Description:
2002 Toyota Celica GT-S
Soul Survivor
Writer's Notes
2002 Toyota Celica GT-S
Base List Price : $ 21,555
Price as Tested : $ 24,326
Drive train
Engine:
1.8 liter I-4, electronic fuel injection
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 7,600 rpm
Torque:
130 lb. ft. @ 6,800 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Weights and Measures
Wheelbase:
102.4"
Height:
51.4"
Length:
170.5"
Weight:
2,500 lb.
Width:
66.7"
Weight/Power: 13.9
Interior
Head Room:
38.4"f, 35.0"r
Leg Room:
43.6"f, 27.0"r
Cargo volume: 16.9 cu. ft.
Chassis
Suspension: F: MacPherson strut, R: Double wishbone
Brakes:
Four wheel disc, power assisted, optional ABS
Tire size:
205/50R16 all season
Mileage
EPA city/highway mpg - 23/32
As Tested - 28 mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity - 14.5 gallons
Warranty
3 years/36,000 miles - bumper to bumper, limited
Dubbed the Celica Action Package, the mods include an aggressive set of ground effects - front, rear and rockers - capped by an adjustable, "extreme" wing on the deck lid.
Comments or suggestions about this review? Send an e-mail to: editor@autobytel.com
Autobytel Inc. operates the popular automotive websites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com, and Autosite.com.
xxx
These are tough times for sport coupes. Ford has thrown in the towel for their downsized Mercury Cougar, and GM called it quits for their two big sport coupes, Camaro and Firebird. Weaving its way through all these fallen, veteran marques is another coupe with a historic handle - the Toyota Celica. Celica first hit these shores in 1971, and promptly made a lot of friends. By 1977, over 1,000,000 had been sold stateside. Decades passed and so too did several generations of Celicas. Toyota marked the millennium with the introduction of the latest, seventh generation Celicas two years ago. The styling was eye opening. In front, a sloping snout, framed by slash-cut headlights. In back, wedgy wraparounds in a tall tail. From the side, a dart shaped profile. In all, a mix of curves and edges in a sexy silhouette, penned by Calty Design in Newport, California.
In year three of gen seven, the 2002 Celica still looks fresh, sporting the smallest of face lifts (a black mesh cover for the grille). The option list has sprouted a style shifter of a much larger magnitude. Dubbed the Celica Action Package, the mods include an aggressive set of ground effects - front, rear and rockers - capped by an adjustable, "extreme" wing on the deck lid. Personally, I think that the unadorned Celica shape is hot as is, and big wings are not my thing. If they're yours, though, $1,590 is not bad money for a full aero kit, with factory fit and finish.
The GT-S powerplant utilizes variable valve timing and lift, with intelligence control to inject an extra dose of performance from 6,000 rpm to the redline at 7,800 rpm.
HGT-S is the up level version of the two model Celica lineup, which also includes the GT. The GT's standard equipment list includes air conditioning, a six speaker AM/FM/CD sound system, power steering and mirrors. To the above, the GT-S adds an audio upgrade with two additional speakers, fog lamps, aluminum pedals, cruise, tilt, power windows and door locks. Options include the aforementioned aero package, ABS, side air bags, sunroof, leather trim (on GT-S only) and a wheel/tire upgrade (15's on GT, 16's on GT-S, the latter a buy at $60). The Celica's cabin is snug and sporty. Driver and front passenger have high back buckets with good support. Controls are a mix of mostly stalks and rheostats, easy to reach and figure out. Gauges are large and analog, lit in pale yellow. Stash spots are provided for a couple of cups and a fistful of CD's or cassettes. Rear seats are rated +2 - not suitable for adult occupation. Kids, backpacks, hand bags or the odd canine, however, would all find room. Under the lift back lives a generous storage space, measuring 16.9 cubic feet, after you hoist your stuff over the high-waisted rear ledge. Extra capacity is a matter of flipping the back seats forward.
The GT-S powerplant utilizes variable valve timing and lift, with intelligence control to inject an extra dose of performance from 6,000 rpm to the redline at 7,800 rpm.
The drive train for the GT-S matches a 1.8 liter, twin cam four with a six speed, close-ratio gearbox. The engine makes 180 hp and 130 lb. ft. of torque (40 horses and 4 lb. ft. more than the GT). Given the GT-S' curb weight of 2,500 lb., that's a very respectable weight to power ratio of 13.9. The peak power arrives at the lofty levels of 7,600 and 6,800 rpm, respectively, but you wouldn't know it to drive it. The key is the gearbox - closely spaced, to keep the four banger on the boil, with a short stroke shifter. Though it sounds a bit hoarse when singing in higher octaves, the short gearing in sixth allows the Toyota four to turn lower revs and return good mileage. GT-S rates 23 city/32 highway by EPA's reckoning, and I logged a shade under 26 during my test drive. The Celica's suspension is MacPherson struts up front and double wishbone in back, with crisp handling and a firm but comfortable road ride. Braking is strong, with discs all around on GT-S and available ABS. Snowbelters, take note: the GT-S is no SUV.
Unlike GM's big coupe cousins Camaro and Firebird, Celica has changed considerably over the years and kept up with the times. The new Celica may have retro roots, but the latest version has all four wheels firmly planted in the here and now.
---Story and photos by Dan Lyons
photos © Dan Lyons 2002
Source: Times Union's Automotive Weekly |
81 ( -13 -16.04% )