For 1997, Toyota dropped the GT version of the coupe. The GT hatchback got a small boost in engine power.
The 1997 Toyota Celica was available as a coupe, hatchback, and convertible. The coupe was available only as a base-level ST. The hatchback came as an ST and the slightly sportier GT, with an available sports package option. The convertible came only as a GT. The 25th Anniversary models from the previous year were renamed the ST Limited Edition hatchback the GT limited Edition convertible. The ST had a 1.8-liter, 110-horsepower engine, and the GT had a 2.2-liter engine, with an upgrade of five horsepower to 135. Fuel economy was about 21 to 34 mpg.
Drivers of the 1997 Toyota Celica like that they can get an attractive car that still has Toyota's reliable engine and quality construction. Owners of the 1997 Celica also appreciate the car's cornering and handling ability, but many complain that the car doesn't have as much power as its sporty looks would lead one to believe.
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Where to start vehicle is titled out of province but has been insured in BC all but 3 yes. It has over $3000 in front end damage and you can tell from the bad color matching done as well as the gap between the hood and bumper, AC does not blow cold and big chip in front window that has been repaired. If your looking for a low Km vehicle this is the one to get. Hope this review helps with your decision to buyMay 15, 2021
by Anonymous
Sep 21, 2014
The boot is generous, Having the soft top is a great bonus and I think looks better than the standard model. Mine was off the road for a year yet started first turn of the key! Great engine! Very good leg room in the front except when carrying passengers in the rear in which case you might have to move the seats forward a little?Sep 21, 2014
by A. B
Jul 17, 2012
The 1997 Celica GT is a blast to drive daily, great fuel economy, looks sharp. But the driver seat is a bit low, not comfortable for someone with lower back problem. Overall a great car that offers a lot for the cost...Jul 17, 2012
User rating:
by Anonymous
May 15, 2021
Where to start vehicle is titled out of province but has been insured in BC all but 3 yes. It has over $3000 in front end damage and you can tell from the bad color matching done as well as the gap between the hood and bumper, AC does not blow cold and big chip in front window that has been repaired. If your looking for a low Km vehicle this is the one to get. Hope this review helps with your decision to buyMay 15, 2021
by Anonymous
Sep 21, 2014
The boot is generous, Having the soft top is a great bonus and I think looks better than the standard model. Mine was off the road for a year yet started first turn of the key! Great engine! Very good leg room in the front except when carrying passengers in the rear in which case you might have to move the seats forward a little?Sep 21, 2014
by A. B
Jul 17, 2012
The 1997 Celica GT is a blast to drive daily, great fuel economy, looks sharp. But the driver seat is a bit low, not comfortable for someone with lower back problem. Overall a great car that offers a lot for the cost...Jul 17, 2012
by Anonymous
Nov 22, 2011
I think one can only buy Japanese or German cars, to be sure of reliability and high build quality-with a few exceptions.
The Toyota is well made and comfortable and if used on long journeys it is a great drive
but around town its too heavy-a bit cumbersome. However it does what it does well, exceedingly well indeed.
At the end of a long drive you feel fine. It has reasonable power and there is no drop of power at high speeds. It is also pretty good on gas-about 35mpg combined if you drive sensibly (!)
However i don't believe its a classic. I won't fall in love with it as I have done with my Mk2 Honda Prelude's. It's just a bit too predicable and lacks personality.
However you can buy with confidence at cheap pricesNov 22, 2011
by Anonymous
May 12, 2010
Nothing to dislike. Over 200,000 miles and runs great. Minimal upkeep for a car with this many miles. Hatchback is very practical, sporty but still seats 4. Great MPG. Classic lines. Unique interior, esp the dashboard. Instead of buying a new car I am going to invest in this one., its worth it.May 12, 2010
by Luis C
Oct 13, 2009
Desempeño: Es lo justo para transportarme de una forma divertida y rapida.
Acceleracion: Le saco los queques pero necesito mas acceleracion, o sea un motor mas grande!!
Braking: Es lo justo para el tamayo del coche!
Handling: Muy bueno, responde cuando lo indico! MUY MANIOBRABLE X SU TAMAÑO!!
Build Quality: Muy bien construido! resulta que no me duran mucho los carros pero, este ha salido muy bien, aguanta y aguanta! como dice el spot: NO LO MANEJE, MALTRATELO!!
Necesita un poco de pintura, mas que todo detalles, necisito cambiarle llantas x que si no, ME MATO EN INVIERNO!!
Apariencia: Me gusta, es un deportivo muy sobrio y arranca miradas de otros que manejas deportivos de esa misma envergadura (o sea de 4 cilindros y hasta de 6)
Millage: con tanque lleno me hace 400 millas, unos 625 kms.
Mantenimiento: solo aceites, gasolina y cambio de bujias!
Buneo, como lo dije: ES MUY DIVERTIDO!Oct 13, 2009
by Stephen H
Oct 02, 2009
This car is built for a small person no doubt but that's one thing that I love about it. The dashboard wraps into the middle console and the backseat really requires the top to be down to really use it, but you can fit three golf bags in the trunk with the top down. My car has 205000 on it. Just replaced a CV shaft, but it's all regular maintenance for a foreign care this old. And that's right it's a toyota which means top down you get 25 mpg after a year without a tune up. I love my car. Oct 02, 2009
by Marty P
Sep 22, 2009
Well the key thing is it is hard to go anywhere without someone saying how great the car is and how they wnated one when they were younger. It has the Celica classic style. After 214000 miles it is starting to wear a bitSep 22, 2009
by Kevin P
Dec 07, 2008
Performance- limited, needs a bigger engine, and an update on suspension and breaks. but for its engine size it preforms well.
Build Quality- little wrong with the body. engine and tranny need to be replaced.
Appearance- Needs new paint job! besides that its a beauty.
Cost of Ownership- MPG: 29 city, 35 hwy. the cat hold together well so maintenance is low.
Fun Factor- I love driving this car! it handles great, and you feel like you are apart of it. and an amazing drive.
I would most defiantly recommend this car to a friend!Dec 07, 2008
by Chris R
Sep 18, 2008
the car is very good and drives exceptionally well, the interior is very nice and the exterior has great lines to it. economy is good gor a 2.0 and the performance is pretty rapid, however i wouldnt go for it if your used to driving bigger engines.
doesnt matter if the car has high mileage as mine has done 190k and still running beautifullySep 18, 2008
by Edward F
Sep 03, 2008
it was an amazing handling car that had enough muscle to get off the line fast. the convertable top was amazing the only thing that was bad was there was a slight idling problem and the speakers wernt great. other than that it was one amazing car that i loved.Sep 03, 2008
by Jason G
Aug 14, 2008
The performance is brilliant, it handles really well. There is nothing wrong with the build quality, no rattles or squeaks. I have cream leather interior, which is very comfy, the exterior is good looking. It doeant cost to much to keep on the road. Its fun to drive, i drive a long distance to work and enjoy the drive every time :)Aug 14, 2008
by Cathryn J
Aug 01, 2008
Love this car, no major problems... can't get rid of it...
Good mpg, no major rust spots, had to do the usual repairs but didn't cost a fortune. Handles well (lowered suspension). Looks nice. Solid and reliable jap car.
Mod it and it becomes a real head turner at the jap shows... highly recommended...Aug 01, 2008
by Zach E
Jul 30, 2008
Awesome because you never see them and when you do they are never in good shape, unless if you see mine or Tranter's. I am slowly building up my car to look and perform better. I love to drive it, especially since its a 5 speed. All in all, its a fun car to have but you have to go almost completely custom when it comes to building it.Jul 30, 2008
by Rani K
Jul 02, 2008
It was love at first sight... mainly because of its stylish curves but also cannot beat the Toyota brand :) Jul 02, 2008
by Lionel L
Apr 14, 2008
beautiful, but not very well made. rattles after driving it for 6 months, was not very comfortabel
very comfortable but looked great.Apr 14, 2008
by Joanna N
Mar 31, 2008
because it's an ST it's not too quick but it grips pretty well. I'm about to lower it too so... cool. lol
it's got a noise problem that everyone knows about haha. can't figure out what it is.
cloth interior (black)
Limited Edition
i put on a grill and added alpine head unit and tint.Mar 31, 2008
by Ai M
Mar 14, 2008
loved racing and scaring people in the car handling was wonderfullMar 14, 2008
by Nick D
Feb 25, 2008
Awesome car, great MPG, solid.Feb 25, 2008
by Jack V
Jan 30, 2008
Everyone always has that first car that they love... This is my '97 Toyota Celica 2 Dr ST Limited Edition Hatchback. I purchased this car in spring of 2007 for $4,500. It had 91,000 miles on it and still ran like new. The girl that owned it before me put a few scratches in it and most likely had a left front fender bender (notice the slight gap on the trim line between the hood and left front head light). Although it is an automatic it still has its perks. I have minor customization plans for her. I recently purchased 15'' Sport Max 941 wheels and just mounted them recently ( new pics will be uploaded very soon). Overall, this car is simply fun to drive.Jan 30, 2008
by Dave W
Dec 28, 2007
Overall Great, very hard car to modify but I got there in the end!
Dec 28, 2007
Dear Sir, we have a 1997 Celica with a 2.2 motor. It is dropping Jet Black oil on our garage floor. It does not seem to be losing oil when we check the stick (and it's a different colour) and the timing belt and seal were just replaced. Can you please help? Thanks and regards
Hi I have an automatic 1997 GS Celica in excellent condition in NZ. GS is written on hatchback, has lights down inside of doors and is a 2.2Lt. Here in NZ Auto dealers say Celicas are worthless - Why???? I love my car, but need a ute as I now have farm block. My car is NZ new, has had 2 lady owners and the paintwork - silver, looks like new. It has done 144,000km without missing a beat and when I bought it, it was sold to me as a Signature car from Toyota Dealer.