The Toyota Corolla is a global automotive icon, renowned for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. Understanding its origins and evolution provides valuable insight into the history of the automobile and the success of Toyota. This article will delve into the Corolla's history, tracing its origins and highlighting key milestones in its journey to becoming one of the best-selling cars in the world.
Toyota Corolla: Generations and Key Milestones
| Generation | Years of Production | Key Features/Innovations |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Generation (E10) | 1966-1970 | First Corolla model, rear-wheel drive, compact design, offered as a two-door sedan, four-door sedan, and a two-door coupe. Introduced a floor-mounted four-speed manual transmission, a relative novelty for Japanese cars at the time. Focused on affordability and economy. |
| 2nd Generation (E20) | 1970-1974 | Revised styling, longer wheelbase, more powerful engines. Introduction of the Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno, sporty coupe variants with twin-cam engines. Improved interior comfort and features. Available as a sedan, coupe, wagon, and liftback. |
| 3rd Generation (E30, E40, E50, E60) | 1974-1979 | Faced challenges due to the oil crisis. Focus on fuel efficiency. Styling evolved towards a more angular design. Introduction of the Corolla liftback. Different model codes (E30, E40, E50, E60) reflected minor design and engine updates. |
| 4th Generation (E70) | 1979-1983 | Boxier styling, improved fuel economy, and a focus on comfort. Continued availability of various body styles. Offered with a wider range of engines. Emphasis on reliability and practicality. |
| 5th Generation (E80) | 1983-1987 | Introduction of front-wheel drive on most models, marking a significant shift for the Corolla. The AE86 Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno remained rear-wheel drive and became a cult classic for drifting. More aerodynamic styling. |
| 6th Generation (E90) | 1987-1992 | More rounded and aerodynamic design. Improved interior comfort and technology. Continued availability of various body styles. Offered with fuel-injected engines for improved performance and efficiency. |
| 7th Generation (E100) | 1991-1997 | Larger and more refined than previous generations. Focus on safety and comfort. Available as a sedan, coupe, and wagon. Designed to appeal to a broader range of buyers. |
| 8th Generation (E110) | 1995-2002 | More conservative styling, emphasis on reliability and value. Available as a sedan, liftback, and wagon (market dependent). Offered with a range of fuel-efficient engines. Aimed at practicality and dependability. |
| 9th Generation (E120) | 2000-2008 | Improved fuel economy, enhanced safety features, and a more modern design. Offered with a wider range of engines. Available as a sedan, hatchback, and wagon (market dependent). Focused on practicality and value for money. |
| 10th Generation (E140/E150) | 2006-2013 | More stylish and sophisticated design. Improved interior quality and technology. Available as a sedan, hatchback (Auris/Blade), and wagon (market dependent). Focused on fuel efficiency and reliability. |
| 11th Generation (E170/E180) | 2012-2019 | More aggressive styling, improved fuel economy, and enhanced safety features. Available as a sedan, hatchback (Auris/Corolla iM/Corolla Hatchback), and wagon (market dependent). Offered with a hybrid powertrain for the first time in some markets. |
| 12th Generation (E210) | 2018-Present | Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, improved handling and ride quality, more stylish design, enhanced safety features, and available hybrid powertrain. Offered as a sedan, hatchback, and wagon (Touring Sports). Represents a significant step forward in terms of design and technology. |
Detailed Explanations
1st Generation (E10): 1966-1970
The first Toyota Corolla, designated the E10, rolled off the assembly line in 1966 in Japan. It was a compact, rear-wheel-drive car designed to be affordable and economical, aiming to provide personal transportation for the masses. Available as a two-door sedan, four-door sedan, and two-door coupe, it featured a floor-mounted four-speed manual transmission, a relative luxury for Japanese cars at the time, and a peppy 1.1-liter engine.
2nd Generation (E20): 1970-1974
The second generation Corolla, the E20, arrived in 1970 with revised styling, a longer wheelbase, and more powerful engines. This generation saw the introduction of the Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno, sporty coupe variants with twin-cam engines, catering to a performance-oriented market. The interior was improved for greater comfort, and the car was available in sedan, coupe, wagon, and liftback body styles.
3rd Generation (E30, E40, E50, E60): 1974-1979
The third generation Corolla, produced from 1974 to 1979, faced challenges due to the global oil crisis. Consequently, Toyota focused on improving fuel efficiency. The styling evolved towards a more angular design, and the Corolla liftback was introduced. The various model codes (E30, E40, E50, E60) reflected minor design and engine updates throughout its production run.
4th Generation (E70): 1979-1983
The fourth generation Corolla (E70), launched in 1979, featured boxier styling and further improvements in fuel economy and comfort. It continued to be available in various body styles and with a wider range of engines. The emphasis remained on reliability and practicality, solidifying the Corolla's reputation for dependability.
5th Generation (E80): 1983-1987
A significant turning point for the Corolla came with the fifth generation (E80) in 1983. Most models adopted front-wheel drive, marking a major shift in the car's engineering. However, the AE86 Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno retained rear-wheel drive and became a cult classic, especially revered in the drifting community. The styling became more aerodynamic, reflecting the design trends of the era.
6th Generation (E90): 1987-1992
The sixth generation Corolla (E90), introduced in 1987, featured a more rounded and aerodynamic design. Interior comfort and technology were improved, and the car continued to be offered in various body styles. Fuel-injected engines were offered, providing improved performance and efficiency.
7th Generation (E100): 1991-1997
The seventh generation Corolla (E100), launched in 1991, was larger and more refined than its predecessors. The focus shifted towards safety and comfort, aiming to appeal to a broader range of buyers. It was available as a sedan, coupe, and wagon.
8th Generation (E110): 1995-2002
The eighth generation Corolla (E110), introduced in 1995, featured more conservative styling and emphasized reliability and value. It was available as a sedan, liftback, and wagon, depending on the market. It was offered with a range of fuel-efficient engines, and the overall design prioritized practicality and dependability.
9th Generation (E120): 2000-2008
The ninth generation Corolla (E120), launched in 2000, boasted improved fuel economy, enhanced safety features, and a more modern design. It was offered with a wider range of engines and was available as a sedan, hatchback, and wagon (market dependent). The focus remained on practicality and value for money.
10th Generation (E140/E150): 2006-2013
The tenth generation Corolla (E140/E150), introduced in 2006, featured a more stylish and sophisticated design. Interior quality and technology were improved. It was available as a sedan, hatchback (Auris/Blade), and wagon (market dependent). The focus was on fuel efficiency and reliability.
11th Generation (E170/E180): 2012-2019
The eleventh generation Corolla (E170/E180), launched in 2012, adopted a more aggressive styling, improved fuel economy, and enhanced safety features. It was available as a sedan, hatchback (Auris/Corolla iM/Corolla Hatchback), and wagon (market dependent). A hybrid powertrain was offered for the first time in some markets, reflecting the growing demand for environmentally friendly vehicles.
12th Generation (E210): 2018-Present
The twelfth generation Corolla (E210), introduced in 2018, represents a significant step forward. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, it offers improved handling and ride quality, a more stylish design, enhanced safety features, and an available hybrid powertrain. It is offered as a sedan, hatchback, and wagon (Touring Sports). This generation showcases Toyota's commitment to innovation and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the first Toyota Corolla released? The first Toyota Corolla was released in Japan in November 1966.
Was the original Corolla front-wheel drive? No, the original Corolla was rear-wheel drive. The switch to front-wheel drive occurred in the fifth generation (E80) in 1983 for most models.
What is the AE86 Corolla known for? The AE86 Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno is known for being a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe that became a cult classic, particularly in the drifting scene.
Does the Corolla come in a hybrid version? Yes, hybrid versions of the Corolla are available starting with the eleventh generation and becoming more widespread in the twelfth generation.
What platform is the current Corolla built on? The current (12th) generation Corolla is built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform.
Conclusion
The Toyota Corolla's journey from its humble beginnings in 1966 to its current status as a global best-seller is a testament to Toyota's commitment to reliability, affordability, and continuous improvement. From rear-wheel-drive economy car to a technologically advanced and stylish vehicle, the Corolla has consistently adapted to meet the evolving needs of drivers around the world. If you are seeking a reliable, fuel-efficient, and versatile car, the Toyota Corolla remains a compelling choice.