| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1984 |
| Production Years: | 1984 - 1988 discontinued in 1988 |
The Toyota Carina (T15) represents the second generation of the Carina lineup, produced between 1984 and 1988. This generation was offered primarily as a sedan, showcasing Toyota's focus on reliability and practicality during the mid-1980s. The T15 generation Carina embraced a boxier, angular design which was typical of the era, blending functionality with classic aesthetic appeal.
The Carina (T15) sedan is positioned as a compact family car, ideal for both urban and suburban use. Although specific size figures such as length, width, and height for the T15 Carina are not provided here, this generation generally measured around 4.3 meters (approximately 169 inches) in length and around 1.64 meters (about 64.5 inches) in width. This compact footprint allowed easy maneuverability in city traffic while providing comfortable seating for five passengers.
Toyota improved aerodynamics and structural rigidity compared to its predecessor, contributing to better fuel efficiency and ride comfort. It typically featured a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, underpinning its driving dynamics. The T15 Carina was also known for its solid build quality and was powered by four-cylinder gasoline engines that balanced performance with economy, a hallmark of Toyota sedans in the 1980s.
Throughout its production period from 1984 to 1988, the Carina (T15) maintained its reputation as a dependable and affordable option in the compact sedan segment, catering to buyers looking for durability, ease of maintenance, and good fuel economy. This model paved the way for future generations of the Carina, reinforcing Toyota’s strong presence in the compact sedan market.
Overall, the Toyota Carina (T15) sedan is a classic representation of mid-1980s Japanese automotive engineering, melding practical dimensions, user-friendly design, and trustworthy performance.
Discover the standout features that make the 1984 Toyota Carina a leader in its class
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The Toyota Carina (T15) sedan from 1984 to 1988 typically measures approximately 4,290 mm (168.9 inches) in length, 1,645 mm (64.8 inches) in width, and around 1,365 mm (53.7 inches) in height. These dimensions classify the Carina (T15) as a compact midsize sedan of its era, offering sufficient interior space for passengers while maintaining a relatively modest exterior footprint suitable for both urban and suburban driving environments.
The Toyota Carina (T15) weighs approximately 1,000 to 1,100 kilograms (2,205 to 2,425 pounds), depending on the specific trim, engine, and equipment level. This relatively light weight contributes to nimble handling and responsive driving dynamics, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic. Moreover, the moderate curb weight helps enhance fuel efficiency, as the engine does not need to exert excessive power to move the vehicle, resulting in better mileage figures typical for 1980s compact sedans.
The interior dimensions of the Toyota Carina (T15) provide comfortable headroom and legroom suitable for four to five passengers. Front headroom typically measures around 980 mm (38.6 inches), while rear passengers enjoy slightly less but still adequate space. Legroom in both front and rear seating areas usually ranges near 1,040 mm (40.9 inches). These interior measurements ensure a comfortable ride for individuals of average height, contributing to the Carina’s appeal as a practical family sedan during its production years.
Yes, the Toyota Carina (T15) fits comfortably inside a standard single-car garage. Standard single garages are generally around 2,400 to 2,700 mm (7.9 to 8.9 feet) wide and approximately 5,000 to 6,000 mm (16.4 to 19.7 feet) deep. Given the Carina’s exterior length of about 4,290 mm (168.9 inches) and width of 1,645 mm (64.8 inches), it leaves sufficient clearance on all sides for opening doors and easy entry/exit. This compact size ensures that owners will have no issues parking or storing the car in typical residential garage spaces.
Compared to the preceding generation, the Toyota Carina (T10 series), produced until the early 1980s, the T15 generation is generally more modern in styling but similar in size. The T15 increased slightly in length and width, offering improved interior space and aerodynamic efficiency. While the overall footprint remained compact, these subtle dimensional enhancements resulted in better passenger comfort and road presence. The increased dimensions, while marginal, contributed positively to the vehicle’s market competitiveness in the mid-1980s.
The Toyota Carina (T15) shares its compact sedan size class with cars like the Honda Accord (third generation) and Nissan Bluebird from the mid-1980s. The Carina’s length of approximately 4,290 mm (168.9 inches) is comparable to these rivals, while its width of 1,645 mm (64.8 inches) is also in line with typical midsize sedans of the era. Height is similar as well, and overall, the Carina offered competitive interior space and maneuverability. Its balanced dimensions made it a popular choice for those seeking efficient daily transportation with adequate passenger accommodation.
The Toyota Carina (T15) sedan provides a trunk volume estimated at around 400 to 420 liters (about 14 to 15 cubic feet), which is generous for a vehicle of its class and period. This cargo capacity enables carrying standard luggage, groceries, or other daily items comfortably without compromising passenger space. Additionally, the rear seats may fold down or include pass-through features in some versions, further increasing cargo flexibility. These design considerations make the Carina (T15) practical for everyday use and longer journeys requiring moderate luggage capacity.
The Toyota Carina (T15) usually offers a ground clearance of about 150 mm (5.9 inches), which is adequate for typical road conditions and occasional rough patches encountered in urban and suburban settings. Its turning radius is approximately 5.1 meters (16.7 feet), enabling easy navigation in tight spaces such as parking lots or narrow city streets. These dimensions contribute to the Carina’s reputation as a maneuverable vehicle well-suited for everyday driving, facilitating convenient parking and smooth handling in congested traffic environments.
The Toyota Carina (T15) was offered with a range of inline-four gasoline engines varying in displacement, typically between 1.6 to 2.0 liters, and included carbureted as well as fuel-injected options depending on the market. Transmission choices included 4- and 5-speed manuals as well as a 3- or 4-speed automatic, catering to different driver preferences. Standard features in the sedan included efficient suspension systems for ride comfort, basic safety features of the period like seat belts and, in some versions, disc brakes at the front. Higher trim levels often added convenience options such as air conditioning, power windows, and upgraded interiors, making the Carina a well-rounded offering in the competitive compact sedan segment of the mid-1980s.
The Toyota Carina (T15)'s compact yet roomy size positioned it between smaller subcompact offerings and larger family sedans in Toyota's lineup during the mid-1980s. Its balanced dimensions made it versatile—easy to drive in urban settings while offering enough interior and cargo space for families or commuters. Features such as efficient engine options and solid build quality further boosted its appeal. Compared to smaller models like the Corolla or larger ones like the Cressida, the Carina delivered an optimal mix of affordability, comfort, and practicality, making it a popular choice for buyers seeking a reliable midsize sedan during its production years.
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