Shifterati

Toyota Celica · 7th gen (2000–2005)

2003 Toyota Celica

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

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What changed

Freshened front and rear, a clearer centre dash, HID headlights on the GT-S, JBL audio standard on the GT-S, and two new colours, Solar Yellow and Zephyr Blue Metallic.^1,2

What it came with

1.8L four (1ZZ-FE)^3,2,4

140 hp, with VVT-i, on the GT
1.8L four (2ZZ-GE)^3,2,5

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

Transmissions: 5-speed manual^6,7, 6-speed manual^3,4, 4-speed automatic^3,6
Drivetrains: Front-wheel drive⁴
Trims: GT^3,4, GT-S^3,1,2
Packages: Action Package (2002–2005)^2,1,8, Leather seats^9,8, HID headlights (2003–2005)^1,10, Anti-lock brakes^3,6, Side airbags^3,9

Colors

Absolutely Red ^7,11
Super White ^7,11
Black ^7,11
Carbon Blue ^7,11
Spectra Blue Mica ^7,11
Silver Streak Mica 2003–2005 ^12,13,11
Solar Yellow 2003–2005 ^1,13,11
Zephyr Blue Metallic 2003–2005 ^1,13,11
Thunder Cloud Metallic ¹¹

Interiors

Black ^7,12
Black/Red ^7,11
Black/Silver ^7,11
Black/Black 2003–2005 ^13,11
Leather Leather, GT-S ⁹

Compare with another year

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Recalls

03V074000 2002–2003
A check valve in the fuel filler pipe can come loose and fall into the tank, so fuel can spill while refuelling, a fire risk. The valve is inspected and repaired.^14,15,16

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

What buyers say

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.^4,3
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.⁴

Before you pay

Open the buyer's checklist

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

Sources