1989 Toyota Celica

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

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What changed

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

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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 ⁶

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.^4,5

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