1996 TOYOTA Tercel

Best used car I ever bought

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought a '96 four door Tercel in October of 2012 but with automatic transmission. It had 198k miles on it but ran great, other than needing new brakes. AC works fine, power steering, Got 40+ miles per gallon on the highway, 30mpg in town. I now have 207k miles on it. Needs a few things, like fan selector needs tweeking, CV joing is rattling on sharp turns, and will probably install new front calipers. High beams don't work but it is a switch problem in the column. All easy to repair I hope. I don't mind the faded paint. Bought for $1400 and won't part with it unless I find another, maybe a straight drive to get better gas mileage and cruise control.

Became a member of the family...

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

My wife and I bought our Tercel new in '96, joking that our 7-year old would drive it someday. She's now 21. She's still driving it. Yes, being a young college student she sometimes complains that it's not 'pretty' like some of the newer cars her classmates drive, but the reliability has been nothing short of incredible. At 325,000 miles, the old girl finally gave one last blast of blue smoke and burped her last breath. Our daughter actually cried. while she shopped with her mother for another car, I installed a rebuilt engine and she couldn't be happier. Another 300,000 miles? I don't see why not!

Best Car Ever!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my Tercel w/53,000 miles about 9 years ago and I just had my most expensive repair (coil at $250) at 143,000! I got a newer/used Corolla and I hope it lives up to my Tercel. Reliable is an understatement. I'm having separation anxiety from having to sell it, but can't afford to maintain 2 cars. If you take care of your Tercel, it will take care of you. I'll miss "Big Red" but I think my "Silver Bullet" will rise to the challenge. I don't care what they say-TOYOTA, I'm with you for life!

Good first car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

This car is perfect for a first car which is exactly what it is to me. It gets 27 miles to the gallon and is small, perfect for easily maneuvering and fitting into tight spots.

Point A to Point B

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased this car with 229K miles on it and it currently has 240K. It's great on gas, is economical, and needs very little maintenance. Honestly the best car for those that have long commutes or need to take it into urban areas with tight parking spots. The trunk space is also very usable considering how small this car is. The manual transmission is average at best, but for the price and what this car was geared for, it's really a good car.

Don't need a new car!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

My 1996 Tercel has more than 221,000 miles! I have never had any problems at all!!! I have changed the timing-belt twice, just regular maintenance, and have changed the oil religiously every 3000 miles- Castrol GTX 10-30. It's not the prettiest car on the road but I can't rationalize buying a new one.

Best Toyota!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought this car used with 119K miles. It just keeps on going like the energizer Bunny. Change the oil every 4K and keep going. Had to replace clutch at 150K. Current miles 189k. A/C blows ice cold in Tx. This car was so great, they don't make it anymore. Mpg too good for the times! 38mpg avg for me.

Best Car Ever!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought this car when it was 2 yrs old. Don't remember the miles on it. Drove it from KY - TN several times, then from Nashville - SLC. We called her "Tinkerbelle" (called her Tink) because she made that sound. Car was comfortable, fun to drive, excellent on gas... Never once had a problem with that car. So when I sold my Hyundai, I went looking for this yr/make/model again and found a 1995 in very decent condition... Left the car at 219,000 PLUS miles.

1996 Toyota Tercel 2dr

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

I've had the car for 6 years - bought it in 2002 with 72k on it. It now has 113k. It has had no problems, except for a minor oil leak last year. It is a great car for driving around town, although I have also done a 1000 mile road trip in it.

Toyota

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Only had this rig for about 8 months. Bought it w/170,000 now has 184,000. Runs great, starts on the coldest days. 0-60 in 11.8 while my girlfriends 05 Cavalier only ran 11.5. Very reliable rig. Plan to run her til she dies

Great car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

We bought this car as a program car in 1998 with 30,000 miles on it. It now has 232000 miles, still gets 42 mpg and is just now starting to require a lot of maintenance and repair. We took it on a 2 week, 4200 mile trip and it was very comfortable and performed well both on long stretches of interstate and in the city.

Little car with lots of heart

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this car brand new and never expected to keep it this long. It's peppy and very low maintenance so I'm keeping it until it dies. So far I have 150,000 miles with no sign of stopping. I love this car!

Ode to My Tercel

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

You go down in history as one of the best cars ever invented. I love my Tercel and she has been through everything with me through thick and thin. Keeps going and going. I wish they'd bring back the Tercel like the old wagons with 4wd. You could camp in them, haul stuff around they were the perfect car, even for a family. This 96 model is great, it is a great cheap car with the gas mileage similar to a Prius for $20000 less.

Love this car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Purchased car new (11/95) and has been a great car. During years 2001-2006 car was driven often from LA to Las Vegas in excessive heat. Replaced engine at 171K with used engine (84K) and car continues to run like new. Avoided fancy options other than A/C and auto transmission. Performed regular and proper service on car and interior/exterior is in great shape for 12 year old car. I plan to keep this car for several more years and often people make offers for the car. 26 MPG city as much as 33 MPG hwy. Always use just 87 octane and regular 10W30 motor oil every 4000. Now that I am living in Las Vegas, I keep an eye on coolant and transmission oil more closely. I will never sell!

Tercel baby love

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this car 8 years ago and it now has 134,000 miles. I plan on getting to 250,000. As a tall person, 5'10, I wish it had a bit more room. It's totally reliable, easy to park in the city. Got flooded a few years ago and started on the first turn of the key. While other cars were being towed, only the upholstery needed cleaning.

There really is nothing better!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

My father purchased this car for less than $2000 about 4 years ago from a co-worker, intending to let me drive it while working towards getting my license. It was at 106,000k at the time, and is now at 160,000k. I have never known a better car. It started without any problems when the temperature was -30, runs smoothly and I can trust it to get me from A to B and then some(!) without ever breaking down. Gas mileage averages 38 mpg. This is my first car, and will be my last as well. I intend to keep it until it literally rusts and falls to pieces.

Great value, great mpg

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

We bought this car as a commuter vehicle, and have been very impressed. I'm shocked that it doesn't hold its value better, because it runs and drives just as well now as it did in 1996. It's still very reliable and gets about 39 mpg. Its only disadvantage is it's kinda loud.

1996 Toyota Tercel DX

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I may have been favoring it a bit in the ratings system but it depends what your comparing it to. As far as suiting its purpose, this is a very reliable car. Complaints about its lack of power are crazy if you ask me. I used boesch platinum twin spark plugs combined with castrol gtx motor oil and proper maintenance it is the perfect car for a daily commuter, and or somone who enjoys driving eficient non intrusive eco friendly, did I mention reliable, vehicle for less than 5,000 dollars.

a lasting forever car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I owned this car when it was 80k, and now it is 145k. Never had any problem, and I feel the accelaration is alright since mine is a 4-speed manual, and actually it is quicker than 80% of those none-sports beside you if you push ot harder. The original tire is quite thin, so I change the tires and I think that's a must. I am well prepared to see one day this car dies but that didn't happen, and now this car's engine still powerful and only little bit noise coming from the engine. I think it can still run 20000 without problem.So I cannot wait to get another new car from toyota (a Scion tc) but I will keep it as well.The gas mileage is now around 35 (highway, local combined), and it used to be 40.

Basic transportation

Performance: 2 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought the vehicle new in 2/96. It now has 148K trouble free miles. Started using a little oil in recent years, about 1 qt per 3000 miles. Replaced timing- and drive belts every 60K and regular oil changes. The only (!) unscheduled maintenance was at 115K when some emission sensor went bad and the check engine light came on. Cost $400 to replace. Never ever let me down.

Tercel review

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I've owned this vehicle for almost 9 years and it's been amazingly reliable and fun to drive. I've logged 124,500 miles without any major maintenance/repair work and am confident that it will last another 100,00 miles!

Fuel sipper and nothing else.

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I got this car over a month ago and I can see the great gas mileage everyone is talking about. I mean how could you disagree with 33mpg in city driving, which is pretty much all I do with this car(not a good highway car). However some features in this car are annoying. For example when I open the trunk, I have to bend down to get my luggage, when the trunk lid just falls on my head...OUCH!!! Where are the trunk lid holders or whatever you call'em. I'm 5'8" and the car inside feels so small, or maybe it's just me. The last thing is the 4spd. gear box. I mean those are so outdated, though I'm glad I have one because the automatic with 93hp. wouldn't work very well.

run run tercel, run run tercel, run run!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

this car is amazing. this "point A to point B" vehicle gave me more of itself than I ever could have imagined when I bought it 5 years ago. I tool on her. i give it no love whatsoever, and she keeps on kicking. I swear that she can go 0 to 60 in less than 6 seconds. i'm going to miss her after we part, but it's time for us to go our seperate ways, as i'm eyeing a new lover in a V6 tacoma 4x4. Hey! I need to put the snowboard somewhere!

good little car for the price

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

excellent car for the price

Great Car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This car is very reliable. It will run forever. I have 95K miles and it will get another 150K no problem. I change the oil and thats it. The car always starts. No Problems great car built by Toyota.

1996 Toyota Tercel

Performance: 2 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

I enjoy my Tercel because it is a great reliable car that I don't have to worry about having problems. My only problem that has happened to the car is the back trunk seal had to be adjusted and sealant had to be put down because of water getting int the trunk.

Can't be better

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I never thought I would be praising a car so much as I do this little one! It's an amazing piece of engineering, and starts no matter how cold it is outside. (I use sythetic oil, which helps). Quite simply the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. I keep expecting things to go wrong, but the car just keeps on going regardless. I cannot recommend it enough.

Great Car

Performance: 2 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 5

This was the first car I ever owned. I put about 75,000 miles on it and then gave it to my sister. At any rate, I drove this thing so hard, redline almost every shift, slammed on the brakes a lot, etc. I was 16, I didn't know any better. At any rate the car never failed, it needed a new idle sensor once and that was it. Great car, gas mileage is ok if you don't drive fast, but this car really needs to be floored a lot to get it to move so the gas milage goes down. Stock tires are way too thin, unsafe in the rain. Car looks good, interior is decent quality. Good first car.

I love my car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Best car I ever own. Great gas mileage. Never had to take it to the dealer except for timing belt change and oil changes. It has never failed to start regardless of how cold it is. Enough power from the 4 cylinders to cruise at 75-80 mph.

Lil' workhorse

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased a 96 Tercel 'Sport' model new. Reliable car as i drive approx 60,000 miles per year. Sold the car at 260,000 miles. Only maintenance performed was fluids (oils, antifreeze, top up brake fluid, 3 sets of brake pads and 5 sets of tires, 4 timing belts as per schedule.). Obviously a very reliable little car. I wish Toyota would have made the seats a little more comfortable though.

Lil' workhorse

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased a 96 Tercel 'Sport' model new. Reliable car as i drive approx 60,000 miles per year. Sold the car at 260,000 miles. Only maintenance performed was fluids (oils, antifreeze, top up brake fluid, 3 sets of brake pads and 5 sets of tires, 4 timing belts as per schedule.). Obviously a very reliable little car. I wish Toyota would have made the seats a little more comfortable though.

nice car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

This is a really really really really really really really awesome and cool car to drive

Great Value

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The 1996 Toyota tercel is very functional & economic. I will probably keep this vehicle for many years to come. The car drives very well & has plenty of room. It gets a littel noisy in the cabin on the highway, I just have to turn up the volume on the stereo a bit. The 1.5 liter engine is a strong & reliable powerplant, it's the same engine that Toyota has been manufacturing for many years now, a proven design. The base model Tercel is a bit spartan, but very functional, no bells & whistles.

A moped with 2 doors

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This car is peppy. The standard tranny is a 4 speed, but with it's light weight, the car zips. For a get-around- town vehicle, you can't do better. You'll still see these cars on the road in 2010. I do my own oil changes and maintenace on it, which its small engine design lends itself to. With only 47,000 miles on it, I plan to have it a long time.

A great little car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

My tercel has been wonderful. It gets great gas mileage (38+ on the highway) and other than normal maintenance I have had no problems with it. I currently have 98000+ miles on the car and I have every confidence the car will go another 100,000 just as easy. It was one of the best decisions I ever made to go with the tercel.

Amazing car!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

120k on vehicle. Oil changes, 2 tuneups, new set of tires. Replaced timing belt at 90k as precaution. *THAT'S IT.* You simply can't do better.