2003 Toyota Celica Review
2003 Toyota Celica Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Radical styling, rev-happy GT-S engine, outstanding steering/braking/handling.
Cons
- Mediocre interior materials, difficult-to-master GT-S six-speed shifter, doesn't offer much in terms of features.
What’s new
The 2003 Toyota Celica has been revised with freshened front and rear styling. In front, the Celica gets a new bumper and fascia with a wider upper air intake. Newly available high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights complement the car's advanced styling, and redesigned rear lights echo the projector-style look. Inside, Toyota has redesigned the center dash cluster for improved legibility and added a standard JBL audio system to the GT-S model. A power antenna is now standard on JBL-equipped models. Finally, you can get two new colors: Solar Yellow and Zephyr Blue Metallic.
Edmunds says
A distinctive and entertaining sport coupe biased toward performance rather than convenience.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$167/mo for Celica GT
Celica GT
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Until this current body style, Celicas were generally considered slow, overweight and expensive. Detractors claimed they were "secretaries' cars." But not this one. Introduced in 2000, the latest Toyota Celica is a sharp performer. Styled in California by Calty Design Research, the Celica's cab-forward shape features a high-fashion look with racecar design elements. Sharp-edge panels, dramatic plunging curves, a tall tail and a radically lowered front fascia create stark contrasts. For 2003, Toyota has further updated the Celica's front-end styling and added optional projector-style high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. Particularly in GT-S trim, the Celica is the martial arts action hero of sport coupes. It is quick, nimble and an absolute joy to drive on curvy roads because of the responsive steering. Used for commuting, however, the Celica's somewhat stiff ride and high-strung power train take their toll. If all you want is a sporty look, more relaxed cruisers like the Hyundai Tiburon or the Mitsubishi Eclipse might be better choices. Or, if you want something in the middle, the Acura RSX is a car to consider. However, the 2003 Toyota Celica is still a favorite of ours, and we have no problem recommending it to those who want a fairly affordable and entertaining vehicle.
Performance & mpg
A 1.8-liter four-cylinder dual-overhead camshaft engine powers the Celica GT-S. Codeveloped with Yamaha, it hits an impressive mark of 100 horsepower per liter of displacement, for a total of 180 at a quite high 7,600 rpm. It also makes 133 pound-feet of torque. The GT model's 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is less powerful but more tractable; it makes 140 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. Celica GT and GT-S are available with different variations of automatic and manual transmissions. The GT comes standard with a five-speed manual gearbox. The manual transmission in the GT-S features six forward gears. Performance is enhanced with this transmission, but extra concentration is required when shifting, as the shifter's gates are closely spaced and it's possible to select a wrong gear. Optional on both trims is a four-speed automatic transmission. The GT-S' version has E-shift steering wheel-mounted buttons. These allow for "manual" shifting of the automatic transmission.
Safety
Besides the usual safety equipment, the Celica offers ABS and side-impact airbags as optional equipment. It also has an Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seatbelt for the driver and ALR/ELR seatbelts for all other passengers. In NHTSA crash testing, the 2003 Toyota Celica earned four stars for the driver and front passenger in frontal impacts and three stars for side impacts.
Driving
The Celica's suspension, steering and braking systems provide outstanding handling and performance. The GT-S with the six-speed transmission is definitely the version to pick if you like to drive. The trade-off, however, is a stiffer ride quality and an engine that is quite peaky in its delivery.
Interior
The Celica's interior is stylish, functional and comfortable for two adults and a healthy amount of their gear. A simple, downswept dash layout, big analog gauges, sporty bucket seats, faux-drilled metal pedals and fashionable metallic silver accents add to Celica's cockpit ambience, but material quality is less than impressive. Both GT and GT-S offer a center console big enough to hold eight CD cases, as well as two oversize cups. The rear seat can accommodate two people and can also be folded forward, providing additional cargo space.
2003 Toyota Celica models
The front-drive 2003 Toyota Celica is a two-door hatchback. There are two trim levels: GT and GT-S. Though the GT has an attractive price, its feature list is rather scant. You'll get the basics like air conditioning and a CD player, but power windows and locks, cruise control and a rear wiper are all optional. These features are standard on the GT-S, along with its higher-horsepower engine. The GT-S also has bigger brakes, alloy wheels, fog lamps, a JBL sound system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and sport pedals. On either car, you can order larger 16-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, a rear wing, keyless entry and the so-called "action package," which includes additional aerodynamic body effects. On the GT-S only, you can order leather seats and, for 2003, HID headlights.
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Toyota Celica.
5 star(83%)
4 star(12%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
77 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
Cool....
hercules00, 07/10/2005
2003 Toyota Celica GT-S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
I initially fell in love with this car for its looks. And now that I have driven it, the love has just increased. The beauty isnt just skin deep :) I love the way this car handles and especially corners. The sound of the screaming engine when the car redlines at abt 8300 is also very pleasing. The best part is that you snugly fit into your seet and it feels like the car is growing out of … you and is a part of you. Everyting is within easy reach. However, I the sunroof is already squeaking, the exterior door handles buzz with the bass from the music system and something is rattling near the muffler. I am a little disappointed at the famed Toyota build quality.
5 out of 5 stars
A legend for the price of a lemon!
Saketh Reddy Velapati, 02/12/2019
2003 Toyota Celica GT 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
Someone said to me, "It is not a 'T' on the hood; on our planet, it is the symbol of reliability!" I obey, even though this is my first Toyota (not the last one for sure). I don't understand why other manufacturers try, but fail in producing such reliable engines as these. Because, it's not just aluminium, steel and rubber put together and fed fuel. It's about learning from your … previous mistakes. As for the 03 Celica GT, I bought that in 2018, from a rather uncaring owner, who forgot to do oil changes - since 3 years. Oh and never did know about the coolant. If it was some Chevy, Pontiac or Dodge - it would've been dead long ago. Even on a frigid snowy day, it starts like a champ! never leaked a fluid, never stalled, never ever left me stranded! It's rather petite engine is good enough for a FWD coupe and somehow feels peppy. The lack of ABS, Traction control, stability control and many other quirks put the car's path in your own hands, but if learned to do so, you can survive a blizzard every day. 15 years later, the exhaust still shines like a polished knife, and you'd have to drill a hole in the chassis to let it rust. The only problem I've had till now is the blend door being faulty on driver side, only blowing hot air to the passenger, and some water leak from the tail gate. But nothing stopped me on the side of a road, nothing else made me hate this car even a tiniest bit! In short, this is the aluminium version of a bulletproof engine! Buy the models after 2003 to avoid the oil consumption issues. Take care of it, and it will save you!
3.5 out of 5 stars
Great Car Until It Started Over heating
ton1974, 07/06/2015
2003 Toyota Celica GT-S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
I have owned 3 Celicas. My 2003 GTS always had issues with heating the car in the winter. I about froze to death if I had to drive it in the winter. Never found out why it did that. I had the 2003 for 4 years and overall was a great car UNTIL I hit the 95,000 mile mark then the over heating started. I had a thermostat put on it, bleed the radiator etc. And it still would over heat. I … finally traded it in. I was disappointed at the end. I would of kept the car longer if the over heating issues was not happening. Sad day when I traded it in.
3.63 out of 5 stars
Good Celica
Zero, 09/13/2002
2003 Toyota Celica GT-S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
great car all around needs one
impovement which is better seats
2003 Celica Highlights
GT
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $17,340 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $167/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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