 205/55/15 tires were standard but could be replaced by optional 205/50/16s for a mere $42, so most examples had the optional tires. Disc brakes at all four corners were standard. Additional standard equipment included liftback cargo covers, fog lights (on models without the 'Action Package'), metal pedals, a leather steering wheel, and a leather manual shifter (when equipped).

Action Package
The 'Action Package' added a wider grille with a more aggressive front bumper, a higher rear spoiler, and rocker panels. The fog lights were not available with this package due to the revised front fairing interfering with the mounting locations. The Action Package body kit was restyled for the 2005 model year, gaining a different rear spoiler and front bumper.

TRD Upgrades
Performance upgrades were offered through TRD USA (Toyota Racing Development) that included brake disc pads, exhausts, short-shift kits for manual transmission-equipped examples, body kits, and upgrades to the suspension with anti-sway bars, dampers, and lowering springs. A supercharger was offered on the 2003 and 2004 Corolla but was never directly available on the Celica GT due to inadequate space under the hood.

2003 Toyota Celica
Toyota gave the 2003 Toyota Celica a minor facelift with a mildly restyled interior. The front and rear fascias were new and the fixed-placed antenna was replaced by a power unit.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2023