New Celica GT opinions

[Fiesta]

I'm looking to buy a car in the price range of $16-19k and one of my top choices is, of course, the Celica GT. I haven't been able to find many reviews of it online. What are the differences between it and the GT-S (aside from the engine)?

Also, any reason to pick this over a Nissan Sentra SE-R V-Spec or SVT Ford Focus (my other two choices)? I'm looking for great reliability, good interior & gas mileage, and decent looks. Also, manual-shift only and let's exclude modifications for now.

TIA

[HQH51]

Celica GT vs. Celica GT-S:
- The obvious VVT-i for GT @ 140 HP, VVTL-i for GT-S @ 180 HP
- Rear drum brakes for GT, disc brakes for GT-S
- Optional 16" 5 spokes alloy wheels for GT-S
- 6 speed for GT-S vs 5 speed for GT
- The gas mileage of GT - 28/33 mi/gal vs GT-S's 23/32 mi/gal.
- Some optional features of GT to be standard on GT-S

There might be more, but this is what I could only think of...

[2002GT_Celica]

Don't forget that there are two more speakers in the GT-S sound system.

[CarbonBlue[GT]]

Also the rear wiper blade, and not to mention the aluminum pedals.
Celica definetely has the best interior, my second choice would be the sentra se-r, its got a very nice/clean interior, and the front looks nice (not the back tho, just the normal sentra look). The sentra is cheaper, and its fast. Forget the focus, it looks gay. (sorry to be so critical)
Like my mom always says "whatever floats your boat"

[Chumpchiggy]

Originally posted by CarbonBlue[GT]
Also the rear wiper blade, and not to mention the aluminum pedals.
Celica definetely has the best interior, my second choice would be the sentra se-r, its got a very nice/clean interior, and the front looks nice (not the back tho, just the normal sentra look). The sentra is cheaper, and its fast. Forget the focus, it looks gay. (sorry to be so critical)
Like my mom always says "whatever floats your boat"

Umm, I don't know about you but, I have a GT and it came with a rear wiper...:confused:

That's why I shaved it off :D

[FriedRice]

its a cold weather package thing... although i cant think of any reason why Las Vegas would have a cold weather package....

for speed, i'd get spec V. its a fast car (Si Killer?) for the price of a GT. but i like my celica better. It still looks like a sentra on the back and the front hasnt changed all that much. the only thing i like about the entire car is the speed. as for the focus.. i think there are tons of stuff wrong with it. i heard of 3 recalls that im certain of. anyway take my opinion for what its worth; i drive a GT. granted its auto, but i love it.

[xi KiNG ix]

GT takes 87 unlike GTS

[djm221]

If you happen to be into autoxing, the GT kicks ass in its class. Some GT-S owners have or want to downgrade for auto-x reasons alone.
Go drive them!

[Pure Racer]

If you want a realiable car, sctrach the Focus... First off it's a Ford, second I remember reading something about how the throttle stays open or something like that?

[CelicaNamja79]

If you are looking into spending the money range like you posted, then my choice would be GT of course.

Spec V cost little bit more.

GT and GT-S doesn't really have that much difference except the engine. Rest of them depends on the options you put into.

Ford Focus, last time I heard, they were getting recalled due to electrical/mechanical problems......

My friend owns 2002 spec V and it is real nice but he likes my ride better and I own a GT. Spec V interior kicks a$$ though. Built in dash CD changer, color coordinated seats, 220W Rocksford system, 17s plus. GT gets way better gas mileage than both those cars, and I bet you the insurance will be much cheaper on a GT as well.

Do some research, but if I was you, I am all for GT. I love my GT man.

[tlminh]

here's my story when i was in the market

i will start medical school in August, so i knew i had to get something that's cost effective, i ended up with the GT

new GT vs new GTS
i dont intend to modify it, and im no where close to ricing her out.

GT
lower payments
cheaper gas
higher mpg
lower insurance
0-6k rpm = gts (mostly)

GTS
higher payments
higher rated gas
lower mpg
higher insurance
but you get lift AND the pleasure of knowing you have "the higher model"

just like you wanted, i got great, reliable fuel/cost efficent car that will take me from A to B all while looking good

interior looks great, but as far as durability of interior, thats still up for grabs

bottom line : if you have the $$$, then get the GTS