has been around since 1936. The automaker has built some of the most prominent cars in the industry, and one of the vehicles that have stood the test of time is the Toyota Tercel.

This classic car was at the start of the first front-wheel drive vehicles Toyota introduced into the market, according to

TreadMagazine

. It first started as the Toyota Corolla II or Corsa but later changed to the second generation L20 Tercel. So, why are people interested in this car today?

The Toyota Tercel was highly fuel-efficient and cheap.

Is the Tercel a good car?

This Japanese compact class vehicle is an absolute gem. The car was discontinued in 2000 and has served most owners efficiently for more than 18 years. Not only does it cost less to operate, insure and maintain, but also serves its owners for many years.

In its glory days, the car was popular, owing to its high fuel efficiency and ultra-low sticker price. Despite disappearing from the American roads most, most millennials still idolize this car. This tiny Toyota still turns heads today.

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Toyota Tercel is a special car

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The Toyota Tercel is one of Toyota's first front-wheel-drive cars introduced into the market in the 1980s. It comes in a 2-or 4-door sedan and is also available in a 3-door hatchback. The L20-series Tercel came out in 1982 as a hatchback.

The Tercel has done remarkably well to maintain its performance despite being discontinued for 18 years now. During its production years, it gained a five-speed manual transmission, fuel injection, and other changes. One of the most notable game-changers was replacing steel wheels with alloy wheels.

Toyota Tercel: Specs and features

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Toyota has a long history of producing fine automobiles. The Toyota Tercel is no different. It has a 1.5 L 12-valve petrol engine producing 63-hp and 4800 rpm with a variable venturi carburetor.

If that wasn't enough power, the automaker offered a slightly modified 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 90-hp. However, the model marketed in Japan has some slight differences.

It had a 1.3-liter petrol engine capable of 75-hp coupled with a four-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. Toyota also equipped the Toyota Tercel with independent suspension and front disc brakes. Additionally, it came with rack-and-pinion steering for improved handling on the road.

Toyota had put into consideration the bulky 4WD system that comes standard with it. For a butter-smooth shift from 2- to 4-wheel drive, the 4WD drivelines come with a synchronized transfer case.

To measure the tilt of the car, it comes with an inclinometer mounted above the radio. Despite being so small, it will get you from one point to another safely, thanks to its safety features like its anti-lock brakes.

Although not a match for modern vehicles, it came with a total of ten airbags, driver-side airbags, and optional passenger airbags. Since it's an older model car, not all safety features come standard but they are installed at an additional cost.

Toyota's Tercel has been around that long, and it's still popular today. Despite the last series getting discontinued in 2000, it's still an excellent car. Today, this unique car is gaining traction from the younger generation.

The main reason for this is because it's a relatively cheap and eco-friendly vehicle. That's largely thanks to its fuel efficiency and smaller engine size than most vehicles currently on the market today.

The Toyota Tercel is worth checking out if you want to save money while having fun with your ride! However, with that in mind, you will also need to find affordable insurance. Sign up with

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to get up-to-date quotes from leading car insurance providers.

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