Against 265 other 4-cyl cars rated 2003–2005, the Celica beats their 24.5 mpg average by 3.5 mpg, about $196 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 1.8L 4-cyl (1994–2005), does 27.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.8L 6-cyl (1984–1986), 19: $625 a year apart.
Every Toyota Celica engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 24.6 / 31.9 | 1994–2005 | $1,396 | |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 23 / 29.5 | 1990–1993 | $1,506 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 22.5 / 29.3 | 1986–1989 | $1,536 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 21 / 27 | 1984–1985 | $1,634 | |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 20 / 27 | 1998–1999 | $1,670 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 17.3 / 22 | 1984–1986 | $2,021 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Audi TT gets 20.8 mpg and the Acura RSX 26 mpg, next to 28 mpg for the 2005 Celica. The Celica is the cheapest of them to run: $475 a year less than the Audi TT.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2005) | $0.114 |
| Fuel per year | $1,371 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,855 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2003–2005 | −$196 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,576 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2005 Toyota Celica gives up 8 mpg in town: 33 on the highway against 25 in the city, $372 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2005) | 25 mpg | $1,536 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 33 mpg | $1,164 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (32%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Celica changed over the years
The Celica peaked in 2005 at 28 mpg (25 city, 33 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1984 at 21 — 7 mpg apart, or $458 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The biggest single-year change came in 1998: 28 to 23 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2004 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2003 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2002 | 25 / 32 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2001 | 25 / 32 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2000 | 24 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 1999 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1998 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1997 | 25 / 32 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1996 | 25 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 1995 | 24 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 1994 | 23 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1993 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1992 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1991 | 24 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1990 | 24 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1989 | 23 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1988 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1987 | 23 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1986 | 19.5 / 25 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 1985 | 19 / 25 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 1984 | 19.5 / 24 | 2 | $1,829 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 25 EPA ratings of the Toyota Celica — 6 engines across 1984–2005. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,576. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2005 Toyota Celica get?
28 mpg combined, 25 city and 33 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Celica has averaged 25.1 mpg.
Is the 2005 Celica more efficient than the 2004?
About the same: 28 against 28 mpg combined.
Which Celica year has the best gas mileage?
The 2005, at 28 mpg combined (25 city, 33 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Celica get better gas mileage than the Audi TT?
Yes: 28 mpg for the 2005 Celica against 20.8 for the 2006 Audi TT, about $475 a year less to run.
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