New Car Review of the 2005 Toyota Celica Compact Coupe

Description: Compact Coupe
Base MSRP Range: $17,670 - $23,035
Invoice Price Range: $15,990 - $20,730
Where built: Japan

Styled at Toyota's California design studio, Toyota's compact coupe in a daring design features a cab-forward format with distinctive angular character lines and curt overhangs that convey a muscular tone. An optional Action Package gets more gear, like front aero bumpers, side rocker panels and a rear wing. Inside, Celica's 2+2 cockpit stocks sporty front bucket seats supported by bold side bolsters. Faces of gauges in the instrument panel are dark, while the LE trim has new Optitron meters.

Toyota's dual-cam four-in-line engine whips the GT-S edition to 180-hp and links to a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Another four-pack plant rated at 140-hp, with 5-speed manual or the automatic, works with other trims.