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1997 Toyota

Tercel

Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L

Toyota Tercel: best and worst years
1997 Toyota Tercel

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 1997.

PhotoJacob Frey 4ACC BY 2.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Subcompact CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic 4-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
93NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Power to weight
0.046 hp/lb
Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
34 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
26 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
29 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,150EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Dimensions & capacity

Length
162 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Width
65 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Height
54 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Wheelbase
94 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Curb Weight
2,030 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
GVWR class
Class 1 (6,000 lb or less)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Pass. Vol
80 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Cargo Vol
9 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Recalls
0
Owner complaints
20
Reported injuries
6

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • AIR BAGS35%
  • SEAT BELTS17%
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING13%
  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC9%
  • SUSPENSION9%
  • TIRES9%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 23 total.

Toyota Tercel: best and worst years

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
2 yr
Maintenance
2 yr / 25k mi
EV battery
10 yr / 150k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.