Toyota has given the 2003 Celica freshened front and rear
styling. That enhances its already unique "sports-compact"
short overhang cab-forward design. A new bumper/fascia with
a wider upper air intake, available projector-style high-intensity
discharge headlights and redesigned rear lights enhance
the futuristic design, echoing the projector-style look.
Inside, a redesigned center dash cluster and LCD combination
meter reduces glare and is easier to read.
In short, the 2003 Toyota Celica is both sporty and practical,
offering two levels of "Go', yet featuring important
family oriented details like LATCH system child-seat tethers
and respectable fuel economy. This is a racy ride with great
performance capability but it isn't a gas-guzzler.
Available Models
The 2003 Toyota Celica has two models, the GT and "sportier"
GT-S. However, inspired by the customizing trend sweeping
the industry, an "Action Package" is available
with either model that will change the exterior styling
extensively.
Interior Features
The interior is as sporty and futuristic as the exterior.
A low cowl for great visibility and an analog/LCD combination
of gauges makes for simple interpretation. The 2003 Toyota
Celica GT has black fabric upholstered front seating with
colour-keyed side bolsters while the GT-S has solid black
fabric or optional leather. Drilled aluminium pedals and
a leather-wrapped steering add a racer look. Split-folding
rear seatbacks enhance cargo-carrying versatility.
The 2003 Toyota Celica GT model comes with great features
including air conditioning, a deluxe 3-in-1 AM/FM/cassette/CD
player with six speakers, power mirrors, tilt steering wheel,
heavy-duty rear defogger and intermittent windshield wipers.
Cruise control power windows and door locks are optional,
although standard on the GT-S, which also has a JBL audio
system and a rear window wiper. A power sunroof can be included
as a stand-alone option.
Exterior Features
The changes to the 2003 Toyota Celica are mostly exterior
ones outlined above. Further adaptation is available in
the form of the Action Package. This adds aerodynamic and
aesthetic details like an aggressive front bumper, rocker
panels, rear aero bumper and a large adjustable rear wing.
Integrated fog lights and alloy wheels are GT-S standards
available as options on the GT grade.
Performance
Both models of Celica have performance portfolios that can
only be touched upon here. A double overhead-cam 1.8-liter
four-cylinder VVT-i engine leads the charge with 140 hp
at 6400 rpm and 125 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4200 rpm.
The GT-S is a different story. This 1.8-liter 4-cylinder
has 180 hp when revving at 7600 rpm, and it produces 130
lb-ft of torque at 6800 rpm. This different power spectrum
comes from changes to the VVT-i. This one has "Lift"
making it a VVTL-i. Anagrams aside, the result is a turbo-like
thrust of power above 6000rpm.
The GT comes with a 5-speed manual transmission while the
GT-S has a 6-speed that uses for first through fifth gear.
This maximizes engine performance and fuel economy. Toyota's
4ECT automatic is optional on both while the GT-S has "Sportshift".
The mileage stats for the two models are as follows: GT-
27/33 mpg (city/hwy) (manual), 29/36 (auto), GT-S-23/32
mpg (manual) and 23/30 (automatic).
Safety and Security
Toyota has good safety equipment and ratings and the Celica
does not diverge from this standard. Supplemental Restraint
Systems (SRS) include driver and front passenger SRS airbags,
two sets of rear three-point seatbelts and anchor brackets
for child restraint systems (LATCH).
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2003 Toyota Celica Highlights
 Toyota
Celica defines the term "affordable sports car"
with a striking design inspired by Indy racecars and
sporty driving fun that comes backed by the brand's
core values of reliability and superior quality.
In
front, the 2003 Celica gets a new bumper/fascia with
a wider upper air intake. Newly available projector-style
HID (high-intensity discharge) headlights complement
the car's futuristic design, and redesigned rear lights
echo the projector-style look. The sporty interior
gets a redesigned center dash cluster and a reshaped
LCD combination meter with improved legibility and
reduced glare.
Both
can be equipped with the optional "Action"
package. Inspired by the customizing trend sweeping
the sport-compact segment and designed at Calty, Toyota's
U.S. styling studio in Newport Beach, Calif., the
package adds an aggressive front bumper, rocker panels,
rear aero bumper and a large adjustable rear wing.
The factory installed, color-matched body kit.
The
Celica GT-S is the high-rpm hotrod of the duo. It's
powered by a completely different 1.8-liter, four-cylinder
DOHC engine that generates 180 horsepower (100 horsepower
per liter) at 7,600 rpm and 130 lb.-ft. of peak torque
at 6,800 rpm. A more sophisticated Variable Valve
Timing and Lift with intelligence system (VVTL-i)
increases the intake/exhaust valve lift from 6,000
rpm to the redline at 7,800 rpm, providing a turbo-like
rush of top-end power. Weighing in at only 2,500 pounds,
the GT-S has one of the best power-to-weight ratios
in its segment (13.9 lb./hp).
|
 Get
a Free Price Quote on a 2003 Toyota Celica.
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| Fast Stats
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| Seats |
5
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| MSRP
from |
$17,790
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| Engine |
1.8L 4-Cylinder
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| Horsepower |
140 @ 6,400
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180 @ 7,600
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| Transmission |
4-speed automatic
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5-speed manual
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6-speed manual
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| MPG:
City/Hwy |
4-spd GT: 29/36
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4-spd. GT-S: 23/30
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5-speed: 27/33
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6-speed: 23/32
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2003
Toyota Celica - Specs
