Market Position:
Compact economy car, known for reliability and fuel efficiency, popular with first-time car buyers and commuters.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Mirage, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier.
Key Features:
Front-wheel drive, optional 4WD, fuel-efficient engines, practical hatchback and sedan body styles.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, transaxle, driveshafts, differentials, axles
Suspension And Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, steering gear, power steering system
Brake Systems:
Front brakes (disc/drum), rear brakes (drum), parking brake system, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped)
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, body electrical, ECU (Engine Control Unit), wiring diagrams
HVAC Systems:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant)
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, chassis components, frame
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and tensioning
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake pad/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic charts, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Depth Of Coverage:
Complete factory-level detail, including specifications, procedures, and torque values for all repairs and maintenance.
Engine Description 1:
1.6L SOHC Inline 4-cylinder
Bore Stroke 1:
81.0 mm x 77.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.7:1
Horsepower 1:
90 HP @ 5600 RPM (approx.)
Torque 1:
97 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM (approx.)
Fuel System Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Engine Description 2:
1.5L SOHC Inline 4-cylinder (less common in North America for 1990)
Horsepower 2:
75 HP @ 5600 RPM (approx.)
Torque 2:
82 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM (approx.)
Length:
Approx. 161.6 inches (4105 mm)
Width:
Approx. 66.1 inches (1680 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.3 inches (1355 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 95.7 inches (2430 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2150 - 2400 lbs (975 - 1090 kg)
Cargo Volume:
Varies by body style (hatchback offers more versatility).
NHTSA Ratings:
Specific crash test ratings for 1990 models may be limited. Early 90s economy cars generally had lower safety standards than modern vehicles.
Active Safety Features:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some models.
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts (driver and passenger), potentially optional driver-side airbag.
Infotainment Features:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional power windows and locks on higher trims.
Driver Assistance Features:
Minimal by modern standards. Optional ABS was a key advancement.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No factory integrated Bluetooth or USB).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical component. Typically every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 US quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 US quarts (5.2 liters).
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Toyota Type T-III or T-IV automatic transmission fluid (or equivalent DEXRON II/III compatible fluid).
Common Issues:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), exhaust manifold cracks, CV joint wear, alternator failure, minor electrical gremlins.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel wells, rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and the undercarriage can be susceptible to rust, especially in areas with road salt.
Brand Heritage:
Toyota is renowned globally for its commitment to quality, durability, and reliability ('QDR').
Model Evolution 1990:
The fourth generation Tercel, introduced in 1987, featured a more aerodynamic design, improved interiors, and updated engine technology compared to its predecessors. The 1990 model year saw minor refinements and potential feature packaging changes.
Production Years Generation:
1987-1990 (North America)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with some assembly potentially occurring in other regions.
