Twinky,
I LOVED my Gen5 Celica GT. Its realiable and very easy to drive.
We sold it a while back, but I still see it drive by sometimes (the new owner's workplace is close to mine).
I had no major issues with it. Like the corolla, its a solid car.
During the 2years I owned it, it was mainly my wife's ride, and sometimes my toy. Other than the parts that I replaced, due to wear and tear, I did not have anything go wrong.
The clutch was very forgiving. My wife re-learned to drive a stick on my Celica. I think she stalled 2-3times in 2yrs. She is now driving a 5sp Saab, and stalls it every other week...
It feels sporty, its not a FAST car (everything is relative), but its got pep.
Not as many parts available (vs honda), but I am not a Honda fan...
There are quite a few sites dedicated to Celica's, My favorite was toyotacelicaonline.com
my 2bits.
tdk