The GT and LT models of the Toyota Celica were exported to the U.S. in 1974 and the GT model came equipped with a 5 speed manual transmission, GT rocker panel stripes, and steel wheels with chrome trim. The LT came with an automatic transmission as an option in 1973. and in 1974 Toyota used the 74 body style, but had to change the chrome bumpers for plastic bumpers because of a new US Federal bumper law. The Lift back was not introduced in the U.S. until 1976.

In 1979 the Toyota Celica XX was introduced in the U.S. It came equipped with a 110 hp, 2.6 litre, 12 valve, DOHC inline 6 engine, and was the first engine to use an electronic fuel injection system. This generation of the Celica came in two different series, A and B, and could only be distinguished by their appearance.

The third generation was introduced in 1982 and lasted until 1985. They were powered by a 2.4 litre, 22 R or a 22RE engine. From 1983 to 1984 their were very few changes made to the Toyota Celica, but in 1984 and 1985 an American Car company in California released a GTS Convertible.

The fourth generation came out with the T160 series in 1986-89. This changed the Toyota Celica completely by introducing a front wheel drive, flowing body and a new 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder engine. The ST165 chassis wasn’t changed, but the Toyota Celica, the four cylinder engine, went through a major change in 1986. From 1986 until 2000 all Toyota’s came with a four wheel drive turbocharged, R series engine. In 1997 Toyota began producing variable valve timing, and since 2000 it became standard for every model.

In 1990 the fifth generation came out with a T180 series, which had a new style, and upgraded tires and wheels, and a GT Four cylinder that had even more power than before. The U.S. Celica had fixed door mirrors and an amber front corner light on both sides.

The sixth generation from 1994 to 1999 brought new changes in the T200 series for all U.S. models. The ST still used a 1.8 litre, 105 hp, 14 110 torque, while the GT Toyota Celica had a 2.2 litre, 130 hp, 14 110 @ 4000 RPM torque.

In 2000 through 2005 the seventh generation of the Toyota Celica, produced the T230 series, which used a 1ZZ-FE engine for the GT, and a 2ZZ-GE engine for the GT-S. This stayed popular for about a year, because it was one of the few automobiles that produced 100 hp/L for less than $27,000.00.    

Toyota is now working on the eight generation of the Toyota Celica, but this has not been confirmed as yet, but it is rumoured that they will be coming up with a more affordable sports car.