Toyota's entry-level Tercel was introduced in 1980 and ran for four generations. Earlier models of the Tercel earned a reputation for overall economy of ownership (not just gas mileage) and general toughness. Compared with Honda and Nissan, Toyota overbuilt their cars, which were, model for model, generally heavier. Although gas mileage suffered a little, overall durability and operating cost never did.
Year-to-year changes
| 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base 2DR Coupe | CE 2DR Coupe | ||||||
| DX 2DR Coupe | |||||||
| DX 4DR Sedan | CE 4DR Sedan | N/A | |||||
| LE 4DR Sedan | N/A | ||||||
1998
This was the last model year for the Tercel. The title for "entry-level" was then transferred to the Toyota Corolla for one year (1999).
Retail prices
| Model year(s) | Trim level | Body style | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992.5 | Base | 2DR Coupe | $7,198 | $295 | February 14, 1992 |
| 1992.5 | DX | 2DR Coupe | $8,798 | $295 | February 14, 1992 |
| 1992.5 | DX | 4DR Sedan | $8,898 | $295 | February 14, 1992 |
| 1992.5 | LE | 4DR Sedan | $10,338 | $295 | February 14, 1992 |
| 1993.5 | Base | 2DR Coupe | $7,998 | $325 | February 5, 1993 |
| 1993.5 | DX | 2DR Coupe | $9,888 | $325 | February 5, 1993 |
| 1993.5 | DX | 4DR Sedan | $9,988 | $325 | February 5, 1993 |
| 1993.5 | LE | 4DR Sedan | $11,538 | $325 | February 5, 1993 |
| 1994 | Base | 2DR Coupe | $8,698 | $385 | September 2, 1993 |
| 1994 | DX | 2DR Coupe | $10,148 | $385 | September 2, 1993 |
| 1994 | DX | 4DR Sedan | $10,248 | $385 | September 2, 1993 |
| 1994.5 | Base | 2DR Coupe | $8,958 | $385 | January 3, 1994 |
| 1994.5 | DX | 2DR Coupe | $10,458 | $385 | January 3, 1994 |
| 1994.5 | DX | 4DR Sedan | $10,558 | $385 | January 3, 1994 |
| 1995 | Base | 2DR Coupe | $9,998 | $397 | October 5, 1994 |
| 1995 | DX | 2DR Coupe | $11,028 | $397 | October 5, 1994 |
| 1995 | DX | 4DR Sedan | $11,328 | $397 | October 5, 1994 |
| 1995.5 | Base | 2DR Coupe | $10,348 | $397 | April 7, 1995 |
| 1995.5 | DX | 2DR Coupe | $11,418 | $397 | April 7, 1995 |
| 1995.5 | DX | 4DR Sedan | $11,728 | $397 | April 7, 1995 |
| 1996 | Base | 2DR Coupe | $10,348 | $420 | October 1, 1995 |
| 1996 | DX | 2DR Coupe | $11,598 | $420 | October 1, 1995 |
| 1996 | DX | 4DR Sedan | $11,908 | $420 | October 1, 1995 |
Gallery
1992-1993 Toyota Tercel 2-door coupe
1993-1994 Toyota Tercel 4-door sedan
1994 Toyota Tercel 2-door coupe
1995 Toyota Tercel 2-door coupe
1995 Toyota Tercel 4-door sedan
1996 Toyota Tercel 2-door coupe
1996 Toyota Tercel 4-door sedan
1997 Toyota Tercel 2-door coupe
1997-1998 Toyota Tercel 4-door sedan
1998 Toyota Tercel 2-door coupe