The 2004 Toyota Celica used a pair of 1.8-liter inline-four engines, depending on trim: the base GT features a 1ZZ-FE, while the sportier GT-S uses a 2ZZ-GE with VVTL-i.
In more detail, Toyota offered two powertrains on the 2004 Celica. The GT trim used the 1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE engine, known for smooth delivery and efficiency, while the GT-S trim used the higher-revving 1.8-liter 2ZZ-GE with VVTL-i, delivering markedly more horsepower and a sportier character.
Engine options by trim
Below are the key specs for the two engines that powered the 2004 Celica.
1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE (Celica GT)
The Celica GT is powered by a 1.8-liter inline-four known as the 1ZZ-FE. It features variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and is tuned for smooth power delivery and good fuel economy. Typical output is around 138–140 horsepower, with torque in the neighborhood of 125–126 lb-ft, depending on market.
- Displacement: 1.8 L
- Configuration: Inline-four
- Valvetrain: 16-valve DOHC with VVT-i
- Power (approximate): ~140 hp
In everyday driving, the 1ZZ-FE provides reliable performance and decent efficiency, making the GT suitable for daily commuting with modest acceleration.
1.8-liter 2ZZ-GE with VVTL-i (Celica GT-S)
The Celica GT-S uses the 1.8-liter 2ZZ-GE with VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Intelligence). This high-performance variant delivers significantly more power thanks to variable lift at high RPMs, with output around 180 horsepower (market variations around 180–190 hp) and roughly 133 lb-ft of torque. The engine revs strongly, with a redline typically in the 7,600–7,800 rpm range, and is paired with a performance-oriented chassis tuning.
- Displacement: 1.8 L
- Configuration: Inline-four
- Valvetrain: 16-valve DOHC with VVTL-i
- Power (approximate): ~180 hp (marketed up to ~190 hp)
The 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i engine defined the GT-S’s sporty character, offering a much more athletic feel and quicker acceleration compared with the GT’s 1ZZ-FE.
Summary
In sum, the 2004 Celica came with two distinct 1.8-liter four-cylinder engines: the 1ZZ-FE in the GT for everyday efficiency and reliability, and the 2ZZ-GE with VVTL-i in the high-performance GT-S for higher horsepower and rev-happy performance. The choice of engine defined the Celica’s driving personality for that model year.
What year is Celica most reliable?
As we've seen, some years of the Toyota Celica have proven to be quite reliable, with very few reported problems. These include the 1991, 1993, 1998, 1999, 2004, and 2005 models.
How much is a 2004 Celica worth?
2004 Toyota Celica Values and Prices
Estimated Private Party Values range from about $3,700 to $4,850 depending on vehicle style. Values and prices are based on national averages and typical mileage for this model, but they can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
Why was the Celica GT-4 banned?
During the 1995 World Rally Championship season, Toyota was caught using illegal turbo restrictor bypasses at the Rally Catalunya and were given a one-year ban by the FIA.
Does the Celica have a 2zz?
It's what pretty much every car has nowadays variable valve timing and the I stands for intelligent similar to Honda's VTEC where it has two smaller cam lobes and a certain RPM can switch to one