1990 Toyota Tercel Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$6,488 to $9,028

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.2

avg user rating

(11 reviews)
1990 Toyota Tercel Preview summaryImage

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.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 1990 Toyota Tercel

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User rating:
by Valerie C
Oct 19, 2011
ma premiere voiture a vie, un gros 500$. Le pire la dedans c'est que je me la suis faite voler sur le bord de la 640 en panne. Apres avoir appeler le remorqueur et etre retourner a l'auto, celle-ci avait disparuOct 19, 2011
by Anonymous
May 25, 2011
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. However, the doors and dashboard assemblies vibrate loudly. I am going to try tightening them down. AC keeps on cooling. CV axles new, as is timing belt which didn't need replacing but had it done anyway. I wish I got better gas mileage than approximately 15 mpg in stop and go traffic. I wish I got better gas mileage though. I love my Tercel; got it for free with 113,000 miles on the odometer vs. 137,723 as of 5/25/11. Only had to pay for registration and tags to own outright. Routine maintenance costs since 2005 have been less than $1,000.00 A coat of paint would make the faded original cherry red paint pop. May 25, 2011
by John R
Apr 14, 2011
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 creat clean car. and it wants to be driven.Apr 14, 2011

1990 Toyota Tercel Pricing

Original MSRP
$6,488 to $9,028
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
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Trims & specs

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (4)