The 1989 Toyota Celica sat in an era when sporty Japanese coupes balanced everyday drivability with sharper handling, cleaner aerodynamics, and trim-specific personalities. That matters when choosing tires, because this Celica does not use one universal fitment across the range. Depending on sub-model, the primary tire sizes are 165R13, 185/70R13, or 205/60R14, and all are radial fitments. Available choices also vary by size, with blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall options appearing alongside touring and sport-oriented series from brands such as BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein. The right starting point is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter before comparing appearance, series, and road-use priorities.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1989 Toyota Celica
Three primary tire sizes apply to the 1989 Toyota Celica, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Two sizes use a 13-inch rim, while 205/60R14 uses a 14-inch rim, so identifying the Celica's trim and confirming the wheels already on the car should come before comparing tire styles or brands. Once that is settled, the choice becomes one of series, sidewall appearance, and intended use within the correct size.
205/60R14 is a modern metric radial size in which 205 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1989 Toyota Celica, this size suits the trims that used a lower-profile 14-inch radial setup rather than the 13-inch alternatives. Its role in the range makes wheel confirmation especially important before purchase. Buyers considering this size should match it to the correct sub-model and existing 14-inch wheels instead of assuming interchangeability with the 13-inch Celica fitments.
185/70R13 is a metric radial size with a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, and a 13-inch rim diameter. For the 1989 Toyota Celica, it is one of the key 13-inch fitments and appears in a broader selection of products than the other covered sizes. That opens up meaningful choice across BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall presentations depending on the tire series. It is the size to focus on when the car is a 13-inch-wheel Celica that does not use the narrower 165R13 fitment.
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 165 is the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. Because no aspect ratio is stated in this format, it is commonly understood as a tall-profile Euro-metric radial style rather than a lower-profile modern metric size. On the 1989 Toyota Celica, this fitment applies only to certain 13-inch-wheel configurations, so trim verification matters before selecting a tire. Available choices center on blackwall tires from Michelin and Dunlop, giving this size a more focused but still relevant selection.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1989 Toyota Celica because the range spans both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel diameters, and one sub-model can use more than one 13-inch size. Identifying whether the car is an All Trac, GT, GTS, or ST is the clearest way to narrow the correct tire choice before comparing products.
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1989 Toyota Celica All Trac
The 1989 Toyota Celica All Trac uses the 205/60R14 radial fitment, placing it in the 14-inch portion of the Celica tire range. That makes wheel diameter the first checkpoint, followed by selecting a tire that matches the car's intended road use and overall presentation.
The 1989 Toyota Celica GT uses a 13-inch radial tire setup built around 185/70R13. With several brands, tire series, and sidewall styles available in that size, the main decision shifts from fitment to choosing the right look and character within the proper specification.
The 1989 Toyota Celica GTS shares the 205/60R14 radial fitment used on the 14-inch-wheel Celica configuration. Tire selection should begin by confirming the car still has the correct wheel diameter, then move to choosing a radial that suits how the car is driven and presented.
The 1989 Toyota Celica ST is the sub-model that needs the most careful fitment check, because it can use either 165R13 or 185/70R13. That means the actual wheel and current setup should be confirmed before choosing a tire, especially on cars that may have been changed over time.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1989 Toyota Celica Tires for Sale
Available 13-inch Celica tire choices span BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with selections varying by size, tire series, and sidewall treatment. In 185/70R13 especially, buyers can compare blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall radials across touring, classic, and sport-oriented lines.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1989 Toyota Celica, how fitment changes by sub-model, and what to compare when choosing among available radial tires for restoration-minded driving or regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1989 Toyota Celica?
The 1989 Toyota Celica uses three primary radial tire sizes across its sub-model range: 165R13, 185/70R13, and 205/60R14. The correct size depends on the exact trim, because All Trac and GTS use 205/60R14, GT uses 185/70R13, and ST can use either 165R13 or 185/70R13.
That means the first step is not comparing brands or sidewall styles, but confirming which Celica sub-model is in front of you and whether it still has its original wheel diameter. A 13-inch setup and a 14-inch setup are not the same fitment question, and an ST deserves an extra check before a tire is chosen.
What size rim does a 1989 Toyota Celica use?
The 1989 Toyota Celica uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on sub-model and tire size. The 165R13 and 185/70R13 fitments are built around 13-inch wheels, while 205/60R14 uses a 14-inch wheel.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before anything else because it determines which tire sizes can even be considered. Measuring the wheel or checking the marking on the current tire is especially useful on older Celicas that may have seen wheel changes, trim swaps, or previous replacement tires over the years.
Do all 1989 Toyota Celica sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1989 Toyota Celica uses different tire sizes across its sub-models, and the ST can use more than one size. All Trac and GTS use 205/60R14, GT uses 185/70R13, and ST uses either 165R13 or 185/70R13.
That variation is why trim identification matters on this car more than it would on a single-fitment vehicle. It also means a tire pulled from one Celica is not automatically right for another. Checking the sub-model, wheel diameter, and current wheel setup will narrow the correct size before product comparisons begin.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1989 Toyota Celica tire?
Start with the correct size for the exact sub-model, because the 1989 Toyota Celica uses 165R13, 185/70R13, or 205/60R14 depending on trim. After size and rim diameter are confirmed, the next considerations are tire series, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility where stated, and whether the car is being kept close to a period-style presentation or driven more regularly.
A GT or ST on 185/70R13 opens up more comparison points than the narrower 165R13 fitment, so the best question becomes which available tire matches the car's look and use. A lightly driven collector car may call for one kind of presentation, while a frequently used Celica may push the decision toward a different radial series.
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 Toyota Celica tires?
Sidewall choices depend on tire size. In 185/70R13, the available styles include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall, while the 165R13 options covered here are blackwall tires. Those differences can change the car's visual character even when the tire size remains correct.
That makes sidewall treatment an appearance decision after fitment is settled, not before. A buyer trying to preserve a late-1980s sporty look may lean toward blackwall, while a custom or restoration-oriented presentation may point toward redline or wide whitewall in the sizes where those styles are actually offered.
What brands offer tires for the 1989 Toyota Celica?
Available brands for the covered 1989 Toyota Celica sizes include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Brand choice depends on the exact tire size, with 185/70R13 offering the broadest spread across multiple series and sidewall styles, while 165R13 is more limited and centers on Michelin and Dunlop options.
Brand should be compared alongside size, tire series, and appearance rather than treated as the only decision. Once the correct fitment is confirmed, it becomes easier to narrow the field by whether the car needs a blackwall touring-style radial, a sport-oriented classic radial, or a more styling-driven presentation such as redline or wide whitewall.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1989 Toyota Celica?
A period-style 1989 Toyota Celica tire choice starts with using the correct trim-specific size, then choosing a radial series and sidewall treatment that suits the car's intended presentation. For 13-inch applications, 185/70R13 offers the widest visual and brand range, while 165R13 remains more restrained and traditional in blackwall form.
Appearance goals should be balanced against how the car is actually used. A show-oriented Celica may prioritize sidewall styling, while a road-driven car may place more weight on the character of the tire series itself. When exact originality matters, marque-specific historical references are the right place to verify details beyond size and construction.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1989 Toyota Celica?
On the 1989 Toyota Celica, the covered primary fitments are radial tires, so the construction itself aligns with the era of the car. The visible appearance difference comes less from bias-ply versus radial choice and more from the tire's profile, series, and sidewall treatment within the correct size.
That is especially true in 185/70R13, where blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall options create very different visual results on the same basic fitment. A restored Celica aimed at a sportier late-1980s look may suit one presentation, while a custom or personalized build may suit another, even before wheel design enters the picture.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1989 Toyota Celica?
Yes. Any 1989 Toyota Celica with aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or body modifications can have fitment needs that differ from the original trim-based tire sizing. Wheel diameter is the first issue, but wheel width, offset, ride height, and clearance at the fenders and steering components can also change what works safely.
That matters most on an ST, since it already spans two different 13-inch tire sizes from the start. Even when a tire matches one of the original Celica sizes, the actual car should still be checked for rubbing, steering clearance, and wheel compatibility if its setup has been changed from stock.
What should I inspect before driving a 1989 Toyota Celica on new tires?
Before driving a 1989 Toyota Celica on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires are seated properly, and check pressure, valve stems, and lug hardware. It is also smart to look over suspension and steering components, especially on a car that has been stored or used only occasionally.
A short initial road test can reveal pulling, vibration, or clearance issues before the car is driven farther. Older collector-era Celicas also deserve a look at brake condition and wheel-bearing feel while the tires are being changed, since new tires can highlight problems that were less obvious with worn or aged rubber.
How should 1989 Toyota Celica tires be maintained?
1989 Toyota Celica tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear, and periodic review of wheel condition. Radial tires on a collector car can age out before they wear out, so low annual mileage should never be treated as proof that a tire is still road-ready.
Storage conditions also matter. Keeping the Celica away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition between drives. On cars that sit for long periods, it is worth checking for slow air loss and flat spotting before a trip, especially if the car has not been exercised recently.
