What IS The Celica? Options

[ge7243]

I've been pondering this for a few days now. What is the Celica exactly? It's front wheel drive and doesn't have an incredibly "sporty" engine (At least not in the States or for this generation) so "sports car" doesn't seem too accurate a description. I suppose it could be among the ranks of some economy cars (though that doesn't sound fair to this car), but the back seat is pretty cramped and hard to access what with the lack of two extra doors. There is a convertible version, that's a good niche to be in, so that I can believe: A well priced, fun to drive convertible. But it doesn't appear that the hard top version of this car would have too much going for it.

I don't mean to sound like I dislike this car though. I love the 95 GT that I get to drive. Everything about it seems to just make sense. I love how all the interfaces are layed out well for me to find easily. And it sounds good when accelerating quickly. It drives very easily as well, it's just so much fun. I couldn't ask for any other car to learn driving in.

But what is it?

[JoKeRkId613]

it's a sports car.

[ge7243]

Then what is the definition of a "sports car" in this case?

I'm having an automotive-existential dilema.

[celi_gt_racer]

it's toyota's failed attempt at a sports car
best described as "sporty" lol

[lubu]

maybe they just failed in the engine area, thats probably why so many of us did the 3sgte swap.... but the shape is one of the nicest i've seen, the layouts are exellent too...

[Supersprynt]

Celica started out at RWD. It became FWD in 1986

The Celica is an affordable, economical sports car.

[ge7243]

I agree on the shape being really nice. Looks so unique, with only the Eclipse being what I find similar.

I guess it could be considered a sports car if the GT-Four is considered.

[x_itchy_b_x]

eh its nothing more than marketing. in the past the alltrac didnt sell well enough here so they didnt give us the gtfour. we have an economy car with its heritage in rally. similar to a lancer to an evo. i think...

[Rayme]

I would say "sports compact" or sporty, and leave it at there.
Just saying sports car puts it up against corvettes and dear lord...the driving experience is totally different.

[lubu]

lol come on guys give our cars some credits here, i mean there were times when i was gonna sell it and buy a supra or rx7, but had a really good thought abt it and decided not to...i think im gonna be driving it for a loooong looong time, but first i'll have to find blacktop beams and chuck it in there

edit:typo

This post has been edited by lubu: Jun 26, 2007 - 11:02 AM

[tomazws]

Sporty car that goes putt putt instead of vroom vroom.

[ge7243]

Okay, I think I'll settle for "Sport Compact."

Never knew this forum could be full of self-hating Celica enthusiasts.

[tomazws]

Okay, I think I'll settle for "Sport Compact."

Never knew this forum could be full of self-hating Celica enthusiasts.

I like everything about my car except the engine. But then again, I am very pleased with my gas milage

If only I could get my hands on a 3SGE or a 3SGTE, then it'd be vroom vroom and not putt putt

[3SGTE]

id say its a power house of speed....... but thats just me!!! Well its definatley got sports car looks, if nothing else. what is 2.0gt 0-60?

[mrgrape]

its a sport car back in the day

[tomazws]

id say its a power house of speed....... but thats just me!!! Well its definatley got sports car looks, if nothing else. what is 2.0gt 0-60?

From someone who owns a GT-Four ---------- "Power House of Speed".




gosh i wish i could say that...

[daazndood]

Celica started out at RWD. It became FWD in 1986

The Celica is an affordable, economical sports car.

nothing economical at 22mpg in city. lol.

[6strngs]

I'd say it's a "sporty" car or a sport compact.

[Hanyo]

If you want to know what the celica is, you can not use the american 6th generation celica as an example. To use the american celica as an example is like asking a designer to make the best sandwhich in the world, and then handing the sandwich to a businesman. The businessman will then cut cost and change out the quality ingredience for cheapest material availabe. So no matter how well designed the sandwich is, it will taste terrible!

If you want to know the true intention of the celica, you need to look at the heritiage of the celica in toyota.

The 6th generation celica was design to be used in rally competition and bridge the gap between the corolla and supra. It was suppose to fill the price gap for the people who could not afford the supra yet didn;t want to have a underpowered 4 door corolla.

So the true intention of the celica was to be a sports car; the celica gt4.

When the celica came to the Usa, it essentially got handed to the "businessman" who put th cheap engine in it. This make it more appealing to the american public with claims of good MPG rating. It also lowered the price of the car to compete with honda's and mitsubishi.

But generally the celica was designed to be a sports car, this is the reason we have horrible cramped rear seats, a sexy long bonnet, wide tires, and aerodynamic body styling.

[tomazws]

If you want to know what the celica is, you can not use the american 6th generation celica as an example. To use the american celica as an example is like asking a designer to make the best sandwhich in the world, and then handing the sandwich to a businesman. The businessman will then cut cost and change out the quality ingredience for cheapest material availabe. So no matter how well designed the sandwich is, it will taste terrible!

If you want to know the true intention of the celica, you need to look at the heritiage of the celica in toyota.

The 6th generation celica was design to be used in rally competition and bridge the gap between the corolla and supra. It was suppose to fill the price gap for the people who could not afford the supra yet didn;t want to have a underpowered 4 door corolla.

So the true intention of the celica was to be a sports car; the celica gt4.

When the celica came to the Usa, it essentially got handed to the "businessman" who put th cheap engine in it. This make it more appealing to the american public with claims of good MPG rating. It also lowered the price of the car to compete with honda's and mitsubishi.

But generally the celica was designed to be a sports car, this is the reason we have horrible cramped rear seats, a sexy long bonnet, wide tires, and aerodynamic body styling.

This totally explains the pains we suffer living in North America.