Shifterati

Toyota Celica · 4th gen (1986–1989)

1987 Toyota Celica

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

Learn

What changed

  • A twin-cam 3S-FE replaces the 2S-E on the ST and GT, an automatic becomes optional on the ST, and the GT convertible arrives.1,2

What it came with

  • 2.0L twin-cam four (3S-FE)1,2

    115 hp, on the ST and GT · 1987–1989

  • 2.0L twin-cam four (3S-GELC)1,2,3

    135 hp, on the GT-S

Transmissions
5-speed manual2,3,1, 4-speed automatic2,3,1
Drivetrains
Front-wheel drive2,3
Trims
ST2,1, GT2,1, GT-S2,1
Packages
Liftback body2,3, GT convertible (1987–1989)1

Compare with another year

Buy

Watch out for

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

  • Overheated or over-tuned turbo engine All years One source so far

    What to check: Ask about overheating and any chip tuning, and check that the all-wheel drive works and has not been converted.

    A buyer's guide written for Japanese cars says the first 3S-GTE has known rod bearing and head gasket weaknesses when it has been run hot or tuned past the stock turbo.

    Sources 4

Recalls

No recalls are listed for this year.

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

What buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

  • Sought after: All-Trac Turbo All years

    Hagerty calls the All-Trac Turbo's arrival "even better", giving North America WRC-style grip, and Car and Driver called it a Learjet for the road.3,5

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. Curbside Classic (1988 GT)
  3. Hagerty (seven generations)
  4. JDMBUYSELL (T160 guide)
  5. Car and Driver (1988 All-Trac Turbo test)