For over three decades, the Toyota Celica stood as the “Celestial” beacon of Japanese sports car design. From its roots as a stylish grand tourer to its evolution into a world-dominating rally machine, the Celica lineage represents the soul of Toyota’s racing spirit. Whether you crave the classic FR balance of the 1970s or the turbocharged AWD grip of the GT-Four, renting a Celica in Japan is more than a drive—it is a journey through the evolution of authentic JDM performance.
Toyota Celica A20 / A30
Known affectionately as the “Daruma Celica” due to its rounded, stubby bumpers resembling the traditional Japanese lucky doll, the A20 series was Japan’s first true specialty car. Launched in 1970 with the catchphrase “From a Future Land,” it introduced the Full Choice System, allowing buyers to customize their interior and engine combinations. For the JDM enthusiast, the 1600GT with its 2T-G DOHC engine is the holy grail, offering a mechanical, raw symphony that echoes the golden age of Japanese engineering.
| Chassis Code / Grade | TA22 / RA20 (1600GT) |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-Speed MT |
| 6-hour Rental Price Range | ¥18,000 – ¥25,000 |
The Rivalries: Challenging the Establishment
The Celica A20 didn’t just compete on the streets; it redefined them. Its primary rival was the legendary Skyline GT-R (Hakosuka). While the Skyline was a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” the Celica was a flamboyant predator, proving that a Japanese car could be both beautiful and fast on the track, dominating the Fuji 1000km races in the early 70s.
The Driving Experience: A Mechanical Time Capsule
Driving a Daruma Celica or the Liftback (LB) model is a lesson in authentic JDM connection. The steering is heavy but telepathic, and the 2T-G engine sings a high-pitched DOHC melody that modern turbochargers simply cannot replicate. As one owner noted, the originality of these machines is like “gold”—the more you maintain their factory spirit, the more valuable the soul of the drive becomes. It remains a definitive benchmark for classic sports car enthusiasts.
Toyota Celica A40 / A50
The second-generation A40 took a bolder, more aerodynamic approach. It is most famous for its provocative marketing campaign against the Skyline C210 (Japan), stating: “GTs in name only make way for the Celica.” This era marked the birth of the Celica XX (the ancestor of the Supra) and solidified the 2000GT as a powerhouse with the 18R-GU engine.
| Chassis Code / Grade | RA40 / TA40 (2000GT) |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-Speed MT / 4-Speed AT |
| 6-hour Rental Price Range | ¥15,000 – ¥20,000 |
The Driving Experience: The Grand Tourer Evolution
The A40 Celica shifted the experience toward high-speed stability and wind-slicing efficiency. The 18R-GU engine provides a thick layer of torque, making it a perfect companion for long cruises along the Shuto Expressway. It feels more substantial and mature than the A20, reflecting Japan’s economic boom and showcasing the growing sophistication of Toyota’s iconic “Specialty” machines.
Toyota Celica A60
The Celica A60 represents a pivotal moment: the last of the FR (Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive) Celicas. This generation introduced Japan’s first twin-cam turbo engine, the 3T-GTE, in the 1800GT-TR. Its sharp wedge-shape design and iconic “pop-up” lights—specifically the unique “Rise-up” headlights that tilt forward—make it an unmistakable icon of the 80s.
| Chassis Code / Grade | AA63 / TA60 (1800GT-TR) |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-Speed MT |
| 6-hour Rental Price Range | ¥20,000 – ¥28,000 |
The Driving Experience: The Final FR Frontier
Behind the wheel of an A60 Celica, you feel the transition from classic mechanics to 80s tech. The rise-up headlights act like a waking giant, and the 3T-GTE engine delivers a punchy turbo kick that demands respect. As a light, FR platform, it offers a playful tail-happy nature that would later be inherited by the AE86, offering a masterclass for those who value precision over pure power.
Toyota Celica ST160 / ST162 / ST165
In 1985, the Celica underwent a radical transformation, switching to a Front-Wheel Drive (FF) layout. While purists were shocked, this move paved the way for the legendary GT-Four (ST165)—Toyota’s first full-time AWD turbo rally car. It famously became a cultural icon in Japan through the film “Take Me Out to the Snowland,” making the ST165 Celica the ultimate must-have vehicle for winter adventures in the late 80s.
| Chassis Code / Grade | ST165 / GT-Four |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-Speed MT |
| 6-hour Rental Price Range | ¥18,000 – ¥24,000 |
The Driving Experience: The Birth of the Rally Spirit
The ST165 introduced the world to the 3S-GTE engine, a 2.0L turbocharged powerhouse that would define Toyota’s performance for decades. Driving one today feels like handling a piece of motorsport history; the engagement of the early AWD system provides a grounded, confident feel that truly forged Toyota’s legendary rally-bred DNA.
Toyota Celica ST180 / ST182 / ST185
The fifth-generation ST185 is perhaps the most famous Celica on the global stage. Sporting a distinctive “Super Round” organic design, it dominated the World Rally Championship (WRC) with drivers like Carlos Sainz. This was the era where the GT-Four became a household name, proving that Toyota could outmaneuver the best from Europe.
| Chassis Code / Grade | ST185 / GT-Four RC |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-Speed MT |
| 6-hour Rental Price Range | ¥20,000 – ¥26,000 |
The Rivalries: The Mitsubishi & Subaru War
This generation ignited the fierce rivalry between the Celica GT-Four, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and the Subaru Impreza WRX. On the narrow, winding touge (mountain passes) of Japan, the ST185 used its sophisticated AWD torque split to maintain a competitive edge, forever securing its place in the legendary trio that defined 90s JDM performance.
Toyota Celica ST202 / ST205
The sixth-generation ST205 represents the ultimate evolution of the rally-bred Celica. With its four circular headlights and aggressive hood vents, it earned the nickname “Kero-kero chan” (Little Frog) in Japan for its unique face. More importantly, it is the Spiritual Father of the GR Yaris; the “GR4” system in today’s Toyota performance cars traces its DNA directly back to the GT-Four technology found in the ST205.
| Chassis Code / Grade | ST205 / GT-Four WRC Edition |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-Speed MT |
| 6-hour Rental Price Range | ¥22,000 – ¥30,000 |
The Driving Experience: The “Rocket” Turbo Kick
Behind the wheel, the ST205 is a visceral experience. Professional drivers like Keiichi Tsuchiya have noted its characteristic “Dokkan Turbo”—a slight lag followed by a massive explosion of torque from the 255hp 3S-GTE. It requires focus and precision, rewarding the driver with an incredible level of mechanical grip that feels invincible on the Hakone Turnpike.
Toyota Celica ZZT231 / ZZT230
The final Celica (ZZT231) shifted away from turbo AWD to focus on lightweight, high-revving FF agility. Powered by the 2ZZ-GE engine—developed in collaboration with Yamaha—this car is a “sharp-shooter.” It discarded the heavy rally gear in favor of the Super Strut Suspension, making it one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars ever produced.
| Chassis Code / Grade | ZZT231 / SS-II Super Strut |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-Speed MT |
| 6-hour Rental Price Range | ¥12,000 – ¥18,000 |
The Driving Experience: Linear Precision
The ZZT231 is for the driver who loves the “tactile” sensation of a 6-speed manual and a high 8,000 RPM redline. It feels incredibly light and direct. The Super Strut Suspension minimizes camber change during hard cornering, allowing you to slice through the curves of the Ashinoko Skyline with surgical precision. It remains the perfect blend of 2000s tech and classic JDM passion.
The Rally Roots: Why the Celica GT-Four is the Spiritual Father of the GR Yaris
In the world of high-performance JDM machines, there is a legendary “missing link.” Before the GR Yaris took the world by storm with its GR4 AWD system, the Toyota Celica GT-Four was the undisputed king of the gravel and tarmac. For twenty years after the production of the ST205 ended, Toyota lacked a dedicated AWD sports car in its lineup. When it came time to develop the GR Yaris, engineers looked back at the GT-Four blueprints to rediscover the rally-bred DNA that had been dormant for two decades.
Driving the Celica ST205 today is like experiencing the raw, analog ancestor of modern performance. You can feel the 3S-GTE engine’s explosive power—often described as a “Dokkan Turbo”—which requires the driver’s full attention and skill. Renting a GT-Four in Japan isn’t just a nostalgic trip; it is an exploration of the engineering foundation that makes today’s “Gazoo Racing” cars so formidable. It is a shared passion between the legends of the past and the innovators of the future.
Celestial Engineering: Finding Beauty in the Shift from FR Drifter to FF Sharp-Shooter
The name “Celica” is derived from the Spanish word for “celestial” or “heavenly,” and every generation has lived up to this ethereal branding through striking aesthetics. However, the true beauty of the Celica lineage lies in its bold mechanical evolution. While many manufacturers feared the shift from FR (Rear-Wheel Drive) to FF (Front-Wheel Drive), Toyota embraced it as a challenge to redefine precision.
The early A20 and A60 models were the quintessential FR drifters, offering a classic balance and a playful rear end that rewarded courageous steering. As the 90s approached, the Celica evolved into a FF sharp-shooter, culminating in the ZZT231. Equipped with the revolutionary Super Strut Suspension, the later Celicas offered a level of front-end grip and linear handling that felt surgically precise. Whether you are navigating the tight corners of the Hakone Turnpike or showcasing the car’s wedge-shaped silhouette at Daikoku PA, the Celica reminds us that performance isn’t just about which wheels are driven—it’s about the authentic connection between driver, machine, and road.
Experience the Celica Legend with JDM TOUR
While many enthusiasts look for a simple car rental, driving a Toyota Celica in Japan is an experience that deserves context and community. At JDM TOUR, we don’t just provide a key; we provide a gateway to authentic JDM culture. Our guided and self-drive tours are designed to take the stress out of navigating Tokyo’s complex highways, ensuring you reach iconic spots like Daikoku PA with peace of mind. Experience the shared passion of the Japanese car scene with experts who understand the history behind every gear shift.
Standalone Car Rental Services
If you are looking for a pure rental experience without a guided tour, we recommend the following reputable services. Please note that these are external providers:
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a special license to drive a Celica in Japan?
- Yes, you will need a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, along with your home country’s driver’s license.
- Is the Celica GT-Four ST205 difficult for beginners?
- The ST205 features a heavy clutch and a “Dokkan Turbo” characteristic. While it is manageable for those experienced with manual transmissions, we recommend our guided tours for those unfamiliar with Tokyo’s roads.
- What are the best driving routes for a Celica rental?
- The Hakone Turnpike and the Shuto Expressway leading to Daikoku PA are the gold standards for experiencing a Celica’s handling and high-speed stability.
- Can I visit Daikoku Parking Area with my rental?
- Yes, but navigating the complex “Spiral” entrance can be tricky for first-timers. For the most authentic and stress-free experience, we recommend you Join our Daikoku Tour.
