1996
Toyota Tercel

Starts at:
$10,348
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New 1996 Toyota Tercel
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Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Sdn Base Manual
    Starts at
    $10,348
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Sdn Base Auto
    Starts at
    $11,048
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Sdn DX Manual
    Starts at
    $11,598
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn DX Manual
    Starts at
    $11,908
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Sdn DX Auto
    Starts at
    $12,308
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn DX Auto
    Starts at
    $12,618
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
7 years / less than 85,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12, 000 miles
Dealer certification
160- or 174-point inspections
See all CPO program details

Consumer reviews

87% of drivers recommend this car
4.3 / 5
Based on 8 reviews
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Comfort 3.5
Interior 3.7
Performance 3.9
Value 4.3
Exterior 3.7
Reliability 4.3

Most recent

  • By Xavier from Montreal, QC
    Owns this car
    March 18, 2024

    Best commuter car ever made!

    Best car ever, mine is at 324000 kilometers and is still going strong! Just keep up with maintenance and everything is going to be alright :)
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • By WALLY BURGER from WINNIPEG, MB
    Owns this car
    January 30, 2024

    Love my Tercel!!

    I purchased my Tercel in 1997 with 27K mileage. I have it now for 27 years and my mileage is only 165K. Other than the usual up keep maintenance, I haven't had any problems. I would highly recommend this car!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Genepr062 from Puerto Rico
    Owns this car
    October 18, 2019

    Most reliable car I've own yet.

    This car has met all my needs and it's still going strong, love it...like all cars maintenance is the key..If you treat your car good it will treat you good.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Nikki from Sac CA
    Owns this car
    May 15, 2019

    It's 50/50

    Is a good gas saver could be a better car if it didn't have so many problems and it could be a little bigger than what it d Is
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 3.0
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  • By Seth Easton from West Virginia
    Owns this car
    February 19, 2012

    Toyota Doesn't Make Cars Like This Any More

    My mom gave me this car w/ 276,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. Of course, she drove it very gingerly and always kept up with the maintenance. The number one reason I love this car: it is simply very fun to drive! This car is a tiny featherweight compared to today's bloated "econo" cars, so 93 hp is plenty and acceleration feels immediate and strong (it's a 4-speed manual), not to mention that you can peg the speedometer to 110 with little drama. It's crazy how quick this little junker is, actually. It also has non-power, mechanical rack-and-pinion steering, which gives it a go-kart feel (it'll work out your forearms too!). Add to that about 40 mpg on 87 octane and it just makes sense. It's not the coolest looking car on the road, but it's got an old-school vibe. I actually still see quite a few these cars (as well as mid-90s Honda Civics) on the road during my commute, so people out there are still lovin' these things. I hate their replacements for these (the Echo and Yaris) -- they are ugly and slow in comparison. Old-school Toyota rules!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • By gas saver from san jose, CA
    Owns this car
    January 15, 2012

    great car

    I bought 1996 w/ 10 miles (new). It ran to 218,000 and still sounds strong (had to sell becuse was total loss in accident). NEVER had trouble with anything!!: but I always did oil change, fluids, timing belt and tires upkeep. Original everything (powertrain, interiior fine except carpet by pedals was worn), was a manual 2 door, and this was my FAVORITE VEHICLE IN 25 YEARS!!! Now I'm looking for another!!!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Ex-Tercel Owner from Milwaukee, WI
    Owns this car
    January 19, 2011

    This is one pricey piece of junk!

    First of all, I've owned Japenese imports for over 15 years (long before the hype). I didn't realize what an over-priced (resale wise) piece of garbage my Tercel was until years later. I purchased this vehicle with 50,000 miles on it. At 65,000 I began to burn a small amount of oil...no biggy. By 90,000, I had a plume of blue/gray smoke whenever I started up the car. Needless to say, this "eco-saver" did not pass emissions and I spent about $700 at a Toyota dealership only to have them finally tell me I would need a new engine. I purchased this vehicle at an upscale Toyota dealership and had it inspected at another certified Toyota dealership prior to purchase. I spent a small fortune keeping up with regular maintenance, (oil changes, fluid flushings, timing belt, new tires, new alternator, etc. All to no avail!!! What a waste! These cars are probably even worse now...all these years later! Import reliability is a lot of hype! After owning many reliable American vehicles, you can get a newer, lower milage, more reliable American vehicle for the price! Save your money and keep on looking!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
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  • By car man from sammammish WA
    Owns this car
    December 26, 2008

    toyota tercel ruleS

    i like the toyota tercel its the best ever with 0%financing it is awesome the cloth seats the price everythings amazing this is a tercel
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1996 Toyota Tercel?

The 1996 Toyota Tercel is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (2 styles)
  • DX (4 styles)

Is the 1996 Toyota Tercel reliable?

The 1996 Toyota Tercel has an average reliability rating of 4.3 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1996 Toyota Tercel owners.

Is the 1996 Toyota Tercel a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1996 Toyota Tercel. 87.5% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 8 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.5
  • Interior: 3.7
  • Performance: 3.9
  • Value: 4.3
  • Exterior: 3.7
  • Reliability: 4.3
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