1996 Toyota Celica

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

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What changed

Front and rear styling tweaks, a new spoiler, new wheel covers, two new colours and revised fabrics; the 25th Anniversary editions are offered.^1,2

Transmissions: 5-speed manual^3,5
Drivetrains: Front-wheel drive⁶
Trims: ST (1994–1997)^7,4, GT^7,1, 25th Anniversary (1996)^2,1
Packages: GT convertible (1995–1999)^8,2, Sports Package², Anti-lock brakes^7,1

Buy

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

Worn convertible top All years One source so far

What to check: Raise and lower the top, and look for a gummy or torn canvas, a broken strut and a loose rear window.

Two Edmunds owners of a 1995 GT convertible report a worn top. One says the canvas went gummy, a strut snapped and the rear window fell out, and the other says the roof needs replacing.

Sources ⁸
Oxidized paint All years One source so far

What to check: Look over the roof, hood and trunk for faded or chalky paint, above all on a dark car.

Two members of a ClubLexus thread on buying a 1995-on Celica raise it. One says the darker colors oxidize on cars that were not garaged or looked after, and the other has seen oxidized ones on the road.

Sources ¹³

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

No recalls are listed for this year.

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

Reputation: what owners and the press report

Avoid: Underpowered for a sport coupe All years Less sought after

Edmunds' reviews of the 1996 to 1999 cars call the Celica woefully underpowered next to its rivals; Hagerty notes the US cars had Camry or Corolla engines while Japan got the GT-Four.^1,4,14

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