Picture of 1990 Toyota Tercel 2 Dr STD Coupe

1990 Toyota Tercel Overview

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Average user score

4.7 ⁄ 5 stars

Based on 6 reviews

The Most Reliable Car That Came Free Of Charge And Well Maintained. by Pleasant

— Excellent performance, appearance and lots of fun to drive because everything works except the radio on/off switch. It cuts off when its needs oil. Stops cold only when in need of a new battery. Howev... Read more

Its Better Than My Chevy Blazer. by John

— I Like my Toyota Tecel.Though I bought a 1990 it a few months ago. I recently drove it up a steep Mountain and now My engine sounds like it may blow a valve at any second. I need help. over all its a ... Read more

First Love Was A Pile Of Crap by Tyler

— While there were less redeeming factors than I have arms, I still loved this car. It boke down regularly, was damaged, and had poor performance, it was my first car and Iloved it. Read more

1990 Toyota Tercel Overview

The 1990 Toyota Tercel saw a few changes for the model year, most notably the discontinuation of the five-door hatchback and the wagon, which left only the three door hatchback and the coupe. The four-wheel drive option was also discontinued.

The 1990 Tercel was available in four trim levels: the standard coupe and liftback, the EZ liftback and the DLX coupe. The only available engine was a 1.5-liter 78-horsepower four cylinder. Because of its small size, the Tercel got excellent gas mileage: about 30 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

1990 Tercel owners say their cars are ugly, but they love them anyway. Many drivers claim to abuse their cars in various ways, but the 1990 Toyota Tercel keeps on going. Other owners, however, caution that the Tercel requires diligent maintenance, but with proper care will run for a very long time. Other complaints include a tendency towards carbon build-up, which requires premium gas to remedy.