1991-1994 Toyota Tercel: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1991-1994 Toyota Tercel and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Maneuverability
Cons
- Road noise
- Engine noise
- Rear-seat room
- Wind noise
Vehicle Highlights
Toyota's smallest front-drive subcompact was redesigned for '91, and returned slightly roomier and more powerful than the car it replaced. A 2-door notchback was offered, but a 4-door sedan took the place of the previous year's 2-door hatchback. Wheelbase remained at 93.7 inches, but the 161.8-inch overall length fell between the prior year's 2-door, which was 4.5 inches longer, and the hatchback, which was five inches shorter. Two-door models came in base and Deluxe trim; the 4-door was offered in Deluxe (DX) and LE form. All used an updated version of the previous 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 4-speed manual was the only transmission offered on the base model; the others had a 5-speed manual standard and a 3-speed automatic optional.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota Tercel Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 34 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1991-1994 Toyota Tercel. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1991-1994 Toyota Tercel.
Year to Year Changes
1992 Toyota Tercel:
Toyota's least-expensive model returns unchanged.
1993 Toyota Tercel:
Tercel jumped the gun on the '93 model year by providing late '92 models with standard driver-side airbags and optional antilock brakes. The new airbag brings height-adjustable front shoulder-belt anchors to all 4-doors and a 3-point manual driver's harness to all models. The front passengers still get a manual lap belt and separate "automatic" shoulder belt. Also new for '93 are a redesigned grille, 4-spoke steering wheel, and headlamps-on warning buzzer.
1994 Toyota Tercel:
Only minor changes are made to the '94 Tercel models.
Our road test for the 1991-1994 Toyota Tercel includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1991-1994 Toyota Tercel and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1991-1994 Toyota Tercel is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The tiny engine produces adequate acceleration, but is noisy and feels stressed at freeway speeds. Also, the automatic transmissions are rather slow to downshift when asked to deliver extra passing power. Good fuel economy is a strong point, however. We averaged 26.3 mpg with a DX/automatic model. Once underway, we noticed the suspension allows lots of bouncing on wavy roads and the ride becomes choppy on rough surfaces. In addition, there is an above-average amount of annoying road noise. Maneuverability is small-car easy, but the car's handling prowess is hampered by the Tercel's tiny wheels and tires (155/80SR13s), which run out of grip early when asked to corner. Adults have ample room in front, but the rear seat is tight for anyone over 5-foot-10. On the plus side, the dashboard is simple, functional, and conveniently laid out.
Value for the Money
Unfortunately for the Tercel, Toyota dictated that it be the low-price leader in the automaker's very full model lineup, and it shows. The car is simply outclassed by the plusher, more substantial subcompacts against which it must compete.
Unfortunately for the Tercel, Toyota dictated that it be the low-price leader in the automaker's very full model lineup, and it shows. The car is simply outclassed by the plusher, more substantial subcompacts against which it must compete.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota Tercel Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 34 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Tercel includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Tercel .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
If the air conditioner does not cool, the compressor runs intermittently, or the A/C light flashes, the wiring harness must be rerouted and protected with a sleeve. (1991-94)
Oil consumption:
Oil consumption due to worn valve-stem seals may be eliminated by installing improved seals. (1991)
Windshield washer:
New windshield-washer buttons were made available for servicing problems with the system. (1991-92)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,368 |
| Alternator | $355 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,010 |
| Brakes | $190 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $460 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $680 |
| Exhaust System | $395 |
| Radiator | $470 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $635 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $210 |
Our price chart for this generation Toyota Tercel details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1994 | |||
| Tercel | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Tercel | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Tercel | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Tercel | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Toyota Tercel include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 93.7 | 93.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 161.8 | 161.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 64.8 | 64.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.2 | 53.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 1950 | 2005 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 10.7 | 10.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 11.9 | 11.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 | 38.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.2 | 41.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.7 | 36.1 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 31.9 | 31.9 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All-new Toyota Tercels start out with an updated version of the previous 1.5-liter 4-cylinder Tercel engine. For 1990, Tercel exchanges last year's single-barrel carburetor for multipoint fuel injection, resulting in a new output of 82 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 90 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. A 4-speed manual is the only transmission offered on the base model; the others have a 5-speed manual standard and a 3-speed automatic optional.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 1.5 / 89 | 82 | 90 | 4-speed manual: 33/37 5-speed manual: 29/35 3-speed automatic: 26/29 |
4-speed manual: -- 5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: 26.3 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota Tercel include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1994 Tercel |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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