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Toyota Celica · 3rd gen (1982–1985)

1982 Toyota Celica

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

Learn

What changed

  • New generation, with the 2.4L four in every US Celica.1,2

What it came with

  • 2.4L four (22R)1,3

    Carburetted · 1982

Transmissions
5-speed manual4
Drivetrains
Rear-wheel drive5
Trims
ST1, GT1, GT-S1,5,6
Packages
Liftback body1,3

Compare with another year

Buy

Recalls

  • 86V132000 1982

    Solder joints in the cruise control computer can crack, which can make the engine race and the car speed up suddenly. The computer is replaced if needed.7,8

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

What buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

  • Sought after: GT-S All years One source so far

    Two members of a Grassroots Motorsports thread on 1980s cars want a GT-S: one names an '85, and the other likes them, though he says people mark them down for being heavier than the Corolla.9

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. Toyota Newsroom (Celica archive)
  3. Curbside Classic (1982–1985 coupe and liftback)
  4. Curbside Classic (GT-S convertible)
  5. Hagerty (seven generations)
  6. Conceptcarz (1984 Celica)
  7. NHTSA recalls (1982 Celica)
  8. NHTSA campaign 86V132000
  9. Grassroots Motorsports forum (1980s cars)