The Good
The 2002 Celica offers a compelling blend of advantages. For the practical buyer, Toyota's legendary reliability and good fuel economy are strong selling points. Emotionally, its sleek design and sporty handling provide an engaging driving experience. The GT-S trim boasts a high-revving engine for added excitement, while all models offer a comfortable and stylish interior.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses of the 2002 Celica include potential oil consumption issues, particularly in the GT-S model's 2ZZ-GE engine. Premature lift bolt failure (again in the GT-S) is another concern. The rear strut towers can be prone to rust in colder climates. Additionally, the rear seats are cramped, limiting passenger comfort.
2002 Toyota Celica: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 1.8L 1ZZ-FE inline-4 (GT): 140 horsepower
- 1.8L 2ZZ-GE inline-4 (GT-S): 180 horsepower
- Horsepower:
- GT: 140 hp @ 6400 rpm
- GT-S: 180 hp @ 7600 rpm
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimates):
- GT: 29 mpg city / 36 mpg highway
- GT-S: 26 mpg city / 32 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times:
- GT: ~8.5 seconds
- GT-S: ~7.2 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not applicable - the Celica is not designed for towing.
- Trim-Level Features:
- GT: Standard features include air conditioning, power windows and locks, AM/FM/CD stereo, and cloth upholstery.
- GT-S: Adds features like a sport-tuned suspension, larger wheels, upgraded seats, aluminum pedals, and the higher-output 2ZZ-GE engine with VVTL-i.
2002 Toyota Celica Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2002 |
| Make | Toyota |
| Model | Celica |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Hatchback Hatchback |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Japan |
| Manufacturing City | SUSONO |
Dimensions
| Doors | 3-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 2ZZ-GE |
| Engine Size | 1.8L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2002 Toyota Celica Have?
Recalls for the 2002 Celica were relatively limited, but it is crucial to check the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) database for any outstanding recalls related to safety or emissions before purchasing a used model. Early model years (2000 and 2001) had some recalls related to fuel system components and emissions controls, but the 2002 model had fewer. Long-term reliability depends heavily on maintenance history and driving habits. Neglecting oil changes or pushing the engine hard can exacerbate oil consumption issues and shorten the engine's lifespan.
How long will the 2002 Toyota Celica last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
In terms of safety, the Celica came standard with front airbags. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were optional. There were no advanced driver-assistance systems like lane departure warning or automatic emergency braking available. The focus was more on a sporty driving experience than cutting-edge technology.
Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) indicate that the 2002 Celica received generally good scores for frontal crash protection. However, side-impact protection was rated lower. It's important to note that crash test standards have evolved significantly since 2002, so these ratings should be viewed in the context of vehicles from that era. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) also conducted crash tests on the Celica and provided ratings that can be researched on their website. Optional features were primarily cosmetic or performance-related, such as upgraded wheels, a rear spoiler, and fog lights. The interior features were quite spartan, even in the GT-S trim, focusing more on the driving experience than luxury amenities. Overall, the 2002 Celica is a simple car in terms of technology and safety compared to modern vehicles.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2002 Toyota Celica Prices and Market Value
2002 Toyota Celica Cost of Ownership
2002 Toyota Celica Fuel Efficiency
2002 Toyota Celica Safety Rating
NHTSA
2002 Toyota Celica Recalls & Defects
Fuel System, Gasoline
2002 Toyota Celica Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2002 Toyota Celica Compare to Other Hatchback Hatchback?
In terms of reliability, the Celica generally outperforms the Eclipse but lags slightly behind the Honda Civic Si. Feature-wise, the Celica was fairly basic compared to some rivals, lacking features like a standard sunroof or leather seats. Pricing was competitive within the segment. If reliability is a top priority, the Honda Civic Si is a strong alternative. If more power is desired, the Acura RSX Type-S (though potentially less reliable) or a later model Civic Si (with the K20 engine) could be considered. The Mazda MX-5 Miata, while a different body style (convertible), offers a similar level of sporty handling and fun at a comparable price point. Ultimately, the best alternative depends on individual priorities regarding performance, features, and reliability.
Ranks #165 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0â ) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0â ) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0â ) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0â ) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (4.0â ) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0â ) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0â ) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0â ) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0â ) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0â ) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0â ) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0â ) |
| 165 | 2002 Toyota Celica | (5.0â ) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2002 Toyota Celica a Good Hatchback Hatchback?
Helen Cummings on July 20, 2024
My yellow 2002 Celica still looks brand new and alwaysMy yellow 2002 Celica still looks brand new and always undercover. I love driving it and am the original owner. Still under 190.000 klm. I am 74 years old and dare anyone to overtake me or accelerate from traffic lights. 6 on the floor is a dream to handle. Always used premium petrol. My grandson who is 8 will inherit it. I live in NSW Australia.
SorryOfcrIThawtUWuntedToRace on April 28, 2024
Sexy Little Toyota, Best Car EverThis was an impulse purchase, I probably paid more than I should have but never a regret. I donât know and didnât care about all the engine/specs, I cared that it was sexy sporty red 6 spd manual. It handled better than anything Iâve ever driven - I felt safe and in control no matter the road conditions. Windy roads in the mountains, 2 lane passing, tight turns and unexpected stops - traffic - never an and thought except xxxx this car can drive. I drove through a flash flood - hydroplaned - I didnât see the water running across road until I was on it. It was deep enough to have water sloshing on floor board. That was scary but my car got right back on track. I even lost highway patrol once, I took advantage of a blind cornerââŹÂŚ oooops. I felt like an outlaw. Paint was crap, the clear coat peeled. But Toyota honored with new paint job. I canât tell you how many teenage - and older boys- dared me at red lightsââŹÂŚ BEST CAR EVER.
BulletââŹÂŚfast as a on October 3, 2023
Best car ever! Not perfectââŹÂŚBought my 2000 GT new with 6 miles on it and unfortunately someone hit and run me so insurance bought it from me in May 2021. Besides new batteries, oil changes, a few tune ups, tires etc the car was an excellent value for me especially when gas jumped to over $5 a gallon. All the co workers who laughed at me when I first got it had to sell their gas guzzling vehicles to buy smaller better on gas vehicles. I could put a ten foot long board inside over the positioned ââŹĹdownââŹÂ passenger seat, always left the back seats down and yes the car is well known to have a ton of cargo space. I was getting ready to paint it (yes paint did peel over time) and overhaul the engine (high mileage is another known factor of engine problems) so I could drive it ANOTHER 237,000 miles but it was not meant to be!! I could go on and on but one last thingââŹÂŚ.I HAD THE OG BRAKES ON ITââŹÂŚ..I down shifted a lot!! Truly fun car! Loved getting into it, driving it & I loved the look of my Celica nicknamed BULLET The Celica has been given the moniker SEX ON WHEELSââŹÂŚ..Amen !!!
David C on May 31, 2023
Great carIt's still sporty 20 years later. Really ahead of it's time in terms of body style. Interior wise it's more of a 2 seater. Very comfortably I might add. The back seat really for kids I'd say. But don't let it fool you. When you drop the rear seats there is quite a bit of room. I can't tell you how many times I've heard. "All of that was in there?!" It also does well on gas. Street or highway. It's decent in terms of speed. But where it excels is in its handling. All of that out together, makes it an exceptional value and a fun drive.
Edfcont on July 21, 2020
Most reliable car I have owned!I have owned for over 8 year and I love it. Itâs Fun to drive reliable and great on gas! Too bad they discontinued them. Toyota should bring back more cars like that
Spider on April 2, 2020
Fantastic car ant it my favoriteI love it, excellent high speed comfortable sexy car nice and sporty, itâs drive me crazy, it was and still my dream car. I which if I can get one now.
Augsburg on March 5, 2020
good carlove the car, the problem I am having the paint is peeling and my fuel gage stopped working that is the only complain I have. My car is a 2002 Celica GT 115000 miles. I am 73 years young
CadenH on November 15, 2019
Great Cheap Sports CarIts a great first sports car. It has enough power to make it fun to drive but not too dangerous. It is a good car for backroading or for any other sports car activities. Its also an extremely reliable car, the engine is the same one in the corolla. Can transport 4 people but if they are not short (under 5'5'') it wont be very comfortable for long distances.
Quick sportybee on October 16, 2019
Great car for fuel saving.This car it's small but with lot of room for large size packages. Especially with big back trunk 3rd door. Folding back sits give u lot of room even for almost 6ft Christmas tree I had transported in it. Or sport bag for gym. Because it is quick and small you can park any where in crowned town parkings.
kiser55 on May 27, 2018
fun carfun to drive great on gas easy to mod and plenty of customize-able parts all around a nice car and a great first car definitely a 10/10.
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.