The Toyota Tercel epitomizes the old adage that good things come in small packages. This year, the Tercel comes in an all-new package that delivers many upgraded features. This is no surprise when you consider that the Tercel springs from a family that has been considered the benchmark for craftsmanship, reliability and resale value. This popular subcompact was top gun in the 1994 J.D. Power and Associates Under $12,000 Initial Quality Price Class Leader category, and garnered sales of 83,000 units this past year. Despite recent exchange-rate blues, Toyota offers a redesigned Tercel for 1995, with even more bang for the buck. Toyota put its yen into safety upgrades and a new engine that delivers increased performance and fuel efficiency. In addition, exterior and interior changes create a more sporty image and improve visibility, roominess and ergonomics. And all this was done by raising the base price to only $10,395. Continuing to hold a leadership role in the area of fit-and-finish, the Tercel uses new, lighter materials that improve handling and are cheaper and easier to repair and recycle. The front-wheel-drive Tercel continues to be available in three body styles: the base 2-door coupe and the DX model with 2- and 4-door offerings. There are manual and automatic transmission choices for each model, with prices going up to $16,470. Our test model, a 4-door DX, came with a wealth of goodies, such as power assists and automatic transmission, that bumped the price up to $14,450.
Toyota
Tercel
1997
1997 Toyota Tercel
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Expert Rating
Unavailable
Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.
Select a Trim Price: - From $10,698
1997 CE 2dr Sedan
Select a Trim
1997 CE 2dr Sedan
most popular
1997 CE 4dr Sedan
Price: - From $12,168
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Select a Trim Price: - From $10,698
1997 CE 2dr Sedan
Select a Trim
1997 CE 2dr Sedan
most popular
1997 CE 4dr Sedan
Price: - From $12,168
Overview
Specs & Features
Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.5L I-4 / 93 HP / 100 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard:
5-spd man w/OD
Available:
3-spd auto
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
32 / 39 / 35 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque | 1.5L I-4 / 93 HP / 100 ft.lbs. |
Drive Type | Front-wheel |
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined | 32 / 39 / 35 Mpg |
Brakes | Front Disc/rear Drum |
Front Suspension | Strut |
Rear Suspension | Non-independent Torsion Beam Beam |
Spare Tire And Wheel | Compact Steel |
Fuel Tank | 11.9 Gal. |
Recommended Fuel Type | Regular Unleaded |
Average Cost To Fill Tank | $45 |
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume | 9.3 Cu.ft. |
Passenger Volume | 81 Cu.ft. |
Exterior Length | 161.8 " |
Exterior Width | 64.8 " |
Exterior Height | 54.1 " |
Front Headroom | 38.6 " |
Rear Headroom | 36.5 " |
Front Legroom | 41.2 " |
Rear Legroom | 31.9 " |
Front Shoulder Room | 51.3 " |
Rear Shoulder Room | 51.6 " |
Front Hip Room | |
Rear Hip Room | |
Curb Weight | 2,010 Lbs. |
Wheel Base | 94 " |
Turning Radius | 15.8 ' |
Exterior Features
Door Count | 2 Doors |
Wheels | 14.0 " Steel |
Paint | Monotone |
Exterior Mirrors | Dual Manual / Dual Manual Remote |
Bumpers | Black / Body-colored |
Grille Moldings | Body-colored |
Rear Spoiler | Wing |
Exhaust | Stainless Steel |
Interior Features
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Rollover Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Front Impact Airbags | Driver And Passenger |
Driver Side Impact Airbags | |
Knee Airbag | |
Passenger Side Impact Airbag | |
Rear Side Airbag | |
Seatbelt Pretensioners | |
Anti-Lock Brakes | 4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs) |
Forward Collision Warning | |
Blind Spot Sensor | |
Lane Departure Warning | |
Autonomous Cruise Control | |
Pedestrian Detection | |
Driver Attention Alert | |
Daytime Running Lights | |
Auto High Beams | |
Adaptive Headlights | |
Parking Sensors | |
Security Systems | |
Panic Alarm | |
Ignition Disable |
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles | 36 Months / 36,000 Miles |
Major Components Months | 60 Months / 60,000 Miles |
Included Maintenance Months | |
Roadside Assistance Months | |
Corrosion Perforation | 60 Months / Unlimited Miles |
Accessories Months | 96 Months / 80,000 Miles |