The evolution of the world's best-selling models: Toyota Corolla's 11th generation
High-cost performance is an essential factor in Toyota Corolla's high sales. Since its launch in 1966, consumers have purchased more than 40 million Corollas, making it one of the best-selling models in history.
The 52-year history has seen the Corolla transform from a rear-wheel drive compact car to the front-wheel drive economy car we know today. Today's Corolla has a spacious interior and high-cost performance. Let's take a look at the changes in the 11th generation of the Toyota Corolla.
Product launch stage
- First Generation: 1966-1970
Toyota introduced the Corolla in 1966. In order to outdo its competitors, the Datsun 1000 and Subaru 1000, Toyota gave the Corolla a larger 1.1-liter engine. However, the larger, more powerful engine brought a certain cachet to the Corolla. Although Toyota launched the Corolla in Japan in 1966, it did not enter the U.S. market until 1968. The starting price was less than $1,700. The first generation Corolla in the U.S. was available with 1.1-liter and 1.2-liter engines, producing 60 and 65 horsepower, respectively.
- Second Generation: 1970-1974
Development of the second generation Corolla began in 1967, and the new model debuted in 1970. The second generation Corolla increased power while improving comfort and the overall driving experience. A new 1.2-liter OHV engine provided 73 horsepower, and an automatic transmission was offered for the first time. During the second generation of the Corolla, it underwent several updates, including a 102-horsepower 1.6-liter engine in 1971 and a new grille design in 1972.
- Third Generation: 1974-1979
The third generation Corolla had a body style for just about everyone, offering five different models, from a two-door hardtop to a five-door wagon. A 1.2-liter engine powered the two-door model, while the rest of the lineup got a larger 1.6-liter engine. Transmissions included a standard four-speed manual and optional three-speed automatic or five-speed manual.
Quality evolution stage
- Fourth Generation: 1979-1983
The fourth generation Corolla had some improvements over previous models. A 1.8-liter OHV engine provided 75 horsepower and was paired with a three-speed automatic transmission or a four-speed or five-speed manual transmission. In 1982, Toyota upgraded the three-speed automatic transmission to a four-speed automatic transmission. The following year, Toyota introduced a 1.6-liter overhead cam engine.
- Fifth Generation: 1983-1987
In 1983, the Toyota Corolla was transformed from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, with a transverse 1.6-liter engine. It was matched with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. Although most models in the Corolla series adopted front-wheel drive, the SR5 continued to use the rear-wheel drive chassis of the previous generation Corolla. In 1984, Toyota equipped the SR5 with a 1.6-liter SOHC engine, providing 90 horsepower. Toyota also launched the famous Corolla GT-S, which uses a 1.6-liter DOHC engine and provides 112 horsepower.
- Sixth Generation: 1987-1991
In the sixth generation of the Corolla, all four-cylinder engines varied in technology and output. Engines offered included 90 hp, 100 hp, and 115 hp. In 1990, all Corolla models were equipped with fuel injection, and the base configuration had 102 hp. The Corolla GT-S offered 130 hp.
- Seventh Generation: 1991-1995
The seventh generation Corolla began to become the economy car we know today. Sedan and front-wheel drive station wagon became the only body styles. Corolla was lengthened again, moving up from a small car to a compact car. The 1.6-liter engine achieved 105 horsepower; however, in some areas with stricter emissions regulations, this engine was rated at 100 horsepower. The top model was equipped with a 115-horsepower 1.8-liter engine.
- Eighth Generation: 1995-2000
When the eighth-generation Corolla debuted in 1995, it was not offered in the North American market until 1997. It was produced at the NUMMI plant in California. In the United States, the sedan was the only body style. It used a 120-horsepower 1.8-liter engine matched with a three- or four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission.
Continuation stage
- Ninth Generation: 2000-2007
In 2000, at the turn of the century, Toyota launched the ninth-generation Corolla. Compared with its predecessors, the ninth-generation model has a more avant-garde appearance design, and its product configuration and technical level also surpass its predecessor, setting the latest standard for the Corolla family.
Although this generation of models still uses the name Corolla, it has completely abandoned the established framework left by the previous generation of models during the research and development process. The entire team started development from scratch and conducted benchmark tests with European opponents with excellent comprehensive qualities. Everything they did was to make the new generation of Corolla a model that adapts to the global market. The efforts have once again paid off. Although many people are dissatisfied with its mediocre driving experience, young people who have just obtained a driver's license and old people who have entered their twilight years can easily drive the ninth-generation Corolla.
The engine has been updated. All gasoline engines are "new generation BEAMS" engines, using the VVT-i system. The four gasoline engines include the 1.30-liter 2NZ-FE, 1.5-liter 1NZ-FE, 1.80-liter 1ZZ-FE, and the new 2ZZ-GE sports engine. The 2.2-liter 3C-E diesel engine comes from the eighth-generation Corolla. In addition, the 1.4-liter 4ZZ-FE and 1.6-liter 3ZZ-FE gasoline engines, while the 1.4-liter 1ND-TV and 2.0-liter 1CD-FTV diesel engines are available for overseas markets.
- Tenth Generation: 2006-2013
In 2006, Toyota launched the 10th generation Corolla, which was built on the MC platform and offered in two different body sizes. The models exported to overseas markets became larger, following the modification and replacement rules, while the Corolla sold in Japan had to maintain its size due to legal restrictions.
The 10th generation Corolla had a more fashionable appearance and incorporated Toyota's family-style front design. In terms of powertrain options, there were 6 engine choices, ranging from 1.3 liters to 2.0 liters in displacement. The top-spec Corolla in the North American market was even equipped with a 2.4-liter engine.
Additionally, Toyota launched a Corolla Super GT race car in the Japanese market. This model was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing a maximum of 300 horsepower and was paired with a sequential 6-speed gearbox.
Technology further evolution stage
- Eleventh Generation: 2013-Present
The eleventh generation Corolla adopts international design. This generation change can be said to be drastic, changing the image of Corolla from a "good family man" to a "fashionable big boy".
In terms of appearance, the eleventh generation new Corolla is more aggressive. The dimensions of the vehicle are 4630/1775/1465mm, and the wheelbase has increased to 2700mm, making the vehicle visually wider. The narrow front grille, sharp lights, and large front bumper design all give the new Corolla a dynamic element. The raised wheel eyebrow design on the side of the body and the double waistline make it look like it is wearing a sports coat, while the rear of the car echoes the front face design, and the polygonal taillights also have a dynamic style.
At the same time, its tail wing design cannot be ignored. In terms of power, the new generation Corolla is still equipped with two naturally aspirated engines, 1.6L and 1.8L, and the transmission system is matched with 5MT (1.6L model), 6MT (1.8L model) and S-CVT (can simulate 8 speeds) gearboxes.
