Toyota Corolla Evolution - Part 1

The Toyota Corolla has been iconically loved worldwide since 1966 and was the best selling car in 2022. Its safety and reliability, affordability and gas efficiency has always been why Australian’s love their Corollas. Over the 12 generations of the corolla it has drastically evolved and branched out and now is a memorable name for all Aussies. 

1st Generation: 1966-1970

The 1st generation Corolla featured a floor-mounted four-speed manual gearbox and MacPherson strut suspension which gave it a lively feel, it also contained a five-bearing internal crank for the 1.1-litre rear drive engine reduced vibration, making for a more comfortable ride.

2nd Generation: 1970

Toyota continued to refine the styling of its new model in an attempt to produce a car with curves. As a result, it was longer than before, providing more interior space and a more comfortable ride. The engine size was increased from 1.2-litres to 1.4-litres, delivering improved performance; and the company offered more variants, including coupes, sedans, and wagons.

3rd Generation: 1975

Fuel economy was a key factor in car buyers' minds when the third-generation Corolla was launched, thanks to its pioneering proprietary Toyota Total Clean emissions control system. The car's more curved surfaces and optimised aerodynamics resulted in improved fuel consumption and lower emissions. Inside, there were higher levels of safety and comfort features.

4th Generation: 1981

The fourth-generation Corolla featured a front-engine, rear-drive layout with a 1.3-litre engine driving through a choice of four or five-speed manual gearboxes or three-speed automatic depending on the variant. A coil-sprung rear suspension was introduced on most models, and towards the end of its run, a new 1.6-litre engine was offered on higher-grade versions.

5th Generation: 1985

In 1985, the fifth-generation Corolla range included a four-door sedan, five-door hatchback, and five-door liftback. The cars were all front-wheel drive and used a 1.3-litre or 1.6-litre engine. They also had an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission and twin-cam multivalve engine technologies. Power steering and air conditioning were available across a broader range of variants.

6th Generation: 1989

In 1991, the sixth-generation Corolla arrived with a more premium look and feel. It offered a spacious, comfortable cabin, three new twin-cam, multivalve engines, and one fuel-injected engine. The 1.8-litre engine was added in 1992 and this was the era in which Toyota made its mark at Bathurst for eight years in a row from 1985-1992.

Over the past 12 generations, the Toyota Corolla has undergone significant changes and evolution, from its humble beginnings in 1966 to 1989. Stay tuned for the next 6 generations in the upcoming blog.  

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