Which models use the Toyota 8A engine?
3 Answers
Models equipped with the Toyota 8A engine include the Xiali 2000, Xiali N3, and Vizi. These are all early Toyota models that have been discontinued. The Toyota 8A engine was not only used in Toyota models but was also available for external purchase. At the time, Geely also procured the 8A engine for its models, such as the Geely HQ. The Toyota 8A engine has a displacement of 1342ml, with a maximum power output of 63kW and a maximum torque of 110Nm. Structurally, it features a 16-valve DOHC (double overhead camshaft) design, a compression ratio of 9.3, and a power output per liter of 47kW. The ignition system uses a relatively outdated distributor ignition, which, being a mechanical structure, lacks precision in ignition timing control. The Toyota 8A engine is equipped with a three-way catalytic converter, and its exhaust emissions meet the Euro II standard. Due to the engine's relatively low compression ratio, it can run on 90-octane gasoline for extended periods, though using 93-octane gasoline can improve fuel efficiency and enhance performance.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade and have worked with many models equipped with Toyota's 8A engine. The most common one is the Xiali 2000, which was particularly popular from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, featuring a 1.3-liter engine known for its high reliability. There's also the Toyota Vios, whose early models were equipped with this engine—I've noticed during repairs that it offers smooth but slightly insufficient power. Additionally, the Vitz (the prototype for the Yaris) often used the 8A engine, making it suitable for city driving. Don’t overlook some variants of the Tianjin FAW Corolla, such as those around 1999. Toyota introduced the 8A mainly because of its low cost and ease of localization, and it performed decently with both manual and automatic transmissions, though newer models now use more efficient engines. I must say, fuel efficiency is a highlight for these models, but they tend to develop minor issues like oil leaks as they age.
Back when I drove a Xiali 2000, it came equipped with a Toyota 8A engine. That was around the year 2000—the car was nimble and fuel-efficient, with a single tank of gas lasting ages on long trips. Similar cars included the Toyota Vios; my neighbor had one, and its engine ran quietly with adequate power for daily use. The Vitz was another good option, popular among young people for its compact design. It had a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, simple in structure and easy to maintain, though it occasionally struggled to start in winter. I think cars from that era were genuinely unpretentious, unlike today's complex turbocharged vehicles. The Xiali 2000 has been discontinued for years, but you can still find them in the used car market—engine durability is their biggest selling point, though parts are hard to come by.
