The 1996 Toyota Celica got a few cosmetic changes for the model year. The coupe was available with larger, curvier rocker panels, intended to give the Celica a sportier look. In addition, the 1996 Celica received improved sound insulation in response to complaints that the car let in too much road noise.
The 1996 Toyota Celica came in three body styles: the convertible, the hatchback, and the coupe. The coupe was available as a base ST or the somewhat sportier GT. The liftback came as an ST and a GT with an optional sports package. The convertible was a GT. For 1996, Toyota also released a 25th Anniversary hatchback ST and convertible GT, which were limited edition, numbered models with commemorative badging. The ST had a 1.8-liter, 110-horsepower engine, and the GT stuck with the same fifth generation engine at 2.2 liters and 130 horsepower. Fuel economy was about 21 to 34 mpg.
Owners of the 1996 Celica like the style of the car and find it looks current even today. Drivers also appreciate that they can get a reliable Toyota in a sporty package. Complaints include a backseat that is too small for even average-sized adults, and a lack of power.
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.
The only thing I don't like about my car is I can't afford a ratchet set to repair my engine.
It's built to be fast. I won in a legal race against a brand new right off the lot Challenger. SO when I say it's built for racing, I'm not kidding. I was told by a previous owner that it was a sprint car in an old NASCAR Event and I was shown videos, I don't remember the year though, sorry.May 25, 2014
by Adam P
Mar 16, 2012
not the kind of car you buy with your head as it very expensive to run, insure and
repair but all of those down sides are a distant memory when you get it on a country road and really let it free the 2L Turbo petrol with AWD makes it a hell of a
lot of fun!Mar 16, 2012
by Francis N
Jun 26, 2011
Absolutely awesome car, my 3rd Celica now...this ones first one to be automatic and to be used for daily use..standard 3sfe motor, no modifications as yet done.. work in progress :)... however with Power/Maunal ECTs and Overdrive options, can still perform exceptionally well for a automatic car in street race etc Jun 26, 2011
User rating:
by Anonymous
May 25, 2014
The only thing I don't like about my car is I can't afford a ratchet set to repair my engine.
It's built to be fast. I won in a legal race against a brand new right off the lot Challenger. SO when I say it's built for racing, I'm not kidding. I was told by a previous owner that it was a sprint car in an old NASCAR Event and I was shown videos, I don't remember the year though, sorry.May 25, 2014
by Adam P
Mar 16, 2012
not the kind of car you buy with your head as it very expensive to run, insure and
repair but all of those down sides are a distant memory when you get it on a country road and really let it free the 2L Turbo petrol with AWD makes it a hell of a
lot of fun!Mar 16, 2012
by Francis N
Jun 26, 2011
Absolutely awesome car, my 3rd Celica now...this ones first one to be automatic and to be used for daily use..standard 3sfe motor, no modifications as yet done.. work in progress :)... however with Power/Maunal ECTs and Overdrive options, can still perform exceptionally well for a automatic car in street race etc Jun 26, 2011
by Thomas F
Oct 21, 2010
I use to own a 91 GT and it was the funnest car i have owned. It was reliable low cost to maintain, and harldy anything went wrong with it. its worth every dollar, but if you afford it, try for a supra or anything with a 2JZGTE swap abilityOct 21, 2010
by Nathan B
Oct 14, 2010
starting to add performance parts just now.
no exhaust.
new exhaust and cold air intake in the mail now, along with a performance chip.
gets pretty good mpg 32.
custom gauge faces installed.
i am buy a set of falken tires and enkie rims.Oct 14, 2010
by Steven C
Sep 28, 2010
have had this car for 50 000 miles owner before me also added 50 000 miles
a beauty every day fuel consumtion is very good fun to drive low costs in
maintenance just a bit of a harsh ride
overall a great car and a real looker at the timeSep 28, 2010
by Ryan F
Aug 15, 2010
the car is a belter for a 2.0l non turbo, 157mph and 0-60 in about 7 secs lol, but main power range is between 60-145 when the vvti comes in, nice looking car , real head turner and never let me down mechanically,Aug 15, 2010
by Albert H
May 27, 2010
By the way uploaded the wrong photo, tht's the 1999-2005 model
Anyway yeah it accelerates quite well....don't be a leadfoot though or ur asking for trouble....in terms of fun well truth be told there are better cars, I think the steering is a little numb and could have more feel, but is easy enough to stow.....appearance faultless, especially in black.....and build quality is definitely solid, no squeaks/rattles to report and no need for repairsMay 27, 2010
by Robyn T
Oct 04, 2009
Awesome when the turbo is working lol. Fantastic acceleration and handling is superb. Costs a lot to run and a hell ova lot when it breaks down. One little turbo hose about 4 inches long cost me $450 and then had to wait 3 months for it to come from Japan. Rear diff mounts were $1200 each side for the parts, then the labour on top. So pretty expensive to maintain. But oh so sexy and sleekOct 04, 2009
by Alex B
Sep 27, 2009
Performance is ok, decent handling but needs more power. Build quality is excellent, I really like the appearance, some people hate the headlamps. Does around 30-35mpg, main problems were ABS sensors, engine was bullet proof. They are getting old now though.Sep 27, 2009
by Dayle M
Sep 16, 2009
be4 i start i have a curren not a celica but it wasnt an option but pretty much the same thing.
it goes quick would be better if i had a 3sge not a 3sfe. runs perfectly. does about 500kms to the tank driving nicelySep 16, 2009
by Chris B
Jul 12, 2009
love the bodywork, solid engine and performance, Handles well and the chicks dig it! The interior is mint and has chrome features with more to come. Fuel economy is excellent on long range journeys but its not for town driving as it canes the fuel. Its fun to drive and the stereo rocks.Jul 12, 2009
by Anonymous
Mar 21, 2009
i just recently bought this car and i have ablsolutely love it, great on gas, handles great. ive heard people complaining about no bower but, the original engine died in mine, so it was replaced with a 2.3L or a 2.4L engine from a toyota wagon. shes got balls nowMar 21, 2009
by Dylan B
Dec 04, 2008
have this car now leaks oil, pretty peppy thought still burns it clean good gas mileage... gets about 38 with k and n air filter and cherry bomb exhaust has 138000 and does show any signs of that on the outside...theres no rust on the body and is pretty good in the snowDec 04, 2008
by Craig G
Jul 16, 2008
Toyota Celica GT-FOUR Jap Import.
These cars are beasts!!, 255bhp as standard, amazing reliability as long as its looked after and maintained, If buying one watch out for worn diffs, fig 8's and high boost settings etc. The performance is staggering and with the 4wd handles like its on rails!, Not the best mpg but to be fair, you dont buy one of these if you consious about over spending as these need to be maintained and serviced with the highest quality parts. Everytime i drive the car it still to this day puts a smile on my face!!Jul 16, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 25, 2008
very pleased with car and service from toyota, if I wasn't retired, I would buy another oneJun 25, 2008
by Tom E
Jun 18, 2008
- Manual Boost controller set at 0.95 bar.
- Forge Adjustable Actuator.
- Apexi Induction kit
- HKS Blow-off valve.
- Samco hoses.
- EBC Drilled and Grooved front discs.
- EBC Red Stuff Pads.
- 17" Silver Kahns with 225/45/17 Toyo T1-Rs
- Powerflow exhaust system with decat downpipe
- C-One style front Splitter.
- Turbo Timer.
- Boost gauge & Air/fuel gauge in pillar pod.
- Alpine CD/MP3 head unit
- Cobra CAT1 Alarm/Immobiliser.
- HID Headlights
- Dyno'ed at 294BHPJun 18, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 07, 2008
Good on gas, and I like the way it handles. I love the way it looks. Jun 07, 2008
by Tom D
May 30, 2008
its a nice riding car. smooth and great on gas which is very important now a days.May 30, 2008
by Dustin M
May 25, 2008
handles well, drives well, good carMay 25, 2008
by Brendan W
May 15, 2008
fuel tank is a bit on the dangerous side with side impacts to the rear quarters of the car, they rupture and burst into flames, i speak from experience.May 15, 2008
by Stace J
Apr 07, 2008
While i had many problems with driveshafts (my own fauls maybe due to the lowering) it still was an amazing car but one expensive to fix :sApr 07, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 03, 2008
I loved this car, it was sadly taken away from me, A problem with the Fuse box caused the car to go up in flames, but on the brighter side, I am now the owner of a Ford Couger 2.5 V6, which is every bit as good as the Celica with a modern interior. 5***** Stars for both cars.Apr 03, 2008
by Mike P
Mar 30, 2008
Car looks great, feels great. The only bad thing about it is the hp it puts out. That's why you need a 3sgte!!!Mar 30, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 19, 2008
i keep having to buy starters for it. 2 in a month.Feb 19, 2008
by Jim G
Feb 06, 2008
Nice low feeling and handles well. Feels like a very light car, likes to coast along but jumps when you give it some juice. Great interior.
Front wheel drive isn't for everyone. The GT-four (4WD Turbo version) must be a dream.
Radiators usually need to be replaced at about 160000k's. I had to and it cost $300.
I found the seats can get a bit uncomfortable on long trips.
Rear seats are great for small children and animals and that it. No head room, limited leg room. But hey it adds to the sportscarness.Feb 06, 2008
by Nick M
Jan 10, 2008
I had the imported all singing and dancing version, electric everything including 4WS etc. Jan 10, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 05, 2008
I purchased this car in October 1997 in Bountiful, UT. It only had 18,000 miles on it. I love it
and plan to keep it forever.Jan 05, 2008
by Cash B
Jan 03, 2008
a great in town car not very fast but great in town a 0-60 good but after that not good a little slow after thatJan 03, 2008
by Mackenzie C
Jan 01, 2008
This is a very zippy, quick little car. Handles like a go-cart. Good looking, excellent build quality. Great gas mileage, drivetrain still going strong at 12 years old with 102,000 miles.Jan 01, 2008
by Michelle H
Dec 29, 2007
Fast, Fun, Reliable, what more can i say!Dec 29, 2007
by David W
Dec 29, 2007
Excellent handling with a breakaway point that is easy to judge, so no suprises when the tail kicks out. The 1.8ST is underpowered for the weight but keep the revs wound up high and there's still plenty of fun to be had. The same goes for acceleration but it still left plenty of cars at the lights with good timing, holding the car on the e-brake and the clutch on the biting point at 2k and just a small touch of wheelspin improved the take-off.Dec 29, 2007
by Andrew L
Dec 28, 2007
Was a GT4 WRC 1998 of 2500 made world wide
0-60 easy 5 seconds
outstanding performance and handlingDec 28, 2007
by Anonymous
Dec 10, 2007
I bought this car on a trip w/ my daugher playing J.O. Basketball in Cincinatti, OH. Just goofing around test driving cars and ended up hauling it back to Colorado on car hauler. It had 67,000 mi then. I now have 173,000. and still going strong. When it dies, I'll get another engine. This car will remain in the family forever. Good Gas mileage, good speed, has always shifted well. This car I have kept longer than anything else in my life. Both my kids have learned to drive a standard shift using this vehicle because it's easy. I wish I owned another.............Dec 10, 2007
by Cash B
Dec 02, 2007
I love this car this is the first car that I have own and I love it.Dec 02, 2007
by Anonymous
Jul 29, 2007
great power great drive great handling just greatJul 29, 2007
by Anonymous
Jan 05, 2007
okthe car is low mantnice and never breaks down with a amazing body almost as much fun as or mr2 spider 2002Jan 05, 2007
So I was out today and I thought to try out my celica. I got her to about 110 and i had to slow down. My question is, what is the fastest you have ever gotten your celica to go? Also, what cars have you beaten in races? I am just wondering.
Im trying to change out alternator pigtail on 96 Celica gt 2.2L. Anything showing or explaining how to get original pigtail off? Not a mechanic but do what I can.