Model year guide

1994 Toyota Tercel

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1994 Toyota Tercel is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

1994 Toyota Tercel — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1994 Toyota Tercel at a glance

Owner complaints49
Combined24–29 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1994 Toyota Tercel common problems

Owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

1994 Toyota Tercel MPG & running costs

Combined24–29 mpg
City25 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,533
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
Transmission3 options
Passenger volume85 cu ft
Cargo volume11 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$667 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1994 Toyota Tercel costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,665
Fuel only$12,665
Per mile$0.17

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1994 Toyota Tercel trims & engines on record

Trims
DX
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl 82 hp

1994 Toyota Tercel vehicles on record

1994 Toyota Tercel 1994 Toyota Tercel DXJT2EL43T5R0386608 1994 Toyota Tercel 1994 Toyota Tercel DXJT2EL43T9R0428522

Other Toyota Tercel model years

1997 1996 1995 1984

1994 Toyota Tercel — frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1994 Toyota Tercel?

Owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, engine and engine cooling, tires.

What gas mileage does the 1994 Toyota Tercel get?

The 1994 Toyota Tercel has U.S. EPA estimates of 24–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.