2002 Toyota Celica
Should You Buy a 2002 Toyota Celica?
The 2002 Toyota Celica is a sporty hatchback that offers a blend of performance and practicality. With a 1.8L I4 engine producing 140 hp and 126 lb-ft of torque, it delivers a spirited driving experience, especially with its 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel efficiency is commendable at 27 MPG combined, making it a viable option for daily commuting or weekend drives. The MSRP of $17,085 positions it as an affordable entry into the world of sporty vehicles, appealing to younger buyers or those looking for a fun yet economical ride.
Despite its strengths, potential buyers should be aware of some safety concerns, as evidenced by 21 crash incidents reported to the NHTSA, resulting in 8 injuries. The primary complaints revolve around airbag issues, which could be a point of concern for safety-conscious buyers. However, the Celica boasts an impressive reliability score of 99.4/100, indicating that it is generally a dependable choice for those seeking a sporty hatchback.
The ideal buyer for the 2002 Toyota Celica is a young, budget-conscious individual or a first-time car buyer looking for a fun, sporty vehicle that balances performance with practicality.
Strengths
- +Sporty design and hatchback versatility
- +Strong reliability score of 99.4/100
- +Good fuel economy at 27 MPG combined
- +Engaging driving experience with a 5-speed manual transmission
- +Affordable price point for a sporty vehicle
Weaknesses
- -Safety concerns with reported crash incidents
- -Airbag-related complaints may deter safety-focused buyers
- -Limited rear seating space for passengers
- -Less power compared to some competitors in the sporty segment
- -Age of the vehicle may lead to availability of parts and service issues
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2002 Toyota Celica has a total of 37 complaints reported to the NHTSA, with a notable focus on airbag-related issues, including 6 complaints specifically about frontal airbags. While there have been 21 crash incidents and 8 reported injuries, there are no fire incidents or fatalities associated with this model. Overall, while there are some safety concerns, the reliability score remains high, indicating that the vehicle is generally well-regarded in terms of dependability.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 1.8 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- Manual 6-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 23
- Fuel Type
- Premium Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 170.5 in
- Width
- 68.5 in
- Height
- 51.6 in
- Wheelbase
- 102.4 in
- Curb Weight
- 2,425 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 2
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –