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Toyota Celica · 2nd gen (1978–1981)

1981 Toyota Celica

This page is a draft. It has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

Learn

What changed

  • A 2.4L four replaces the 2.2L, and the GTA marks ten years of the Celica.1,2

What it came with

  • 2.4L four (22R)1,2

    97 hp, the engine of the Toyota pickup · 1981

Transmissions
5-speed manual3, Automatic4,1
Drivetrains
Rear-wheel drive3
Trims
ST4,1, GT4,1
Packages
Liftback body1,4, GTA 10th Anniversary (1981)1, Griffith Sunchaser (1979–1981)1

Compare with another year

Buy

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

  • Rust behind the body panels All years One source so far

    What to check: Look under the car and behind the panels for rust.

    Two readers commenting on Curbside Classic's reprint of a 1980 road test say these Celicas rusted away in Ohio and that the backs of the panels had little protection.

    Sources 5

Rare catches

Rare options, colors and interiors to look out for, and whether finding one is good news.

  • Rare GTA 10th Anniversary Package

    The Celica's 10th anniversary edition, for 1981 only1

  • Rare Griffith Sunchaser Package

    Over 2,000 converted, by Wikipedia1

Recalls

No recalls are listed for this year.

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

Before you pay

Open the buyer's checklist

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia (Toyota Celica)
  2. Hagerty (seven generations)
  3. The Autopian (1979 Celica)
  4. Curbside Classic (1980 GT)
  5. Curbside Classic readers (1980 road test)