Toyota is a well-known Japanese auto brand reputed for its high quality design processes and technological innovation. Among its popular car models, Corolla is a top-rated compact sedan with decent features. Durability, reliability, and low maintenance costs are the key factors making Toyota Corolla top picks for people looking for budget-friendly cars.
Toyota Corolla’s history spans twelve generations till date since its inception in 1966. Let’s go through the complete evolution of the Toyota Corolla and how it has become one of the top-selling cars in the world.
History of Toyota Corolla
As one of the best sellers in the world, Toyota Corolla has maintained its reputation with constant innovation. Toyota Corolla is ranked among the most popular used sedans in the UAE and has lived till date to its famous car slogan at the time of launch, ‘The most wanted car by the market – presented to the world by bringing together the essence of Toyota’s technology’.
Toyota Corolla history has seen 12 generations in its journey of over 50 years. Let’s go through the distinctive features and technical specifications of all the generations.
FIRST GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (1966-1970)
Available in two different car body types i.e. two and four-door saloon (sedan) and two-door station wagons, the 1st generation of Toyota Corolla debuted in 1966. Implementation of advanced technology such as floor-mounted gear lever, bucket-type front seats, and enough room for rear seat passengers was quite remarkable at that time.
Toyota Corolla featured a K-series 1.1-litre engine generating 59 hp and 83 N-m torque. However, the 1.2-litre engine producing 67 hp and 94 N-m torque replaced the previous engine. This was a small yet significant improvement compared to its prototype which produced only 44 hp.
The K-series engine line-up was paired with the following three transmission options.
- Floor-mounted two-speed automatic transmission
- Steering column-mounted 4-speed manual
- Fully synchronised 4-speed manual transmission
Moreover, it was the first time that any Japanese car featured 2-speed automatic and 4-speed manual transmissions. In the interior, Toyota included some high-end features of that time such as a centre console box, armrests, a radio, and a heater. Initially, this Toyota Corolla generation featured drum brakes but midway through the generation, Toyota introduced front disc brakes as an option.
SECOND GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (1970-1974)
Toyota continued the same K-series 1.2-litre engine in the second generation Corolla. The 1.2-litre engine derivatives included the twin-carburettor 3K-B and high-compression 3K-D. However, shortly after the launch of the second generation, Toyota added a T-series 1.4-litre engine producing 85 hp to improve the performance of the Corolla in the high-speed era.
Alongside, a new coupe body style was introduced alongside the sedan and wagon station for the first time in the Toyota Corolla’s history. Improving the safety standards, the disc brakes came as standard on all the Toyota Corolla models. Furthermore, features such as the child lock mechanism and car window defogger in the 2nd generation distinguished it from the old models of Toyota Corolla.
The Toyota Corolla came with 5-speed manual transmission improving the power at high speeds. Besides, the front MacPherson strut suspension system type while leaf spring suspension in the rear enhanced the vehicle stability, handling, and ride control.
More than 2.4 million units of the second generation Toyota Corolla were produced before the third generation’s debut. With its remarkable innovations, comfortable interior, and excellent fuel efficiency, Toyota Corolla took only 8 years to become the best-selling car worldwide in 1974.
THIRD GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (1974-1979)
The 3rd generation Toyota Corolla debuted with the following engine line-up:
- 1.2-litre 3K-H engine
- 1.4-litre T-series engine
- 1.6-litre 2T engine
- 2T-G twin cam engine
However, this engine line-up failed to meet the strict emission standards in 1975. Toyota responded to the problem by equipping catalytic converters in the 1.6 and 1.4-litre T-U engines. Meeting the diverse market needs, this was the first facelift in Toyota Corolla’s history.
Compared to the second generation, the third generation Toyota Corolla models featured a hard-top and semi-fastback design for the first time. Alongside, the Japanese auto brand made significant improvements in noise, vibration, and harness (NVH). Furthermore, Toyota improved passive safety features by introducing impact-absorbing body structure, crumple zone and three-point seat belts as standard on all the Corolla models.
FOURTH GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (1979-1983)
The fourth generation of Toyota Corolla was the continuation of maintaining a legacy. Being a popular car model in a very short period, Toyota constantly made improvements to Corolla. Meeting the demand for luxurious yet fuel-efficient vehicles, Toyota Corolla seemed a viable option.
This generation brought more different car body designs for the first time in Toyota Corolla’s history. That said, sedan, coupe, hardtop, liftback, and van were six different car body styles launched in the 4th generation with sporty features. Alongside, Corolla featured a more aerodynamic exterior with a sophisticated interior design.
A 1.8-litre engine was introduced alongside the improved 1.3 and 1.5-litre engines. However, Toyota discontinued the 1.8-litre engine in 1981 after the evolution of the Lightweight Advanced Super Response Engine (LASRE). Furthermore, automatic air conditioning, square halogen headlight type, and electrically adjusted side mirrors were stand-out features in the 4th generation Corolla.
FIFTH GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (1983-1987)
Launched in 1983, the fifth generation received some major changes. The front engine and front-wheel drive system layout replaced the front-engine and rear-wheel drive layout in this Toyota Corolla generation. The engine line-up of the fifth generation Toyota Corolla included the following:
- 1.3-litre SOHC
- 1.5-litre
- 1.6-litre EFI
- 1.8-litre diesel
For the first time in the history of Toyota Corolla, 4-speed automatic transmission was paired with the 1.6-litre EFI engine. The MacPherson suspension system in the front and rear improved the ride quality and handling. Furthermore, this generation was sportier than Toyota Corolla’s old models and featured an expanded head and legroom for the passengers. Besides, a sunroof was available as an option alongside the central locking car doors.
SIXTH GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (1988-1992)
Continuing the same legacy of innovation, the sixth generation debuted in 1988 offering the following engine options:
- 1.3-litre engine
- 1.5-litre engines with either electronic fuel injection (EFI) or carburettor as an option
- 1.6-litre engine
- 1.8-litre diesel engine
Discontinuing its rear-wheel drive option, Toyota launched a four-wheel drive system in Corolla sedan and station wagon based on the front-wheel drive layout. The high-end Corolla models in this generation featured Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS) system enhancing the drive quality further.
An interesting fact about Toyota is that the 308,000 units of the sixth generation Corolla were sold in Japan only. The iconic car model continued its legacy as the best-selling car across the globe.
SEVENTH GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (1992-1995)
With the introduction of the Kaizen and efficient Toyota Production System, Toyota Corolla’s seventh generation debuted in 1992. The 7th generation was a better version than all the previous Toyota Corolla generations and provided more comfort and features. The petrol engine line-up remained the same except for the 1.6-litre engine which featured twin cam and sports twin cam producing 115 and 164 hp, respectively.
Moreover, a 2.0-litre diesel engine replaced the 1.8-litre one. The horizontal radiator grille and integrated front bumper complemented the sporty exterior of the high-class saloon. Projector fog lamps along with airbags were introduced in Toyota Corolla’s history in the 7th generation.
EIGHTH GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (1995-2000)
In 1995, the eighth generation of Toyota Corolla rolled out with four different body types including, a three-door hatchback, five-door liftback, four-door saloon, and five-door estate. Toyota VVT technology is featured in the 1.6-litre engine coupled to the six-speed gearbox. Moreover, Toyota enhanced the comfort level by including the centre armrest in the rear seat.
Safety features such as an anti-lock braking system (ABS), three-point seatbelts, and twin airbags were added to the Corolla. An interesting fact about the eighth generation Corolla model was that its 3-door hatchback won the manufacturer’s championship in 1999. This win added to the brand’s popularity across the globe.
NINTH GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (2000-2006)
Coming into the 20th century, the ninth generation Toyota Corolla was launched with minor upgrades. This generation of Corolla included more safety features such as vehicle stability control and traction control. The engine line-up remains unchanged with minor technology upgrades. Engines were paired with the 4-speed automatic transmission and 5, 6-speed manual transmissions.
Moreover, a 5-speed multimode transmission (also known as automatic manual transmission) was introduced as an option. This was the roomiest version in Toyota Corolla’s history with a 2600 millimetre wheelbase. Furthermore, four-wheel drive was available as an option.
The interior of the 9th generation Toyota Corolla was inspired by the Lexus premium models. By the end of the ninth generation, around 32 million Toyota Corolla units were sold globally since its introduction in 1966.
TENTH GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (2006-2011)
Toyota Corolla maintained its popularity with design and technological innovations. In 2006, The tenth generation debuted. This Toyota Corolla generation came with modern infotainment features, enhanced comfortability level with automatic climate control, and improved safety with a parking assist system and cameras.
The engine line-up included 1.5-litre VVT-i and 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i engines. Moreover, both the engines were coupled with the CVT-i transmission. The distinguishing feature between the two engines was that the 1.8-litre model came with a 7-speed sequential gearbox.
ELEVENTH GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (2011-2018)
To meet the consumer requirements, the eleventh generation of Toyota Corolla was launched with smaller dimensions. Moreover, the engine line-up included 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre models paired with the CVT-i transmission for better performance and fuel economy. Corolla Hybrid car models were also introduced in the eleventh generation to further enhance the fuel economy.
This generation mainly focused on improving design and safety technologies. Moreover, this generation Corolla received a facelift in the mid-refresher alongside a change in headlamps and rear light design.
TWELFTH GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (2018-PRESENT)
Continuing the eleventh generation, the twelfth generation had upgraded power options. The engine specifications varied according to the region, for instance, the latest Toyota Corolla model in the UAE is equipped with a 1.6-litre engine producing 121 hp. Moreover, this generation includes modern safety features and a more roomy interior.
Toyota Corolla’s history is filled with innovations concerning design and technology. Equipped with the latest features, Corolla has maintained its position as the best-selling car in the world. You can browse through this popular Toyota model from the used Corolla for sale in the UAE. Besides, you can look out for other popular sedans, SUVs, and hatchbacks in the listings of used cars for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog to learn more facts and history about popular auto brands and their car models.
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