| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1988 |
| Production Years: | 1987 - 2002 discontinued in 2002 |
The Toyota Carib, produced from 1987 to 2002, is a noteworthy station wagon recognized for its practicality and versatile design. Primarily targeted at drivers seeking a reliable family car with ample cargo space, the Carib stood out during its production years for blending spaciousness with Toyota’s hallmark durability. Available throughout these years in various markets, this station wagon was designed to meet the needs of everyday commuting, small families, and those requiring extra loading capacity without stepping up to larger SUVs.
Though exact dimensions for the 1988 model year can vary slightly by market and specific trim, the Toyota Carib typically features a length ranging from approximately 4,350 mm to 4,420 mm (171 to 174 inches), a width close to 1,660 mm to 1,690 mm (65 to 67 inches), and a height between 1,385 mm and 1,400 mm (54.5 to 55 inches). These measurements place it comfortably in the mid-size station wagon category, offering adequate passenger space with the flexibility of an extended cargo area.
The vehicle's moderate weight, generally around 1,100 to 1,200 kg (2,425 to 2,645 lbs), emphasizes its efficient balance between stability and fuel economy. Its design incorporates a practical roofline and rear hatch, maximizing interior room while maintaining a compact footprint convenient for urban and suburban driving.
The Toyota Carib’s production spanning 15 years underscores its enduring popularity and adaptability to evolving automotive demands. It effectively fills the niche for those requiring the functionality of a station wagon without overwhelming dimensions, making it suitable for a variety of lifestyles. Whether hauling groceries, sports gear, or weekend luggage, the Carib offered owners a reliable, spacious option well into the late 1990s and early 2000s.
In summary, the Toyota Carib (1987-2002) serves as a practical and well-sized station wagon offering dimensions and features that balance passenger comfort with cargo utility. Its reasonable length, width, and height translate to a user-friendly driving experience both in metric units and imperial, positioning it as a notable contender in the compact family wagon segment during its era.
Discover the standout features that make the 1988 Toyota Carib a leader in its class
Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.
The Toyota Carib station wagon, produced from 1987 to 2002, typically measures approximately 4,240 mm (166.9 inches) in length, 1,635 mm (64.4 inches) in width, and 1,430 mm (56.3 inches) in height. These dimensions contribute to a compact yet spacious vehicle that offers practicality for urban and suburban driving, balancing interior space with external maneuverability.
The curb weight of the 1988 Toyota Carib is generally around 1,100 to 1,200 kg (2,425 to 2,645 lbs), depending on specific trim levels and drivetrain options. It features a respectable load capacity for a station wagon of its size, accommodating passengers comfortably along with their cargo, making it suitable for family use and light goods transport.
The Toyota Carib offers seating for five passengers, with ample legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats. In terms of cargo volume, the rear seats can typically be folded to increase cargo space, offering versatility. While exact cargo volume numbers vary by model year and market, the station wagon design prioritizes a balance between passenger comfort and storage space.
Yes, the Toyota Carib usually fits comfortably in a standard garage. Standard home garages typically have spaces around 6,000 mm (236 inches) deep and 2,400 mm (94 inches) wide. Given the Carib’s compact dimensions — roughly 4,240 mm in length and 1,635 mm in width — parking and maneuvering inside a standard garage should pose no significant challenges.
The 1988 generation Toyota Carib improved in size compared to its predecessor, offering slightly increased length and width which provided more interior space and better comfort for passengers and cargo. This generation was designed to be more aerodynamic and modern-looking, while still maintaining the car's original compact and practical nature, making it more appealing in the late 1980s and beyond.
Compared to similar station wagons from the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as the Honda Civic Wagon and Nissan AD Wagon, the Toyota Carib offered comparable dimensions with a slightly more compact footprint than some larger competitors. Its efficient use of space, reliability, and modest engine options made it popular for buyers seeking practical transportation with economical operation.
The Toyota Carib from the 1988 generation has a wheelbase of approximately 2,390 mm (94.1 inches), which helps provide stability and good ride quality. Ground clearance is around 165 mm (6.5 inches), suitable for city roads and moderate uneven terrain, offering a balance between comfort and utility typical of station wagons of its time.
Yes, throughout its production from 1987 to 2002, the Toyota Carib underwent various minor updates and facelifts, with subtle changes in body dimensions, especially in width and height to enhance aerodynamics and interior comfort. However, overall length remained relatively consistent to keep the compact station wagon profile intact.
The fuel tank capacity of the Toyota Carib typically ranges around 45 to 50 liters (11.9 to 13.2 gallons US). Fuel economy depends on the engine variant and drivetrain but usually falls in the range of 10-14 km/l (23.5–32.9 miles per gallon US), which was considered efficient for compact station wagons of its period, making it economical for daily commuting and long-distance driving.
The 1988 Toyota Carib generation introduced a more contemporary design with improved aerodynamics and updated styling cues like sleeker lines and modern lighting elements. Functionally, it enhanced interior ergonomics and practicality, featuring better interior space optimization, more advanced suspension setups, and availability of optional all-wheel-drive in some markets, making it a versatile station wagon for the era.
Toyota