1998 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 ST is dropped, leaving the GT with more standard equipment, and Caribbean Green Metallic is new.^1,2

Transmissions: 5-speed manual^5,4
Drivetrains: Front-wheel drive⁶
Trims: GT^7,3
Packages: GT convertible (1995–1999)^8,2, Sports Package², Anti-lock brakes^7,3

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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

20V033000 1998–1999
The driver's airbag inflator can absorb moisture, which may make it rupture and throw metal fragments, or under-inflate the airbag. The inflator is replaced.^14,15,16

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.^3,1,17

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