| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1988 |
| Production Years: | 1987 - 1992 discontinued in 1992 |
The 1988 Toyota Carina (T17), produced between 1987 and 1992, represents a key generation of Toyota's mid-size sedan lineup. This generation of the Carina served as a practical and reliable family car during its era, offering a balanced combination of comfort, size, and efficiency. While specific dimensions such as length, width, and height may vary slightly depending on the market and trim level, the Toyota Carina T17 typically measured approximately 4,400 mm (173.2 inches) in length, which placed it within the compact to mid-size segment at the time. Its width hovered around 1,690 mm (66.5 inches), and the height was about 1,360 mm (53.5 inches), providing a well-proportioned sedan profile suitable for urban and suburban driving. The T17 generation's wheelbase contributed to a stable ride quality and respectable interior space for passengers. Built on a conventional sedan platform, the Carina T17 was known for its straightforward design and reliability rather than sporty flair or luxury appointments. Its production period bridged the late 1980s into the early 1990s, a time when Toyota was solidifying its reputation for producing durable vehicles. This model's size made it competitive with contemporaries such as the Honda Accord and Nissan Bluebird, offering consumers practical dimensions that balanced ease of handling with comfortable accommodation for five passengers. Overall, the 1988 Toyota Carina (T17) sedan is remembered as a solid, everyday vehicle that fit well within the family sedan market segment of its time, combining a manageable size with Toyota's characteristic reliability and build quality.
Discover the standout features that make the 1988 Toyota Carina a leader in its class
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The Toyota Carina (T17) 1988 sedan has overall dimensions well-suited for a compact family car of its era. The length is approximately 4,325 mm (170.3 inches), the width around 1,650 mm (64.9 inches), and the height close to 1,380 mm (54.3 inches). These dimensions make the Carina (T17) relatively easy to maneuver in urban environments while still providing sufficient interior space for passengers and luggage. Its size reflects the balance Toyota struck between comfort and compactness, making it a practical choice for those prioritizing a manageable yet spacious sedan.
The curb weight of the Toyota Carina (T17) generation from 1988 varies depending on the trim and equipment but typically ranges between approximately 1,000 kg to 1,100 kg (2,204 to 2,425 lbs). This moderate weight contributes to decent fuel efficiency and agile handling characteristics. Lighter weight models offer improved responsiveness and easier maneuverability, while the added weight in higher trims usually adds comfort and stability at the cost of a minor decrease in fuel economy. Overall, the Carina's weight supports a balanced driving experience between performance and economy.
The wheelbase of the Toyota Carina (T17) model from 1988 is approximately 2,460 mm (96.9 inches). This dimension plays a crucial role in defining the vehicle's interior space, especially for rear-seat passengers. A longer wheelbase typically translates to better legroom and a more comfortable ride by reducing pitch and absorbing road irregularities more effectively. In the case of the Carina (T17), the 2,460 mm wheelbase strikes a balance, offering adequate cabin space for its class while maintaining nimble handling characteristics, which is essential for both city driving and longer trips.
Yes, the Toyota Carina (T17) 1988 fits comfortably in a standard residential garage. Considering the car's compact dimensions—length approximately 4,325 mm (170.3 inches), width around 1,650 mm (64.9 inches), and height around 1,380 mm (54.3 inches)—it easily fits within typical garage spaces in most countries. Most standard garages measure around 6,000 mm (236 inches) in depth and 3,000 mm (118 inches) in width, providing plenty of clearance for the Carina. This makes parking easy without requiring modifications or special accommodations.
Compared to the previous generation Toyota Carina (T16), the T17 model introduced in 1987-1988 slightly increased in all dimensions. While the earlier T16 typically measured around 4,235 mm (166.7 inches) in length and 1,625 mm (64 inches) in width, the T17 grew to approximately 4,325 mm (170.3 inches) long and 1,650 mm (64.9 inches) wide. The height saw a modest increase as well, adding to greater cabin volume and more interior comfort. This dimensional growth improved passenger space and road presence, aligning the Carina with market trends towards slightly larger compact sedans during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The Toyota Carina (T17) 1988 was positioned within the competitive compact sedan segment of the late 1980s alongside models like the Honda Accord, Nissan Bluebird, and Mazda 626. Dimensionally, the Carina's length of approximately 4,325 mm (170.3 inches) and width of roughly 1,650 mm (64.9 inches) were quite comparable to these rivals. For example, the Honda Accord of that era measured about 4,420 mm (174 inches) in length and about 1,695 mm (66.7 inches) in width. The Carina was slightly more compact, which could advantage urban drivers seeking easier parking and maneuverability. However, its interior space and ride comfort were competitive, making it an appealing option within its class.
While exact interior measurements for the Toyota Carina (T17) 1988 may vary, the car offers comfortable seating for five passengers, with adequate legroom and headroom in both front and rear seats due to its 2,460 mm (96.9 inches) wheelbase and thoughtfully designed cabin layout. The slightly increased external dimensions over its predecessor translate into practical interior space, creating a roomy feel for driver and passengers. The sedan's dimensions support ergonomic seating positions, and luggage capacity is sufficient for typical family needs, making the Carina a practical daily transporter.
The Toyota Carina (T17) sedan from 1988 offers a practical trunk space designed to meet the needs of a compact family sedan. While specific volume figures vary by market and exact trim, the trunk typically provides around 400 liters (about 14.1 cubic feet) of cargo capacity. This space is sufficient for everyday luggage, groceries, or small recreational equipment. Thanks to the sedan's rear design and thoughtful interior packaging, the cargo area is accessible and adequately sized for its class, balancing passenger comfort with functional storage.
The Toyota Carina (T17) 1988 was typically offered with a range of inline-four gasoline engines. Depending on the market, engine sizes ranged from 1.6 liters to 2.0 liters, focusing on reliable performance and efficiency. The fuel economy for the Carina (T17) generally hovered around 7 to 9 liters per 100 kilometers (approximately 26 to 33 miles per gallon US), which was competitive for mid-size sedans in the late 1980s. These efficient powertrains, combined with the car's moderate weight and aerodynamic styling, made the Carina a cost-effective and practical choice for daily driving and longer road trips.
The Toyota Carina (T17) 1988 sedan was equipped with fundamental safety features typical of its production period. Standard safety elements included front disc brakes, basic three-point seat belts for front and rear passengers, and reinforced body structures to improve crash survivability. Depending on the market and trim, some models offered additional features such as driver's side airbags and improved side-impact protection. While modern advanced safety technologies were not yet common, the Carina provided reliable protective measures consistent with late 1980s automotive safety standards, focusing on occupant protection and crashworthiness.
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