1989 Toyota Tercel Base MT
All photo credits
- Photo: 3rd Toyota Tercel coupe by IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Tercel by Teppay75, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: L30 Toyota Tercel EZ 01 by Jacob Frey 4A, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: L30 Toyota Tercel EZ 02 by Jacob Frey 4A, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Toyota Tercel EL31 1.5L Coupe White 01 by Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1989 Toyota Tercel Base MT is a 78-hp 1.5-liter inline-4 with a 4-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $7,490 MSRP and is rated at 33 mpg combined.
It makes 78 horsepower. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 30 mpg city and 37 mpg highway (33 mpg combined).
The Tercel measures 157.0 inches long on a 93.7-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 1,973 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $7,490 ($19,631 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 3E I4, transverse-mounted |
| Displacement | 1.5 L |
| Horsepower | 78 hp |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, 12-valve |
| Injection Type | Variable-venturi carburetor |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | FWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual (only transmission offered on this trim) |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 30 MPG |
| Highway | 37 MPG |
| Combined | 33 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 157 in |
| Width | 63 in |
| Height | 52 in |
| Wheelbase | 93.7 in |
| Curb Weight | 1,973 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 38 in |
| Headroom Rear | 36 in |
| Legroom Front | 40 in |
| Legroom Rear | 32 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 51 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 51 in |
| Hip Room Front | 50 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 50 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1989 Toyota Tercel Base MT with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1989 Toyota TERCEL. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Jul 13, 1992 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
THERE CAN BE INTERFERENCE WITH THE HEADLAMP HOUSING IF HEADLAMP BULBS ARE REPLACED WITH ANY BRAND OTHER THAN KOITO BRAND BULBS.
Consequence: THE INTERFERENCE WITH THE HEADLAMP HOUSING CAUSED BYOTHER THAN KOITO BRAND LAMP BULBS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 108, "LAMPS,REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: TOYOTA DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A NEW KOITO BRAND BULB WITH NO CHARGE IF A NON-KOITO BRAND BULB IS NOW INSTALLED, OR SHOULD A HEADLAMP BULB BURN OUT IN THE FUTURE. "CAUTION LABELS" WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON EACH HEADLAMP HOUSING.
NHTSA campaign 92V111000
22 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1989 Toyota TERCEL
Owner Complaints
22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1989 Toyota TERCEL (3 mention a crash, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Fuel System | 9 |
| Gasoline | 8 |
| Hydraulic | 3 |
| Service Brakes | 3 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 |
| Structure | 2 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1989 TOYOTA TERCEL. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.