TERCEL

Toyota Tercel Specs

The Toyota Tercel measures 161.8″ long and weighs 2,000 lb in its latest generation. Across 7 generations since 1980 it grew 2″ and gained 0 lb — the same nameplate, a different size of car.

NHTSA vPIC · Transport Canada · 7 generations · 1980–1999 · Updated Aug 5, 2026
Quick answer

The current Toyota Tercel is 161.8″ long, 65″ wide, on a 93.7″ wheelbase, weighing 2,000 lb. Since 1980 it has grown 1% in length and gained 0% in weight. At 13.5 feet it fits a standard garage and fits a street parking space.

Every Toyota Tercel generation, measured

One row per generation. Watch the weight column — that is where most of the change happens, and it is the number that decides fuel use, tyre wear and how far the car takes to stop.

FIG.01·Toyota Tercel dimensions by generation
GenerationLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseCurb weight
1980–1982159.8″61.4″53.9″98.8″
1983–1985158.7″63.8″54.7″95.7″2,035 lb
1986164.2″63.8″55.1″95.7″2,086 lb
1987169.7″63.8″56.3″95.7″2,134 lb
1988162.2″64.2″52.8″93.7″2,017 lb
1989–1990157.5″64.2″52.8″93.7″2,011 lb
1991–1999161.8″65″53.1″93.7″2,000 lb
ROWS 7·SOURCE NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada

From 1980 to today the Tercel gained 2″ of length (1%) and 0 lb of weight (0%). A modern compact often outweighs the mid-size car of a generation before.

Tercel year by year

Measured every model year, not just at generation changes — 20 years on record. Small moves inside a generation are facelifts; the jumps are new platforms.

FIG.02·Toyota Tercel dimensions by model year
Model yearLengthWidthWheelbaseCurb weightBody styles
1999162.6″65.4″93.7″2,079 lb2
1998162.6″65.4″93.7″2,079 lb2
1997162.2″65.4″93.7″2,044 lb2
1996162.2″65.4″93.7″1,989 lb2
1995162.2″65.4″93.7″1,989 lb2
1994161.8″65″93.7″2,000 lb2
1993161.8″65″93.7″2,000 lb2
1992161.8″65″93.7″2,000 lb2
1991161.8″65″93.7″2,000 lb2
1990160.6″64.2″93.7″2,002 lb3
1989160.6″64.2″93.7″2,002 lb3
1988163″64.2″94.1″2,068 lb4
1987165″63.8″94.9″2,134 lb5
1986164.2″63.8″95.7″2,119 lb6
1985163.4″63.8″95.7″2,112 lb7
1984163.4″63.8″95.7″2,105 lb7
1983163.4″63.8″95.7″2,105 lb7
1982161.4″61″98.4″1,889 lb3
1981161.4″61″98.4″1,916 lb3
1980159.8″61.4″98.8″2
ROWS 20·SOURCE Transport Canada vehicle specifications

Will a Tercel fit

The practical question behind every dimensions search. A single-car garage in the US is typically 20 feet deep; a street parking space is about 18. We allow a foot of clearance in both — nobody parks to the millimetre.

FIG.02·Toyota Tercel — will it fit
SpaceTypical sizeThis carVerdict
Single garage20 ft deep13.5 ftFits, with room to open the door
Street parking space18 ft13.5 ftFits comfortably
Standard parking bay width8.5 ft wide5.4 ftRoom to open doors both sides
ROWS 3·SOURCE ForCar, computed from vehicle dimensions

Against cars of the same length

Compared with 327 vehicles within ten inches of the same length — a fair proxy for «cars of this size», regardless of what the marketing calls them.

FIG.03·Toyota Tercel against similar-sized cars
MeasureThis carTypical car of this lengthDifference
Width65″67.3″-2.3″
Wheelbase93.7″97.6″-3.9″
Curb weight2,000 lb2,692 lb-692 lb
ROWS 3·SOURCE ForCar, computed across vehicles of similar length

A longer wheelbase for the same overall length means shorter overhangs — usually more cabin space and a steadier ride. Lighter than typical for its size generally means better fuel economy and shorter stopping distances.

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How we measure

Dimensions come from NHTSA vPIC and Transport Canada vehicle records — manufacturer-declared figures, held in metric and converted to inches and pounds for display.

One row per generation, not per model year: manufacturers rarely change the body between facelifts, and a table of forty near-identical rows helps nobody. Where a generation offered several body styles, the figures are the base measurements for that generation.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a Toyota Tercel?

161.8″ (13′ 6″) in its current generation, 65″ wide and 53.1″ tall.

How much does a Toyota Tercel weigh?

2,000 lb at the kerb.

Will a Tercel fit in a garage?

At 13.5 feet it fits a standard 20-foot single garage with room to spare. A street parking space of 18 feet is comfortable.

Has the Tercel got bigger over the years?

Yes — 2″ longer and 0 lb heavier since 1980, across 7 generations. Weight grew 0%, far faster than length.

Dimensions from NHTSA vPIC and Transport Canada vehicle records, manufacturer-declared. Metric values converted to inches and pounds; generation ranges approximate. Fit verdicts computed by ForCar against typical US garage and parking dimensions. Last updated Aug 2026. — ForCar Reviewed by , founder of ForCar.