The Unauthorized Biography of the Toyota Celica...

6th Generation (1994-99)

The 6th generation Celica was introduced in the US in the 1994 model year. The new model had more aerodynamic curves, unique "bug-eyes" and more aggressive look than the 5th generation Celica. Unfortunately, Toyota did little to back up the more aggressive look, dropping the all-trac from the US line, and leaving the engine and suspension basically unchanged. So similar were the two generations many improvements were overlooked. The already heavy Celica lost nearly 250 pounds during the facelift and a larger set of wheels improved the handling immensely. The base model Celica received a revised 1.8L engine with increased torque and improved drivability dramatically. The GT engine 2.2L engine stayed with the GT trim Celica with an unchanged 135HP powering a lightener car. The suspension was unchanged with both Celicas received MacPherson struts up front and Chapman struts in the rear. Inside the Celica took a turn for better receiving a higher quality materials and a better look than most sporty cars of the price range.

In 1996 the Celica entered its 25th anniversary as the longest running car sold in America. The 25th anniversary editions sported 25th anniversary badges and floor mats as well as a redesigned of the front fascia. The "rounded mouth" was gone as Toyota integrated fog lights into the bumper and the smiling mouth was squared up. This design stayed until the Celica was reintroduced in 2000, minus of course the 25th anniversary badges.

The market for sporty cars tanked during the mid to late 90s tanked as people discovered poor-handling tipsy SUVs. Many sporty/sports cars on the market simply ceased production during this time. Casualties included such legendary names as the Toyota Supra, Nissan 300ZX, Nissan 240ZX, and the Mazda RX-7. Unfortunately, the high price of the Celica and slowing market also doomed the popularity of the 6th generation Celica. Never being on the cheap side, the usual rising cost of production of Toyota's forced a price well above the competitors with similarly equipped cars (including the Nissan 240SX, and Acura Integra.). Unfortunately this meant that people began to turn to the cheaper and more powerful alternatives. As numbers dropped off so did the amount that Toyota was shipping to the US. In 1998 Toyota dropped the base model ST, and dealers received fewer (if any) Celicas. The speculation at the time was that the entire Celica line would be dropped.