This was my first car, a silver 2000 GT manual, and it was a blast to own. Comfortable interior, great gas mileage (34mpg on the highway) and cool styling. My only issues were significant oil consumption (approx. 1 qt./300mi), and no anti-lock braking system, but other than that, it was a reliable car that got me to school, work and plenty of adventures.

I have kept it "stock", it has over 200K miles and going strong. Just took a day trip 400-mile over Sierra-Nevada Highway 80 back and forth from Benicia, CA, and Reno, NV. I will just say I was in the lead, not a follower on the road. Gas usage is 400+miles to a 12-gallon tank. Major repairs: replaced air condition unit due to my error, catalytic converter, engine due to mechanic error.

I put an import JDM motor in a 2000. Motor blew from oil starvation @ 116k miles. The GT-S model designed with Yamaha is a screamer with high RPM capabilities. Zero to 25 less than a second, zero to 60 is 6.5 seconds. Low end sucks, I can’t get my auto equipped Celica to spin the tires at takeoff. No burnouts. But over 3200rpm the car hauls. Considering the original motor blew, though, I’m reluctant to spin over 6K rpm. But if fuel economy is your goal, the auto trans has a gear indicator on the dash. Shifts nicely at 2200rpm if you’re easy on the go pedal. Goes into 4th overdrive as soon as you let off the gas and coast. At highway speeds 55-60 mph, car runs 21-2300 rpm. At interstate speeds car likes 73mph at 3200rpm. At 85mph, 3800rpm. This generation Celica would have benefited from a 6 speed auto, better engine longevity and fuel mileage. This dipstick says trans fluid is life of vehicle. Bull. At 116, trans fluid was dirty and grey, not red. Change it with genuine Toyota trans fluid regularly, 60-80 k intervals. PS fluid likewise, had a burnt smell. Car is low, fun in the twisty back roads, not so fun being tailgated by a pickup. Sunroof is great, seats are comfortable with good seating positions available. Car enthusiasts stop and stare as you roll by. Easy to work on. Lots to like.