Driving Impressions

Our test vehicle put in a solid performance on the road. The new 4-cylinder engine delivered enough horsepower and torque to make the Tercel surprisingly fun to drive on the highway. And around town, its improved handling and turning radius made it easy for us to maneuver in and out of traffic and parking lots. Our Tercel's improved suspension system, along with its tires and optional power-assist steering, worked in concert to deliver a smooth, controlled ride over a variety of road surfaces, including potholes. There were no shakes or rattles, leading us to believe that the measures taken to deliver a steady, well-balanced vehicle without vibration were successful. There were some low points in our test. Despite sound-deadening improvements, we found engine and road noise not only audible but sometimes distracting. And although front and peripheral visibility was excellent, our rear view was compromised. Due to the small glass in the Tercel rear window, the rear crossbar and the ceiling are included in the interior rearview mirror's reflection. Likewise, small glass ovals on the outside mirrors resulted in a portholelike view of vehicles and the road behind. But fuel economy is a big plus. Although actual mileage varies with road conditions and driving habits, the tercel's average EPA rating is 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. We got 45 mpg on the highway with our DX.

Final Word

As an entry-level subcompact offering, th 1995 Toyota Tercel makes a strong showing. Its increased standard features in the areas of safety and performance bump it up a big notch in value for price. Base models can appear spartan when evaluated against the DX. But new features such as standard dual airbags, a more powerful and fuel-efficient 16-valve engine, and increased serviceability are important additions that will most likely keep the Tercel right where it has been in terms of sales. Although it's a fifth-generation upgrade, the Tercel comes from good stock.