Verdict
B
← Toyota Celica · 1999-2006 · T230
Toyota Celica T230
Headline trim: 1.8 VVTL-i 190 - 189 bhp, 0-62 in 7.4s.
BHP
189 bhp
0–60
7.4 s
Top speed
140 mph
MPG
30 mpg (US)
Used
$4,400-$15,000
Strengths
- 2ZZ-GE lift cam screams to 8500 rpm
- Sub-1100 kg kerb weight
- Sharp wedge styling, fixed lights
Weaknesses
- Pre-cat fragmentation can wreck engine pre-2003
- 2ZZ oil consumption needs monitoring
- Slow 140 model is dull
Notable tech
- Seventh and final Celica
- 2ZZ-GE 1.8 VVTL-i shared with Lotus Elise 111R
- 6MT on 190 (4AT on 140)
- Front-wheel drive only
- TS / TS-i / TS-X UK trims
Common issues
- 2ZZ-GE oil consumption
- Lift bolt failures on 190
- Pre-cat break-up pre-2003
Engine derivatives
US-spec trims and engines offered across T230's life. Click any two rows to compare them side-by-side.
1.8 VVT-i 140 (1ZZ-FE)
BHP138
Torque171 Nm
0–608.7 s
Top127 mph
MPG (US)32 mpg
DriveFWD
Gearbox5MT / 4AT
1.8 VVTL-i 190 (2ZZ-GE)
BHP189
Torque180 Nm
0–607.4 s
Top140 mph
MPG (US)30 mpg
DriveFWD
Gearbox6MT