1988 Toyota Celica

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

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What changed

The All-Trac Turbo arrives, with 190 hp and all-wheel drive, the first 77 as IMSA GTO editions. ABS becomes optional on the GT-S.^1,2

Transmissions: 5-speed manual^3,1,2, 4-speed automatic^3,1,2
Drivetrains: Front-wheel drive^3,1, Full-time all-wheel drive (1988–1989)^4,2
Trims: ST^3,2, GT^3,2, GT-S^3,2, All-Trac Turbo (1988–1989)^3,4,2
Packages: Liftback body^3,1, GT convertible (1987–1989)², Anti-lock brakes (1988–1989)^2,4, Leather upholstery (1988–1989)⁴, IMSA GTO edition (1988)^2,1

Buy

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 ⁵

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

Rare IMSA GTO edition Package
One for each of the 77 Toyota dealers in California^2,1

77 sold in California²

No recalls are listed for this year.

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

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.^1,4

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