Redesigning the Celica for the first time since 1994, the 2000 edition of this car is restructured to cater the needs of the young, educated buyers under 35 years of age, mostly male, many of whom are buying a new car for the first time. Very stylish and sporty, the 2000 Celica GT is not a stripped-down bare, restyled version of the old model. It's an all-new model with similar standard equipment, enhanced performance, and better fuel consumption.

 

 The new Celica GT's standard 1.8 litre DOHC 16 valve four cylinder engine is smaller than the previous model's 2.2 litre DOHC 16 valve four cylinder engine, the new 1.8 litre engine though has more horsepower (140 vs 130) and better fuel economy (7.7 l/100 km vs 9.1 l/100 km). However, torque has dropped slightly from 145 lbs-ft @ 4400 rpm to 125 lbs-ft @ 4200 rpm.

 

Customary equipment on GT models remains all-inclusive. A five-speed manual transmission, alloy wheels, AM/FM/CD stereo, air conditioning, front cloth sport seats, 50/50 split folding rear seatbacks, power windows and door locks, power mirrors, fully independent suspension, and 195/60R-15 inch Dunlop Super Sport radials are all standard.

 

The most striking styling elements, are its long, triangular headlamp covers and V-shaped hood contours, the extraordinary flared body creases along the upper sides of the car, and it lofty, blunt rear-end with an air vent in the lower rear bumper. In addition, the Celica has a functional hood scoop. Driving this baby around town will surely elicit admiring looks.