1997 Toyota Tercel CE 1.5L

Summary:

The best compact car, hands down!

Faults:

I have had absolutely no problem with my Tercel. I have not spent a dime on repairs in the three years I have owned it.

Aside from fuel, oil changes and brake changes (all normal repairs), nothing has ever gone wrong!

General Comments:

This car has the best value for the price. I get mileage at around 7.1 liters/100 km (34 mpg) on average, even better on the highway.

If you want better handling, use 175 width tires, it makes quite a nice different without compromising fuel economy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th July, 2004

1997 Toyota Tercel CE 4 cylinder

Summary:

An awesome little car!

Faults:

The windshield needs to be replaced, after a road trip at the end of winter.

That's all!

General Comments:

This car is a dream! I have only had it for 2 weeks, but I am in love.

It's got a tiny little 4 cylinder engine, but I can still get it up to 180 km/h with no problems.

The seats aren't exactly the most comfortable for me, but I am about 6' 3" and I think that has something to do with it.

I plan on keeping this car for a very long time, and I'm sure that it will last for years and years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th March, 2004

1997 Toyota Tercel CE

Summary:

A reliable small car

Faults:

Other than scheduled maintenance (timing belt, brakes, oil changes, etc), and damage from accidents, I've had the following replaced:

Horn.

One of the cheap factory speakers started making a vibrating noise (just replaced them with better aftermarket speakers and the radio with an aftermarket CD player)

Passenger Door Handle.

Front Axle.

Motor Mounts.

Repaired an oil leak.

The A/C system has an extremely minor leak and has needed to be recharged with Freon twice since I've owned it.

General Comments:

Now, while I've replaced a few things in the car, most of them have been cosmetic, or things I wasn't even aware of until the mechanic told me that they needed to be fixed. The car has never not started on the first time, even if it's cold or I've left the lights on overnight. It has also never left me stranded (even after I rear-ended an Oldsmobile and did four grand worth of damage to the front of the car, I was able to drive it off the freeway to my mechanic), and none of the problems stuck me as safety related-in fact, the only mechanical problem I ever noticed was that the car vibrated at idle-replacing the motor mounts fixed that.

While the car is not a sports car in the acceleration department, it has adequate power for all situations, and has no problem doing 80, 90, or even 100 MPH for long distances. The car handles very well (as a small car should), has a very small turning circle, and has good brakes.

This is clearly an econobox, as the fit and trim shows this, but it's certainly not uncomfortable (I have plenty of headroom, but have to have the seat all the way back). My car is missing a few features I would like (although they were available as options), namely it only has a 3-Speed Automatic (no overdrive) and no intermittent windshield wipers, but both are minor. Gages are very clear and nicely designed.

My next car will certainly be another Toyota, or maybe a Scion tC (a Toyota brand).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th February, 2004

1997 Toyota Tercel CE 1.5 inline 4

Summary:

A truly intriguing vehicle

Faults:

Routine maintenance.

That's about it aside from a replaced side-view mirror which was damaged in a minor accident.

Nothing else went wrong with the car.

General Comments:

This car was great. The engine was powerful enough to give this car quick acceleration while at the same time giving amazing gas mileage. The tires are a little thin and the tires skid easily as a result. The transmission is good and provides smooth shifts. Again, it doesn't have a lot of power, but its quick.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd July, 2003

1997 Toyota Tercel

Summary:

Dependable and economical

Faults:

A leaking engine seal that was repaired under warranty.

General Comments:

Just a great way to get from point A to point B cheaply and inexpensively. The front seats are comfortable for two adults when there are no adult rear seat passengers.

I have four studded snow treads on this car and it will go anywhere. It's very sure footed in the winter. My daughter drives it and will take it to college. I plan on it serving her until she has a job and can by her own Toyota!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th March, 2003

1997 Toyota Tercel CE 1.3

Summary:

A car for the "smart money" type

Faults:

Seat covers look very worn out. Dust got inside the speedometer lens.

General Comments:

This is the best little car ever. It runs, it takes very little gas to run it, and more importantly makes the owner very happy just for being so reliable.

F.Y.I. I own the 2 door manual speed model of Tercel. And man, I am telling you I have a blast with this car. It blew my 1999 Mazda Protege and my girlfriend's 1996 Honda Civic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th December, 2002