2002 Toyota Celica reviews and buying guide.

2002 Toyota Celica resources:

• 2002 Toyota Celica price quote
• 2002 Toyota Celica insurance quote
• 2001 Toyota Celica review

2002 Toyota Celica

The sleek and sporty Toyota Celica Hatchback enters the year 2002 with only a few minor changes, one being a new mesh screen design on the front grille. The overall appearance is still the same: aerodynamic lines, slanted headlights, and a sexy, racy look. Two models are available again this year, the Toyota Celica GT Hatchback and the Toyota Celica GTS Hatchback, each with two doors and a seating capacity of four passengers. As with all Toyota vehicles, the Celica carries with it a badge of quality, reliability, and excellent resale value established over many years by Toyota. Not to mention that the Celica simply looks awesome and has some pretty good performance to boot!

Enter the first model, the Toyota Celica GT Hatchback, featuring a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with 16 valves, 140 horsepower, and a sequential port fuel injection system. The fuel economy rating is true to Toyota’s reputation for savings, checking in at 28/34 (city/hwy). Standard transmission is five-speed manual, with automatic transmission available as an option for those who prefer it. Both transmissions are responsive, but we prefer the zip of manual transmission to go along with the sporty package. Drive type is two-wheel front, and the tires are all-season SBR.

The Toyota Celica GT Hatchback covers the essential safety features, and include a driver depowered air bag, passenger depowered air bag, and front head restraints. Since the back seat area is less likely to be used in such a vehicle, side impact air bags have been made available as an option. Other options listed are ABS brakes and front fog lights.

Luxuries are generous in the Toyota Celica GT Hatchback and range from air conditioning to color-keyed dual power mirrors, six-way adjustable sport seats, and an AM/FM stereo with CD player and six speakers. The rear seat splits 50/50 and folds down, and there are plenty of cup holders, map pockets, and a center storage console. Little conveniences such as steering wheel tilt, hood release, gas filler release, and remote lift gate release come in handy as well. The rear hatch makes loading and unloading luggage, groceries, and other gear a breeze. Some of the packages available include cruise control, power door locks, power windows, and rear wiper. Options are listed as a sunroof and port installed theft deterrent system.

Base invoice price: $15,460
Base list price: $17,085

The Toyota Celica GTS Hatchback takes performance up a few serious notches with an increase to 180 horsepower and a fun six-speed manual transmission. Automatic transmission is available as an option for those who don’t get quite as much of a kick out of shifting gears on the highways as we do. We’ll admit that automatic is a lot easier if you’re driving around the city a lot.

This model adds a lot to the previous base package, including front fog lights, cruise control, power door locks, and power windows. The sound system has been upgraded, and the steering wheel and gearshift are wrapped in leather. Details such as the drilled aluminum sports pedals and five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels contribute to the racy look and feel. To finish off the package in style and luxury, leather seating is available as an option.

Base invoice price: $19,398
Base list price: $21,555