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Drawing of the Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla

One name, 12 generations, over 57 million sales: Corolla's 60-year reign.1

Researched October 22, 2026 from 38 sources

Also called

  • Hachi-RokuJapanese for '86': enthusiasts' shorthand for the twin-cam AE86 sporting models.2
  • Corolla 30The third generation's informal name distinguished it from the cheaper second generation still sold alongside it.3

At a glance

0150300
51–300 hpPower
01,0002,000
730–1,510 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.681013

Engine
K-series fours, twin-cams, diesels, hybrids; GR: 1.6 L turbo triple791112
Layout
Front-engine; early RWD, later FWD; AWD versions35
Gearbox
4–6-speed manuals; 2–8-speed automatics; conventional and hybrid CVTs10131415
Built at
Takaoka, Japan; UK hatch/wagon: Burnaston; 14 sites in 11 countries159

The story

Created for buyers wanting more than the Publica's basics, the Corolla arrived in November 1966. Chief engineer Tatsuo Hasegawa's '80-plus alpha' philosophy demanded balanced ability with an extra spark: sportiness.34

1966: November debut with the 1.1-liter K19661972: Levin and Trueno bring twin-cam power19721983: Sedans go FWD; sporting coupes stay RWD19831997: Corolla overtakes the Beetle19972021: The 50 millionth Corolla is sold20212022: GR Corolla: 300 hp and all-wheel drive20222023: UK debut for fifth-generation hybrid20232025: GR Corolla adds an eight-speed automatic20252026: 60 years and over 57 million sales2026 Corolla: first generation (E10): 1966–1970E10Corolla: second generation (E20): 1970–1978E20Corolla: third generation (E30/E50): 1974–1979E30/E50Corolla: fourth generation (E70): 1979–1987E70Corolla: sixth generation (E90): 1987–2006E90Corolla: ninth generation (E120/E130): 2000–2017E120/E130Corolla: twelfth generation (E210): 2018–presentE210 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsMilestones156111213
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1966–1970Corolla: first generation (E10)
1970–1978Corolla: second generation (E20)
1974–1979Corolla: third generation (E30/E50)
1979–1987Corolla: fourth generation (E70)
1987–2006Corolla: sixth generation (E90)
2000–2017Corolla: ninth generation (E120/E130)
2018–presentCorolla: twelfth generation (E210)
1966November debut with the 1.1-liter K
1972Levin and Trueno bring twin-cam power
1983Sedans go FWD; sporting coupes stay RWD
1997Corolla overtakes the Beetle
2021The 50 millionth Corolla is sold
2022GR Corolla: 300 hp and all-wheel drive
2023UK debut for fifth-generation hybrid
2025GR Corolla adds an eight-speed automatic
202660 years and over 57 million sales
  1. 1966

    November debut with the 1.1-liter K

    A new pushrod K engine starts the family, while Toyota commits to the Corolla with a dedicated Takaoka factory.15

  2. 1972

    Levin and Trueno bring twin-cam power

    March brings the Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno, performance derivatives powered by a double-overhead-cam version of the 2T engine.5

  3. 1983

    Sedans go FWD; sporting coupes stay RWD

    The fifth generation switches family sedans to front-wheel drive, while the coupes retain rear-wheel drive for sporting use.3

  4. 1997

    Corolla overtakes the Beetle

    The Corolla becomes the best-selling automobile nameplate in history, passing the Volkswagen Beetle.5

  5. 2021

    The 50 millionth Corolla is sold

    July delivers the sales milestone, with the family already in its 12th generation.6

  6. 2022

    GR Corolla: 300 hp and all-wheel drive

    The GR Corolla premieres in Long Beach on March 31, pairing a 1.6-liter turbo triple with a six-speed manual and all-wheel drive.78

  7. 2023

    UK debut for fifth-generation hybrid

    UK hybrids rise to 138 hp for the 1.8 and 193 hp for the 2.0, alongside a standard 12.3-inch digital cluster and over-the-air software updates.9

  8. 2025

    GR Corolla adds an eight-speed automatic

    Japan's revised GR Corolla launches March 3 with an optional GR-DAT automatic and 400 Nm; a six-speed manual remains available.10

  9. 2026

    60 years and over 57 million sales

    Across 12 generations, Corolla passes 57 million global sales; manufacturing now spans 14 production centers in 11 countries.1

Every generation

  • Corolla: first generation
    E101966–1970
  • Corolla: second generation
    E201970–1978
  • Corolla: third generation
    E30/E501974–1979
  • Corolla: fourth generation
    E701979–1987
  • Corolla: sixth generation
    E901987–2006
  • Corolla: ninth generation
    E120/E1302000–2017
  • Corolla: twelfth generation
    E2102018–present

Power over the years

From 59 hp to 300 hp in 57 years.

0100200300 197019801990200020102020 hp 1966 · 59 hp · Japan: 1.1 L K1972 · 113 hp · Japan: Levin 1.6 twin-cam1983 · 128 hp · AE86 1.6 twin-cam1987 · 108 hp · FX16 1.61995 · 163 hp · Japan: Levin 4A-G2005 · 170 hp · XRS 1.8 2ZZ2005 · 215 hp · UK: Compressor 1.82019 · 178 hp · UK: 2.0 hybrid2023 · 138 hp · UK: fifth-generation 1.8 hybrid2023 · 193 hp · UK: fifth-generation 2.0 hybrid2023 · 300 hp · GR Corolla 1.6 turbo 300 hp GR Corolla 1.6 turbo 59 hp Japan: 1.1 L K
568911131516171819
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
196659Japan: 1.1 L K
1972113Japan: Levin 1.6 twin-cam
1983128AE86 1.6 twin-cam
1987108FX16 1.6
1995163Japan: Levin 4A-G
2005170XRS 1.8 2ZZ
2005215UK: Compressor 1.8
2019178UK: 2.0 hybrid
2023138UK: fifth-generation 1.8 hybrid
2023193UK: fifth-generation 2.0 hybrid
2023300GR Corolla 1.6 turbo

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Hybrid Icon / Design / GR Sport / Excel (UK)

    2023

  • AE86 GT / GTV / GT Apex / SR-5 / GT-S

    Performance

    AE86 GT / GTV / GT Apex / SR-5 / GT-S

    1983–1987

  • Corolla FX16 GT-S (North America)

    Performance

    Corolla FX16 GT-S (North America)

    1987–1988

    108 hp

  • Limited

    Corolla Compressor (UK)

    2005

    215 hp

  • Special

    Corolla Nightshade

    2024

  • Corolla FX Edition Hatchback (US)

    Limited

    Corolla FX Edition Hatchback (US)

    2026

    169 hp
  • GR Corolla RZ (Japan)

    Performance

    GR Corolla RZ (Japan)

    2025

    300 hp

  • Limited

    GR Corolla Morizo Edition (US)

    2023

    300 hp

    200 built

  • GRMN Corolla (announced)

    Limited

    GRMN Corolla (announced)

    2027 (planned)

How to spot one

Look for

  • E70: square-edged bodywork marks the rear-drive fourth generation.512
  • The 2019 hatchback has a large grille split into distinct upper and lower sections.14
  • The 2019 hatchback's sculpted rear is framed by LED taillights.14
  • GR Corolla: flared fenders and three exhaust outlets distinguish the performance hatchback.22

Year by year

  1. 1979–1981

    E70: most markets changed from four round headlights in 1979–1980 to two rectangular headlights for 1981.12

  2. 1982

    E70 facelift added a sloping nose, wraparound headlights, revised taillights and new bumpers.12

  3. 1985

    Indonesian E80 facelift cars have larger headlights and flush hubcaps; the 1.3 changed from GL to SE Saloon.20

  4. 2023 (UK)

    New grille mesh, fog-light surrounds and wheel designs; Excel gains J-shaped daytime lights incorporating the turn signals.9

  5. 2024

    Nightshade returned after its 2023 absence, now combining black exterior details with bronze 18-inch wheels.21

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Toyota Corolla
    Corolla
    Photo of a Toyota AE85 Levin / Sprinter Trueno
    Toyota AE85 Levin / Sprinter Trueno

    Toyota AE85 Levin / Sprinter Trueno

    Look beyond the shared body styles: the basic AE85 is single-cam, while AE86/Hachi-Roku denotes the twin-cam models.220

  • Photo of a Toyota Corolla
    Corolla
    Photo of a Sixth-generation Corolla GT-S coupe
    Sixth-generation Corolla GT-S coupe

    Sixth-generation Corolla GT-S coupe

    This later front-drive coupe also has pop-up headlights; its GT-S version wears special wheels and a bold body kit.6

Against its rivals

  • Hyundai Elantra GT N-Line (2019)

    Corolla vs Hyundai Elantra GT N-Line (2019)

    Price as tested lower is better

    Corolla$25,578
    Hyundai Elantra GT N-Line (2019)$24,355
    25
  • Honda Civic Turbo

    Corolla vs Honda Civic Turbo

    Quarter mile lower is better

    Corolla16.3 s
    Honda Civic Turbo15.2 s
    26
  • Mazda3

    Corolla vs Mazda3

    Figure eight lower is better

    Corolla27.8 s
    Mazda326.7 s
    26
  • Volkswagen Golf

    Corolla vs Volkswagen Golf

    Figure eight lower is better

    Corolla27.8 s
    Volkswagen Golf27.4 s
    26

Prices

Value today $15.8K–$38.2K2230

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$1K$10K$100K 197019801990200020102020 Value today: $15,750–$38,222 1968 · $1,700 · US introduction, approximate 1968 · US$1,700 · US introduction price, 1968 (approximate) 2023 · $59,000 · 2023 GR Corolla Morizo Edition, 298 miles, BaT2025 · $20,500 · 1987 Levin GT Apex liftback, 41k km shown, Bring a Trailer2025 · $24,000 · 1985 GT-S liftback 5-speed, 146k miles shown, BaT2025 · $5,700 · 1974 two-door sedan, 82k miles shown, BaT2025 · $23,000 · 1985 GT-S liftback 5-speed, BaT2026 · $15,750 · 1969-titled Sprinter, 41k km shown, Bring a Trailer2026 · $38,222 · 2023 GR Corolla Morizo Edition, 28k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $5,700 · 1990 Deluxe wagon, 23k miles shown, BaT $59.0K BaT, 2023
1122303235363738
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1968Launch price$1,700US introduction price, 1968 (approximate)
1968Price when new$1,700US introduction, approximate
2023Auction sale$59,0002023 GR Corolla Morizo Edition, 298 miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$20,5001987 Levin GT Apex liftback, 41k km shown, Bring a Trailer
2025Auction sale$24,0001985 GT-S liftback 5-speed, 146k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$5,7001974 two-door sedan, 82k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$23,0001985 GT-S liftback 5-speed, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,7501969-titled Sprinter, 41k km shown, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$38,2222023 GR Corolla Morizo Edition, 28k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$5,7001990 Deluxe wagon, 23k miles shown, BaT
2026Value today$15,750–$38,222

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “57 million sales in 60 years”
    • “Toyota's first WRC win came in a Corolla”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 38 sources
  1. 60 years. 12 generations. One Corolla. newsroom.toyota.eu
  2. Toyota Corolla AE86 - Goodwood Classic Solutions insurance.goodwood.com
  3. Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website global.toyota
  4. Tatsuo Hasegawa, Chief Engineer for the 1st generation Corolla | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website global.toyota
  5. Toyota Corolla - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  6. Toyota Marks 50 Millionth Corolla Sold media.toyota.ca
  7. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Premieres GR Corolla | 2022 | PRESS RELEASE | GAZOO Racing toyotagazooracing.com
  8. 2023 Toyota GR Corolla First Drive Review: Toyota, Is Everything OK? motortrend.com
  9. Toyota launches the new Corolla with fifth generation hybrid electric technology - Toyota Media Site media.toyota.co.uk
  10. 進化したGRカローラを発売 | トヨタ | グローバルニュースルーム | トヨタ自動車株式会社 公式企業サイト global.toyota
  11. Toyota Corolla (E10) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  12. Toyota Corolla (E70) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  13. Toyota Corolla (E20) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  14. First Drive: 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback caranddriver.com
  15. Used Toyota Corolla (Mk12, 2019-date) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  16. How a Serial Manga Made a Toyota Corolla a Pop-Culture Icon roadandtrack.com
  17. 2026 Toyota Corolla FX Edition Hatchback Has Slick White Wheels caranddriver.com
  18. 75 Years of TOYOTA | TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | Vehicle Lineage | In-depth Vehicle Information, Specification toyota-global.com
  19. Toyota Corolla Compressor: Supercharged Superstar - Toyota Media Site media.toyota.co.uk
  20. Toyota Corolla (E80) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. 2024 Toyota Corolla Reintroduces Stealthy Nightshade Edition caranddriver.com
  22. 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Edition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $38,222 on July 18, 2026 (Lot #253,001) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  23. 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Edition Is a Track Day Champ thedrive.com
  24. GR Premiers GRMN Corolla | Toyota | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website global.toyota
  25. Mazda 3 vs. Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, VW Golf, Hyundai Elantra caranddriver.com
  26. 2020 Toyota Corolla XSE First Test Review: The Best Corolla Yet? motortrend.com
  27. Toyota Corolla WRC - Toyota Media Site media.toyota.co.uk
  28. The bark and the bite: Toyota's BTCC titles remembered | Toyota UK mag.toyota.co.uk
  29. Introducing the 'Gran Turismo 7' August Update: Adding 4 New Cars, Including One to Test Drive Before Its Official Release! - NEWS - gran-turismo.com gran-turismo.com
  30. Toyota Corolla 1200 2-Door 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,750 on July 16, 2026 (Lot #252,537) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. The £46,250 Toyota Corolla: cult-classic AE86 smashes auction record motoringresearch.com
  32. 1987 Toyota Corolla Levin GT Apex Liftback 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $20,500 on November 28, 2025 (Lot #221,611) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 2005 Toyota Corolla Price, Value, Depreciation & Reviews | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  34. 2024 Toyota Corolla Price, Cost-to-Own, Reviews & More | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  35. No Reserve: 1990 Toyota Corolla Deluxe Wagon for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,700 on February 28, 2026 (Lot #231,656) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 1985 Toyota Corolla GT-S Liftback 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $24,000 on July 17, 2025 (Lot #200,762) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. No Reserve: 1974 Toyota Corolla Two-Door Sedan for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,700 on June 5, 2025 (Lot #194,697) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Edition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $59,000 on December 23, 2023 (Lot #131,625) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • newsroom.toyota.eu
  • insurance.goodwood.com
  • global.toyota
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • media.toyota.ca
  • toyotagazooracing.com
  • motortrend.com
  • media.toyota.co.uk
  • caranddriver.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • roadandtrack.com
  • toyota-global.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • thedrive.com

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