2000 Toyota Celica

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

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What changed

All-new, shorter and on a longer wheelbase, as a liftback only, with a 180 hp GT-S and its 6-speed.^1,2

1.8L four (1ZZ-FE)^1,2,3

140 hp, with VVT-i, on the GT
1.8L four (2ZZ-GE)^1,2,4

180 hp at 7,600 rpm, with VVTL-i variable valve lift, on the GT-S

Transmissions: 5-speed manual^5,6, 6-speed manual^1,3, 4-speed automatic^1,5
Drivetrains: Front-wheel drive³
Trims: GT^1,3, GT-S^1,7,2
Packages: Leather seats^8,9, Anti-lock brakes^1,5, Side airbags^1,8

Buy

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

Broken rocker shaft (lift) bolts 2000–2002

What to check: Ask whether the rocker shaft bolts were inspected or replaced under Toyota's bulletin EG010-03, and check that the second cam lift comes in above 6,000 rpm.

Toyota's 2003 bulletin says a rocker shaft bolt can break on 2000–2002 GT-S engines built before a production change, letting the shaft turn and the lift fail at high revs. Two owners in two CelicaHobby threads report a broken bolt, one with the lift gone by about 32,000 miles.

$575 at a Toyota dealer, in one owner's account on CelicaHobby

Sources ^13,4,14,15
Oil burning on the GT's engine 2000–2001

What to check: Check the oil level and look for blue smoke at start-up; ask how often it is topped up.

On CarComplaints.com, two owners of 2000 GTs report the engine burning oil past 110,000 miles, traced to the piston rings, and two 2001 owners report oil loss or low oil with a knocking engine.

$3,000 for the rings, in one owner's account on CarComplaints

Sources ^16,17
GT-S engine failure 2000 One source so far

What to check: Ask for the engine's history, and whether it has been replaced or rebuilt.

On CarComplaints.com, two owners of 2000 GT-S manuals report the engine failing, at about 65,000 and 72,000 miles; neither gives a cause.

Sources ¹⁸

04V455000 2000
A seal ring in the brake master cylinder can corrode, letting fluid leak or air in, which can lengthen stopping distances. The master cylinder and booster are inspected and replaced if needed.^19,20
04V566000 2000–2001
The daytime running lights are brighter than the federal lighting standard allows. A resistor is fitted to dim them.^19,21,22

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

Reputation: what owners and the press report

Sought after: GT-S with the 6-speed All years

Hagerty calls the GT-S a driver's car, and Edmunds called its 6-speed manual unique in its class, though it found the engine peaky in town.^3,1
Sought after: GT, as a first car All years One source so far

Hagerty recommends the GT as a solid first car for a young driver.³

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