The Tercel is a subcompact manufactured from 1978 to 2000 across five generations, in five body configurations — sized between the Corolla and the Starlet. Manufactured at the Takaoka Plant in Toyota City, Japan, and sharing its platform with the Cynos (aka Paseo) and the Starlet, the Tercel was marketed variously as the Corolla II — and was replaced by the Echo in 2000. It was also known as the (Japanese: Toyota Corsa ) and sold at different Toyota Japan dealerships dedicated to particular core models.
The name "Tercel" derives from the Latin word for "one third" as the Tercel was slightly smaller than the Corolla — much the way "tiercel" refers to a male falcon, which is one-third smaller than its female counterpart.
First generation (1978-1982)
The Tercel was introduced in Japan in 1978, and in the United States in 1980; it was the first front-wheel drive vehicle ever produced by the automaker. Toyota named it the Corolla Tercel, hoping that the Corolla image — long known for quality and durability — would bring buyers to the new model. It was originally sold as either a two-door coupe or a three-door hatchback, with each model powered by a 1.5 L SOHC four-cylinder engine producing 60 hp (45 kW). Transmission choices were either a four- or five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic.
The new front-wheel drive design in the Tercel, unlike their previous front-wheel drive designs, did not have the engine transversely mounted. Rather, the engine was mounted longitudinally, such that the transmission was mounted under the floorpan, as was standard in a rear-wheel drive car. Unlike a rear-wheel drive car, the transmission had a ring and pinion gear on the front part of the transmission, underneath the engine. Halfshafts then extended from the transmission to the front wheels.
For 1981, the Corolla Tercel received a new 62 hp (46 kW) A engine for improved power and lower emissions. Choice of body styles increased as well, with the addition of a four-door sedan.
Second generation (1983-1986)
Toyota redesigned the Tercel for 1983 and renamed the car simply "Tercel". The second generation Tercel was available in three- or five-door hatchback models or a four-door station wagon. The station wagon, known in Japan as the Sprinter Caribbean (Japanese: Toyota Sprinter Caribbean (Carib) ), was also available with either front- or four-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive model could be equipped with six-speed manual transmission, and could be shifted from two- to four-wheel drive without coming to a stop. The sixth gear it carried was an "Extra Low" (EL) first gear, a standard transmission gear with a very low (4.71:1) gear-ratio. The EL gear generated a 17.6:1 final drive ratio, giving the driver the torque needed to extract the vehicle from conditions which otherwise may have trapped it. Because of its low gear-ratio, it was suitable only for very low-speed use on loose or slippery road surfaces (such as snow, gravel, or sand.) Also included with the four-wheel drive model is a inclinometer above the radio and air conditioner that measures the tilt of the car. Standard front-wheel drive vehicles (and four-wheel drive wagons not equipped with the six-speed manual transmission) came with either a three-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. The least expensive model, the base three-door, was available with a four-speed manual only.
The new Tercel 4WD was built from existing pieces in the Toyota inventory. The engine, transaxle and front wheel drive system was from the existing Tercel. The coil-sprung rear axle was taken from the Corolla. The only part specifically designed for the new Tercel 4WD was the transfer case, built into the transmission. This gave the driver greater versatility than was possible on a purely front-wheel drive vehicle, as it provided three different power arrangements. Normally, the car would be operated with front-wheel drive. When the driver pulled the 4WD selector lever back into four-wheel drive, or pressed a button on the gear selector for the automatic transmission, the power was split 50/50 between the front and rear axles via a direct mechanical coupling. There is no conventional center differential, so the four-wheel drive system could be used only on loose or slippery surfaces; otherwise the drivetrain would experience severe wear, and handling would be compromised. The third power option (which was only available on the six-speed manual) was low range. This isn't the same as the low-range power option found in a truck or conventional SUV, as the Tercel lacked a high-range/low-range transfer case. When the lever was placed in four-wheel drive mode it became possible to downshift the vehicle from first to EL.
1985 saw minor changes to gear ratios and to the grille design, and the interior was updated in 1986. The Tercel wagon continued the same design until 1988 (when it was replaced by a Corolla Sprinter based design), while the coupe, sedan and hatchbacks moved on to the newer design.
Europe
Versions available in Europe:
- 1.3 GL (3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback)
- 1.5 GL (3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback)
- 1.5 4WD (5-door estate, only version from 1986 onwards)
Third generation (1987-1990)
In 1987, Toyota introduced the slightly larger third generation Tercel with a new 12 valve 78 hp (58 kW) I4 engine which featured a defective variable venturi carburetor, replaced under an extended warranty and in 1988 and later models with improved carbs and later, EFI. Other improvements included revised rack-and-pinion steering and a newly-designed, fully-independent suspension. The Tercel continued in its role as Toyota's least expensive vehicle.
In 1988, Toyota introduced the Tercel EZ with less standard equipment: vinyl upholstery, a four-speed manual transmission, rubber mats instead of carpeting, and a deleted passenger's side sunvisor.
For the 1990 model year, the Tercel was available as either a three or five-door hatchback or a two-door sedan, the wagon having been upgraded to the larger platform used for the Sprinter Caribbean (Carib). Also discontinued for 1990 was the four-wheel drive system; the Tercel was then only available with front-wheel drive. Hard to find is the Tercel Deluxe 4-door Liftback. Made only from 87 to 89, this model which came standard with a 5-speed manual transmission, custom wheels and rear defrost. Non-motorized two-point passive seatbelts for the front-seat driver and passenger were introduced in 1990.
Fourth generation (1991-1994)
Toyota introduced the fourth generation Tercel in 1991 as either a two-door sedan or four-door sedan and powered by either a 1.5 L 3E-E engine producing 82 hp (61 kW) at 5200 rpm (and 89 lb·ft (121 N·m) of torque at 4400 rpm) or 1.5 L 5E-FE 16v DOHC producing110 hp (82 kW).
In Japan, the Tercel was also offered as 3-door Hatchback and 4WD versions. Hatchback models were VC, Joinus, and Avenue. Trim levels for Sedan were VE, VX, and VZ. The VZ is powered by 5E-FHE engine. The higher level Japanese sedan had different tail lights and better equipped interior than the export models.
North American models were Base Coupe, DX Coupe, DX Sedan, and LE Sedan. Colour-keyed bumpers, full wheel covers, and folded rear seat were optional on the DX, standard on the LE. The LE had red trunk garnish similar to Japanese model.
1993 saw a minor exterior redesign to the front and rear fascias and the addition of a standard driver's side airbag and available anti-lock brakes. The Tercel was carried over to 1994 with no major changes — Haloalkane, a non-CFC refrigerant was used in the air conditioning system.
Chile
In Chile, the Tercel was introduced in 1991 as the "Corolla Tercel", as a four door sedan with a 1.3 liter, SOHC 12-valve 78 hp (58 kW), 4-cylinder, carbureted engine. The "DX" basic version came with tachometer and four arm steering wheels. It gained moderate success due to the Corolla name. In September 1992 a facelifted version was introduced, which roughly matched the U.S. models, and came with a new 1.5 liter SOHC engine available. Since August 1993, the 1.3 liter version was discontinued, due to the new emission standards enforced by the government since September of the same year, which forced the use of 3-way catalytic converters. The catalytic version rapidly became quite successful.
Fifth generation (1995-2000)
For 1995, Toyota introduced an all-new Tercel. The new design offered a stiffer body with better handling and was one of only a handful of cars in the U.S. to have OBDII in 1995. Retaining its compact packaging and high quality, the new Tercel sported a
Ground Control - Coilover Conversion Kit, 92 Toyota ...
This kit fits 92- Toyota Tercel and Paseo with stock, Sachs, Boge, KYB, or GAB HP shocks (please specify shock type before ordering).
92 Toyota Tercel Spec Sheet
U.S.A. Body Type: 2-Door: 4-Door: Vehicle Grade: STD: DX: DX: LE: Model Code: EL42L-ADKBEA: EL42L-ADMREA: EL42L-ADHREA: EL42L-AEMREA: EL42L-AEHREA: EL42L-AEMDEA: EL42L-AEHDEA
Toyota Tercel Timing Belt, Water Pump
Toyota Tercel Timing Belt, Water Pump. Q. Hi! I have a 1996 Toyota Tercel and it has about 92,000 miles on it. I plan on replacing the timing belt very soon (for the first time).
Toyota Tercel Grill 1991-1992
Because you deserve the best service, Toyota Parts Pro gives you unparalleled reliable service when you order 91-92 Toyota Tercel Grille. Aside from the convenience you enjoy while ...
91-94 Toyota Tercel Turn Signal Light Assembly ~ Left
TY TERCEL 91-94 SL ASY LH. Compatibility Info: 91 1991, 92 1992, 93 1993, 94 1994 Toyota Tercel signal light assembly ~ left 1991-1994 Toyota Tercel Signal Lamp Assembly 1991-1994 ...
Toyota Body Kits
92-93 toyota tercel (fiberglass) 49701: tercel air dam : 92-93 $261 $209: 49702: tercel rear skirt (truck frt) 92-93 $261 $209: 49703: tercel 2dr side skirts
1992 Toyota Base Sedan for Sale | Used ‘92 Toyota ...
Search through our classifieds to find used 1992 Toyota Base Sedan for sale listings and buy your next car at Automobile Magazine. Select an option below to filter the local ...
Category:Toyota Tercel - Wikimedia Commons
Media in category "Toyota Tercel" The following 75 files are in this category, out of 75 ... '92 Toyota Tercel Co... 362,178 bytes
JDM Engine Depot
Toyota Starlet EP91/Paseo/Tercel 4E-FTE (92-97) $999.00: Toyota Tercel 2E-TE (87-91) $999.00: Toyota Corolla/Prizm 4A-FE (93-97) $549.00: Toyota 4Runner/Pick-Up/T100 3VZ-E (90-92)
I have a 92 toyota tercel, my cooling fan works, but ...
I have a 92 toyota tercel, my cooling fan works, b… ...