Why Toyota Celica Fans Seek Out Manual Transmissions

The Toyota Celica and Its Manual Transmission

The Toyota Celica is a popular sports coupe that was manufactured by Toyota from 1970 to 2006. Over its long production run, the Celica built a reputation for being an affordable, stylish, and fun-to-drive car. One of the reasons driving enthusiasts are drawn to the Celica is its available manual transmission.

A Brief History of the Toyota Celica

The first generation Toyota Celica was introduced in 1970. It featured a sleek, pony car-inspired design. Under the hood, it had peppy four-cylinder engines and rear-wheel drive. Manual transmissions were common in these early Celicas, giving drivers snappy shifter action and spirited acceleration.

The second-generation Celica debuted in 1977. It switched to front-wheel drive and had upgraded suspensions tuning. Four-speed manual gearboxes remained popular. In the early 1980s, the third gen Celica was launched. It featured even sportier styling and new engine choices, including turbocharged motors. The GT-S models came with five-speed manual gearboxes.

The fourth, fifth and sixth generation Celicas of the 1990s and early 2000s retained the vehicle's fun, sporty essence. Lower trim models often had automatic transmissions. But many buyers opted for the precise six-speed manual transmissions on GT and GT-S trims for driving excitement. The final Celica was sold in the US in 2005.

Why the Manual Transmission Matters

So what makes the manual transmission so important to the Toyota Celica experience? There are a few reasons driving enthusiasts still prize the stick-shift equipped models after all these years.

First and foremost, the manual transmission gives you more control over the driving experience. The direct mechanical linkage from shifter to transmission lets you select exactly the right gear for spirited acceleration or to precisely match engine RPM for smoother shifting. There's no waiting on a computer to call for shifts.

Having control of gear changes also allows you to keep the engine RPM in the power band on twisty roads. Downshifting before corners gives you better throttle response exiting a turn. Your right hand and left foot orchestrate the symphony occurring under the hood. The result is a more active and involving driving experience.

Seeking Out Celicas with Manual Gearboxes

For Toyota Celica fans, finding one of these iconic sports coupes with a manual transmission can be a challenge. Because they were generally bought by younger enthusiasts rather than as basic transportation, most Celicas have led a hard life.

GT and GTS models are more likely than base trims to have the stick shift. But they are often harder to locate. Condition varies widely for remaining examples. Expect prices to run the gamut from project condition to pristine show car.

When evaluating condition, ask about transmission service history. Clutch replacements can be costly. But they are worthwhile if the car checks out otherwise. Also try out all gears and listen for odd noises that could signal worn synchros or bearings.

The upside to the search is that Celicas with manual transmissions almost always get snatched up by genuine driving enthusiasts. While those with autos languish on the market, manuals get preserved by true Toyota fans. With research and patience, you can find a good one.

Get Behind the Wheel of a Celica With a Stick Shift

In an era of paddle shift automatics, the Toyota Celica's manual transmission is a throwback to simpler times. Rowing through the gears connects you directly to the action. Matching revs perfectly is deeply satisfying. For purists, nothing else compares.

If you love to engage directly in the art of driving, tracking down a Celica with a working stick shift is a worthy hunt. The sweet heavenly sound of the engine racing towards redline as you fire off a perfect downshift reminds you why manuals still matter. Toyota got this right across Celica generations, much to the delight of enthusiasts everywhere.

FAQs

When was the Toyota Celica in production?

The Toyota Celica sports coupe was manufactured from 1970 to 2006. It spanned seven generations sold in the United States over 36 years.

What body styles were available on the Celica?

The Celica was always sold as a two-door coupe in the North American market. There were some liftback editions as well as ST165 and ST185 editions with the sloping "bubbleback" rear window style.

What engine options did Celicas have?

Early Celicas had simple but peppy inline four-cylinder engines. Later generations added turbocharged four-cylinder motors and All-Trac turbocharged engines. Displacements ranged from 1.6 liters up to 2.4 liters.

How many manual transmission gears did Celicas have?

Manual transmissions progressed from four speeds in early cars to five speeds in 1980s models and eventually six speeds in 1990s and 2000s Celicas.

What models were more likely to have manual transmissions?

Base model Celicas often came with automatic gearboxes. But performance trims including GT, ST, and GTS were more commonly equipped with stick shifts from the factory.