1990 Toyota Tercel
Should You Buy a 1990 Toyota Tercel?
The 1990 Toyota Tercel is a compact coupe that combines practicality with a spirited driving experience. With a front-wheel-drive layout and a 1.5L I4 engine, it delivers a respectable 780 hp and 870 lb-ft of torque, making it a fun option for daily driving. Its fuel efficiency of 28.0 MPG combined means you can enjoy the ride without breaking the bank at the pump. Despite its compact size, the Tercel is known for its reliability, boasting an impressive reliability score of 99.8/100, making it a dependable choice for budget-conscious buyers.
However, potential buyers should be aware of some safety concerns. The NHTSA has recorded 23 complaints, including four crash incidents and four fire incidents. The most common issues reported involve the fuel system and engine components, which may warrant further inspection. Overall, the Tercel is a solid option for those looking for an affordable and reliable vehicle, but due diligence on maintenance history is recommended.
The 1990 Toyota Tercel is best suited for budget-conscious individuals or first-time car buyers seeking a reliable and economical vehicle for daily commuting.
Strengths
- +High reliability score of 99.8/100
- +Good fuel economy at 28.0 MPG combined
- +Fun driving dynamics with a manual transmission
- +Compact size for easy maneuverability in urban settings
- +Affordable maintenance and parts availability
Weaknesses
- -Reported safety issues including crashes and fires
- -Limited seating and cargo space due to coupe design
- -Older technology and features compared to modern vehicles
- -Potential difficulty in finding specific parts due to age
- -Less powerful than some competitors in the compact segment
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 1990 Toyota Tercel has a total of 23 complaints logged with the NHTSA, including four incidents related to crashes and fires. The primary areas of concern involve the fuel system and engine cooling components. While these issues are notable, the vehicle's high reliability score suggests that many owners have had positive experiences. No significant NHTSA complaints on record.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 1.5 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- Automatic 3-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 27
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 157.5 in
- Width
- 64.2 in
- Height
- 52.8 in
- Wheelbase
- 93.7 in
- Curb Weight
- 1,969 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- –
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –
Estimated Value
Value estimate unavailable. MSRP data not available for this vehicle.