The History of the Toyota Corolla

Toyota launched the first Corolla in 1966, and it quickly became one of the bestselling cars on the market. Over the decades, Toyota has made updates and changes to the vehicle to keep it modern and stylish yet also affordable. After 11 generations, it remains a top seller. Learn about the long history of the Toyota Corolla.

The First Generation

Toyota introduced the first generation of the Corolla in 1966 at the Toyota Corolla Store in Japan, but it didn’t arrive in the United States until 1968. To make sure it stood out in its class, Toyota gave it a 1.1-liter engine with 60 horsepower and added a four-speed fully synchronized manual transmission. Over the following years, the early Corolla gained a 1.2-liter engine that generated 65 horsepower.

The Second Generation

The second-generation Corolla debuted in 1970. It was larger than the first to provide passengers with more space and comfort. A new 1.2-liter overhead valve (OHV) engine sat under the hood, increasing horsepower to 73. This generation also offered drivers the first Corolla with an automatic transmission. Over the next four years, the Corolla received a 1.6-liter engine with 102 horsepower, and in 1972 it gained a new front grille.

The Fourth Generation

In 1979 Toyota introduced the fourth-generation Corolla. This one had significant improvements, including a new coil-spring rear suspension and a 1.8-liter engine with 75 horsepower. It came with rear-wheel drive and offered drivers the choice between a three-speed automatic transmission or a four- or five-speed manual transmission.

The Seventh Generation

The seventh-generation Corolla grew from a subcompact to a compact to appeal to a wider range of drivers, becoming the economy car many people associate with the Corolla name today. It had a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 105 horsepower, with higher trims offering the option for a 1.8-liter with 115 horsepower. This generation started in the early ’90s and marked the point when the Corolla became the bestselling vehicle ever made.

The Ninth Generation

2000 was not only the start of the 21st century but also the ninth generation of the Corolla. It didn’t hit dealerships in the United States until 2002 as a 2003 model, but it arrived with a 1.8-liter engine that produced 130 horsepower or the option for a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 170 horsepower. A new manual transmission added to the driving experience, along with a more rigidly tuned suspension to make the vehicle more responsive. The generation stuck around until 2007, with updates that included refreshed styling and a sporty Xr5 model.

The 11th Generation

The current Corolla is part of the 11th generation. The U.S version has a sleek exterior style and comes with all the latest technology, including Toyota’s Entune infotainment system and the Safety Sense suite of driver assistance and safety features. The latest Corolla has a 1.8-liter gas engine that generates 139 horsepower.

The Toyota Corolla is the bestselling car for a reason. Its long history has stood the test of time, and drivers continue to fall in love with it generation after generation. See us at Toyota of Kingsport to find a Corolla vehicle that’s perfect for you!

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