Corolla was always there
Having beat out VW Beetle sales in its day, the Toyota Corolla is with us still and we continue to rely on her because 'everything keeps going right…'
Carmakers don't get a good reputation just by showing up, they develop one over years by delivering. No manufacturer is better known for building stalwart, reliable cars than Toyota. And the car that built that reputation was the Corolla.
Just about everyone seems to have a Corolla in their past. Maybe it was the beater you drove during your early working years, never once changing the oil or cleaning the interior.
Perhaps it was the first new car you bought with just 60 easy payments, or the car your grandmother drove when she decided to simplify her life in retirement. Corollas have been practically ubiquitous and never terribly exciting.
Except for the Land Cruiser, the Corolla name is the oldest in Toyota's current inventory of American products. It's also the first car Toyota made in America. And with over 30 million Corollas sold worldwide, it's the most popular car line in history.
First Generation (1968-1969)
Extreme simplicity was at the core of the first Corolla's engineering. Introduced during 1966 in Japan, the first Corolla came to the United States in the summer of 1968 riding on a 90-inch wheelbase in two-door coupe, four-door sedan and two-door wagon body styles.
A 60-horsepower, 1.1-litre overhead valve four-cylinder mounted longitudinally in the engine bay sent power to a four-speed manual transmission and then to a solid rear axle.
There was nothing sophisticated about the first Corolla and it wasn't pretty, but it was so simple that there were almost no parts to break.
Second Generation (1970-1974)
As good a car as the first Corolla was, it was really too small and underpowered for North American tastes. The second Corolla showed up for the 1970 model year with a wheelbase stretched to 91.9 inches and power coming from a new 1.2-litre version of the OHV four making 73 horsepower. The strut front and leaf spring rear suspension carried forward. Slight though the nearly two-inch wheelbase stretch may seem, and with minimal styling changes, the 1970 Corolla was a significantly more comfortable and confident machine than the '69 version, and an automatic transmission was now offered to widen its appeal. It quickly became the second best-selling car on the planet.
Third Generation (1975-1978)
Rather bizarrely styled, the 1975 Corollas featured a raised centre section in the grille that carried back to more angular bodies. But then again, a lot of cars from the '70s were bizarrely styled.
The third-generation Corolla played out its life virtually unchanged during the 1978 model year.
Fourth Generation (1979-1983)
With a new chassis, the 1979 Corolla was a more sophisticated and satisfying car than any Corolla before it. But before this generation was through, it would get better still. The 1979 Corolla finally dispensed with the rugged but primitive leaf spring rear suspension in favour of a more compliant coil spring system (the station wagon continued to use the leaves). The new unibody above that suspension was larger (the wheelbase was now 94.5 inches), stronger and more attractive in a boxy, clean-cut sort of way. A new 75-horsepower, 1.8-litre version of the OHV four powered the new Corolla with four- and five-speed manual and three-speed automatic transmissions available.
Fifth Generation (1984-1987)
Toyota finally succumbed to the emerging front-drive orthodoxy of the '80s with the introduction of the front-drive Corolla sedan for 1984. However, the SR5 Coupe and Liftback and the station wagon continued atop the previous-generation Corolla's rear-drive chassis.
The front-drive Corolla was as conventional as it had been in a rear-driver layout. The same 1.6-litre, SOHC engine used in the rear-drive Corolla sat transversely in the front-driver's engine bay feeding either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The rear was held up on coil springs. A few early fifth-generation front-drive Corollas were powered by a four-cylinder diesel.
Sixth Generation (1988-1992)
With the 1988 redesign, the rear-drive Corolla coupe and Liftback were replaced with a new front-drive coupe. While enthusiasts wept, the new Corolla coupe and Corolla GT-S were in fact significantly more refined and capable than the rear-drivers they replaced. They just weren't as much fun.
All engines were DOHC, 16-valve inline four-cylinders — the sedans, front-drive wagon and SR5 coupe got a carburetted 90-hp motor; the All-Trac wagons got a fuel-injected 100-hp version and the GT-S won the day with a 115-hp EFI version. Transmission choices were familiar - a standard five-speed manual with the option of a three- or four-speed automatic, depending on the trim level.
Seventh Generation (1993-1997)
Significantly larger than the car it replaced (it rode on a 97.0-inch wheelbase), the 1993 Corolla sedan and wagon moved up a size classification from “subcompact” to “compact” according to the EPA. But there were no more Corolla coupes or all-wheel-drive wagons. Sedans were offered in standard, DX and LE trim, while a front-wheel-drive wagon was offered in DX trim only. All cars rode on a fully independent suspension, though DX and LE models benefited from an additional stabilizer bar in front. By the end of the 1997 model year, the Corolla had become the best-selling nameplate in automotive history, overtaking the VW Beetle.
Eighth Generation (1998-2002)
The Corolla grew again in its eighth iteration, but it managed to lose some weight and increase its fuel mileage thanks to a new engine and a generally more efficient drivetrain. The big chunk of that weight savings and drivetrain efficiency came in the form of an all-new, all-aluminium 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine rated at a healthy 120 horsepower — exactly twice what the engine in the first Corolla was rated back in 1968. Fuel economy was improved by 10% over the previous generation; with the standard five-speed manual, a Corolla could pull down 31 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway.
This is also the Dankie Botswana model.
Ninth Generation (2003-2008)
While Toyota claimed its 2003 Corolla sedan was designed to attract younger buyers, it actually looked like a shrunken Camry. It could be argued that its inability to attract the youth of America led to the creation of Toyota's Scion brand.
Like every Corolla before it, generation nine was built to provide years of trouble-free driving. It was more comfortable, powerful, spacious and built to a higher quality than before.
Changes were few during this Corolla's lifespan. For 2005, the XRS trim debuted boasting a 170-hp 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and sport-tuned suspension. That year also saw a minor exterior refresh, as well as side curtain airbags, stability control and a JBL upgraded stereo added to the options list. For 2007, the XRS trim was discontinued along with the LE's leather trim option.
Tenth Generation (2009-Present)
The tenth-generation Toyota Corolla was introduced for 2009 offering evolutionary changes from its predecessor. Toyota stayed the course with its bread-and-butter economy sedan, offering styling that blended into the crowd. Not only was it similar in appearance to its predecessor, but the 2009 Corolla was virtually the same size — only its added width provided a bit more hip- and shoulder room.
Under the hood, the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine got a boost in horsepower up to 132. A five-speed manual was standard, while a four-speed automatic was optional. This new generation saw the return of the sport-tuned XRS trim level, although this time it came equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder good for 158 hp. It came attached to a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. While the tenth-generation Toyota Corolla will likely keep its status as the world's best-selling car nameplate — especially in these days of fuel-economy consciousness — its popularity won't necessarily be because it's the world's best compact sedan.
EDMUNDS
Just about everyone seems to have a Corolla in their past. Maybe it was the beater you drove during your early working years, never once changing the oil or cleaning the interior.
Perhaps it was the first new car you bought with just 60 easy payments, or the car your grandmother drove when she decided to simplify her life in retirement. Corollas have been practically ubiquitous and never terribly exciting.
Except for the Land Cruiser, the Corolla name is the oldest in Toyota's current inventory of American products. It's also the first car Toyota made in America. And with over 30 million Corollas sold worldwide, it's the most popular car line in history.
First Generation (1968-1969)
Extreme simplicity was at the core of the first Corolla's engineering. Introduced during 1966 in Japan, the first Corolla came to the United States in the summer of 1968 riding on a 90-inch wheelbase in two-door coupe, four-door sedan and two-door wagon body styles.
A 60-horsepower, 1.1-litre overhead valve four-cylinder mounted longitudinally in the engine bay sent power to a four-speed manual transmission and then to a solid rear axle.
There was nothing sophisticated about the first Corolla and it wasn't pretty, but it was so simple that there were almost no parts to break.
Second Generation (1970-1974)
As good a car as the first Corolla was, it was really too small and underpowered for North American tastes. The second Corolla showed up for the 1970 model year with a wheelbase stretched to 91.9 inches and power coming from a new 1.2-litre version of the OHV four making 73 horsepower. The strut front and leaf spring rear suspension carried forward. Slight though the nearly two-inch wheelbase stretch may seem, and with minimal styling changes, the 1970 Corolla was a significantly more comfortable and confident machine than the '69 version, and an automatic transmission was now offered to widen its appeal. It quickly became the second best-selling car on the planet.
Third Generation (1975-1978)
Rather bizarrely styled, the 1975 Corollas featured a raised centre section in the grille that carried back to more angular bodies. But then again, a lot of cars from the '70s were bizarrely styled.
The third-generation Corolla played out its life virtually unchanged during the 1978 model year.
Fourth Generation (1979-1983)
With a new chassis, the 1979 Corolla was a more sophisticated and satisfying car than any Corolla before it. But before this generation was through, it would get better still. The 1979 Corolla finally dispensed with the rugged but primitive leaf spring rear suspension in favour of a more compliant coil spring system (the station wagon continued to use the leaves). The new unibody above that suspension was larger (the wheelbase was now 94.5 inches), stronger and more attractive in a boxy, clean-cut sort of way. A new 75-horsepower, 1.8-litre version of the OHV four powered the new Corolla with four- and five-speed manual and three-speed automatic transmissions available.
Fifth Generation (1984-1987)
Toyota finally succumbed to the emerging front-drive orthodoxy of the '80s with the introduction of the front-drive Corolla sedan for 1984. However, the SR5 Coupe and Liftback and the station wagon continued atop the previous-generation Corolla's rear-drive chassis.
The front-drive Corolla was as conventional as it had been in a rear-driver layout. The same 1.6-litre, SOHC engine used in the rear-drive Corolla sat transversely in the front-driver's engine bay feeding either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The rear was held up on coil springs. A few early fifth-generation front-drive Corollas were powered by a four-cylinder diesel.
Sixth Generation (1988-1992)
With the 1988 redesign, the rear-drive Corolla coupe and Liftback were replaced with a new front-drive coupe. While enthusiasts wept, the new Corolla coupe and Corolla GT-S were in fact significantly more refined and capable than the rear-drivers they replaced. They just weren't as much fun.
All engines were DOHC, 16-valve inline four-cylinders — the sedans, front-drive wagon and SR5 coupe got a carburetted 90-hp motor; the All-Trac wagons got a fuel-injected 100-hp version and the GT-S won the day with a 115-hp EFI version. Transmission choices were familiar - a standard five-speed manual with the option of a three- or four-speed automatic, depending on the trim level.
Seventh Generation (1993-1997)
Significantly larger than the car it replaced (it rode on a 97.0-inch wheelbase), the 1993 Corolla sedan and wagon moved up a size classification from “subcompact” to “compact” according to the EPA. But there were no more Corolla coupes or all-wheel-drive wagons. Sedans were offered in standard, DX and LE trim, while a front-wheel-drive wagon was offered in DX trim only. All cars rode on a fully independent suspension, though DX and LE models benefited from an additional stabilizer bar in front. By the end of the 1997 model year, the Corolla had become the best-selling nameplate in automotive history, overtaking the VW Beetle.
Eighth Generation (1998-2002)
The Corolla grew again in its eighth iteration, but it managed to lose some weight and increase its fuel mileage thanks to a new engine and a generally more efficient drivetrain. The big chunk of that weight savings and drivetrain efficiency came in the form of an all-new, all-aluminium 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine rated at a healthy 120 horsepower — exactly twice what the engine in the first Corolla was rated back in 1968. Fuel economy was improved by 10% over the previous generation; with the standard five-speed manual, a Corolla could pull down 31 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway.
This is also the Dankie Botswana model.
Ninth Generation (2003-2008)
While Toyota claimed its 2003 Corolla sedan was designed to attract younger buyers, it actually looked like a shrunken Camry. It could be argued that its inability to attract the youth of America led to the creation of Toyota's Scion brand.
Like every Corolla before it, generation nine was built to provide years of trouble-free driving. It was more comfortable, powerful, spacious and built to a higher quality than before.
Changes were few during this Corolla's lifespan. For 2005, the XRS trim debuted boasting a 170-hp 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and sport-tuned suspension. That year also saw a minor exterior refresh, as well as side curtain airbags, stability control and a JBL upgraded stereo added to the options list. For 2007, the XRS trim was discontinued along with the LE's leather trim option.
Tenth Generation (2009-Present)
The tenth-generation Toyota Corolla was introduced for 2009 offering evolutionary changes from its predecessor. Toyota stayed the course with its bread-and-butter economy sedan, offering styling that blended into the crowd. Not only was it similar in appearance to its predecessor, but the 2009 Corolla was virtually the same size — only its added width provided a bit more hip- and shoulder room.
Under the hood, the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine got a boost in horsepower up to 132. A five-speed manual was standard, while a four-speed automatic was optional. This new generation saw the return of the sport-tuned XRS trim level, although this time it came equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder good for 158 hp. It came attached to a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. While the tenth-generation Toyota Corolla will likely keep its status as the world's best-selling car nameplate — especially in these days of fuel-economy consciousness — its popularity won't necessarily be because it's the world's best compact sedan.
EDMUNDS
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