Shifterati

Toyota Celica · 4th gen (1986–1989)

1986 Toyota Celica

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

Learn

What changed

  • New front-drive generation as a coupe or liftback, with a 2.0L four on the ST and GT and a 135 hp twin-cam on the GT-S.1,2

What it came with

  • 2.0L four (2S-E)2,1

    97 hp, on the ST and GT · 1986

  • 2.0L twin-cam four (3S-GELC)2,1,3

    135 hp, on the GT-S

Transmissions
5-speed manual1,3,2, 4-speed automatic1,3,2
Drivetrains
Front-wheel drive1,3
Trims
ST1,2, GT1,2, GT-S1,2
Packages
Liftback body1,3

Compare with another year

Buy

Watch out for

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

  • Overheated or over-tuned turbo engine All years One source so far

    What to check: Ask about overheating and any chip tuning, and check that the all-wheel drive works and has not been converted.

    A buyer's guide written for Japanese cars says the first 3S-GTE has known rod bearing and head gasket weaknesses when it has been run hot or tuned past the stock turbo.

    Sources 4

Recalls

No recalls are listed for this year.

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

What buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

  • Sought after: All-Trac Turbo All years

    Hagerty calls the All-Trac Turbo's arrival "even better", giving North America WRC-style grip, and Car and Driver called it a Learjet for the road.3,5

Before you pay

Open the buyer's checklist

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

Sources

  1. Curbside Classic (1988 GT)
  2. Wikipedia (Toyota Celica)
  3. Hagerty (seven generations)
  4. JDMBUYSELL (T160 guide)
  5. Car and Driver (1988 All-Trac Turbo test)