The Unauthorized Biography of the Toyota Celica gen 5...

5th Generation

The fifth generation Celica was introduced in the 1990 model year. Totally redesigning the styling, Toyota stayed with FWD and created a much more rounded and sculpted body. Arriving in both lift-back and sports coupe the 5th generation had a lower front end a higher rear end giving the Celica an angled, aggressive and sporty look. Released in 5 trims the All-Trac (or GT-4 in Europe) with 200HP and all wheel drive (AWD) was by far the most powerful. Identified by a prominent hood scoop and vents this model became one of the rarest and sought after Celicas ever released in the US.

Toyota introduced the fifth generation Celica with five trim levels in the US: ST, GT, GT-S, convertible and All-Trac. The base model ST came in both the coupe and liftback styling accompanied with the 1.6L 104 HP 4A-FE, a racing engine handicapped with an narrow angle economic head. The GT and GTS only available in liftback form came with the all new 5S-FE a larger displacement watered down version of the 3S-FE. The GTS is distinguished from the GT by its wider fender flares, dual tip muffler4 wheel disc brakes, and more standard features and options. The most powerful Celica, the All-Trac turbo had a 200HP and all-wheel-drive. Improving on the previous generation All-Trac the improved 3S-GTE had a new top mounted air-cooled intercooler and an optional torque-sensing differential.

Following the standard pattern for the Celica (new model every 4 years, facelift every 2) the front was redesigned splitting up the wide grill with a vertical bar. Also holes were placed on either side of the existing grill for a modified air intake or fog light placement. Toyota also replaced the "Celica" with the tri-oval Toyota symbol, and modified the rear lights.

Internationally, there however there were a few differences from the American Celica line. In Japan, as usually is the case Toyota kept the best models for themselves. Trims included a base mode (125 HP 3S-FE), a GT-I (165HP 3S-GE), and a more powerful GT-4 (225HP 3S-GTE). Japan-only options included 4 wheel steering (4WS) and Actively Controlled Suspension (ACS). Released later was the GT-4 RC (rally car) with recessed hood vents in place of the hood scoop on the All-Trac models. Europe was also blessed with a slightly toned down version of the GT-I with the 3S-GE, and later the ST-I (4A-FE). In 1992 Europe also received the GT-4 RC renamed the "Carlos Saintz edition" GT-4.