Toyota Tercel
29 MPG The 1999 Toyota Tercel is EPA-rated at 29 MPG combined (26.3 city / 33.3 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 517 gallons, $1655 a year in fuel, or $0.110 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1999 run it averages 28.6 MPG, essentially flat across 16 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.086 | $862 | $1293 | $1724 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.103 | $1034 | $1552 | $2069 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.110 | $1103 | $1655 | $2207 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.121 | $1207 | $1810 | $2414 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.138 | $1379 | $2069 | $2759 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.155 | $1552 | $2328 | $3103 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.172 | $1724 | $2586 | $3448 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 29 MPG | 26.3 | 33.3 | $2150 | 307 | 3 |
| 1998 | 28.7 MPG | 26 | 33 | $2183 | 311 | 3 |
| 1997 | 29 MPG | 26.3 | 33.3 | $2150 | 307 | 3 |
| 1996 | 30 MPG | 27.3 | 34.5 | $2088 | 297 | 4 |
| 1995 | 29.8 MPG | 27 | 34.3 | $2100 | 299 | 4 |
| 1994 | 26.7 MPG | 24.7 | 30 | $2350 | 335 | 3 |
| 1993 | 26.7 MPG | 24.7 | 30 | $2350 | 335 | 3 |
| 1992 | 27.3 MPG | 25 | 30.7 | $2300 | 328 | 3 |
| 1991 | 27.7 MPG | 25.3 | 30.7 | $2267 | 325 | 3 |
| 1990 | 27.3 MPG | 25.3 | 30.8 | $2288 | 327 | 4 |
| 1989 | 29.3 MPG | 27 | 33.3 | $2150 | 306 | 3 |
| 1988 | 28 MPG | 25.3 | 31.3 | $2233 | 318 | 3 |
| 1987 | 30 MPG | 27.7 | 34.3 | $2100 | 298 | 3 |
| 1986 | 29.3 MPG | 27.3 | 32.7 | $2133 | 304 | 3 |
| 1985 | 29.8 MPG | 27.6 | 33.4 | $2100 | 299 | 5 |
| 1984 | 29.3 MPG | 27.3 | 32.8 | $2133 | 304 | 6 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Toyota Tercel ranks 31 on current figures, against a class average of 24.1 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Subaru Impreza AWD (29.5), BMW 230i Coupe (30), BMW 430i Convertible (30), BMW 430i xDrive Coupe (30), BMW M440i Coupe (30).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 307 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.6 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Toyota Tercel get?
The 1999 Toyota Tercel is rated at 29 MPG combined by the EPA — 26.3 city and 33.3 highway. Across all 16 model years in the database it averages 28.6 MPG, ranging from 24 to 33 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Toyota Tercel cost in fuel per year?
At 29 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 517 gallons — roughly $1655 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.110 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1999 model is $2150.
Has the Toyota Tercel become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 29 MPG today against 29.3 in 1984 — essentially flat across 16 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Toyota Tercel efficient for its class?
It ranks 31 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.1 MPG. That is 4.9 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.