Generation 5 of 7 · 1989–1993

5th-generation Toyota Celica

The Celica that won World Rally Championship titles, with the GT-Four ST185.

All generations
Red fifth-generation Toyota Celica coupé parked in a car park
1991 Toyota Celica GT coupé (US). Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In short

The key facts

  • Toyota released the fifth generation in Japan on 6 September 1989; it was built until 1993.21
  • Its dual-mode four-wheel steering was a first for Toyota.2
  • All engines were two-litre units; the GT-Four's 3S-GTE turbo made 225 PS, 40 PS more than before.3
  • The GT-R had front-wheel drive; the GT-Four had full-time four-wheel drive.56
  • In 1992 Toyota released 5,000 GT-Four RC cars for World Rally homologation; in 1993 Toyota won the World Rally Championship constructors' and drivers' titles.3

Data

Production 1989–19931
Launch in Japan 6 September 1989, for the 1990 model year27
Model codes (Japan) ST182, ST183; GT-Four ST1852
Series code T1807
Body styles Liftback; convertible from August 1990, converted by ASC in the US24
Layout Front-wheel drive; GT-Four with full-time four-wheel drive56
Rally version GT-Four (ST185); 5,000 GT-Four RC built for homologation in 19923
GT-Four markets Japan, Europe and North America7
WRC titles Three drivers' and two manufacturers' titles, 1992–19941

Compare the 5th-generation versions side by side →

On the channel

Videos about this generation

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Buying one

Buying guide

Buying notes for this generation arrive with our videos about it. The guide explains what to check on any Celica.

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Sources

  1. CarScoops: Toyota Celica Turns 50, A Look Back At The Seven Generations Of The Japanese Sports Car (Cristian Gnaticov, 18 October 2020)
  2. Toyota, 75 Years Vehicle Lineage: Celica Liftback, 5th generation (1989)
  3. Toyota, 75 Years Vehicle Lineage: Celica GT-Four, 5th generation (1989)
  4. Toyota, 75 Years Vehicle Lineage: Celica Convertible, 5th generation (1990)
  5. toyota.jp catalogue archive: Celica GT-R, 5-speed manual (September 1989 – August 1990)
  6. toyota.jp catalogue archive: Celica GT-FOUR (September 1989 – August 1990)
  7. Wikipedia: Toyota Celica (used only where no other source has the fact)

Checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Write to hello@liftbacklegends.com.

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