The Toyota Corolla is nothing short of an automotive legend. It might not be the most exciting or stylish car you can think of but it’s sure to be the most popular. In fact, as of 2021, the Toyota Corolla is the world’s best-selling car ever. Since its introduction in 1966, more than 50 million have been sold – 10 million more than runner-up, the Ford F-Series.
It goes without saying that the Toyota Corolla has changed a lot since the first model was introduced to the US in 1968. But there’s a common thread that runs through the 12 distinct Toyota Corolla models: each one is compact, dependable, and easy to live with. It’s a car that ticks a lot of boxes for a lot of people, and has done for a long time.
Over the years, the Corolla has been available as a sedan, a hatchback, a coupe, and a wagon, with anything between two and five doors. It’s switched from rear-wheel drive (RWD) to front-wheel drive (FWD), and all-wheel drive (AWD) versions have also been available. There’s never been a large-capacity engine option and the Corolla has never been a style leader or trendsetter, but each version has offered huge rational appeal and introduced a few innovations along the way.
Here’s our guide to the Toyota Corolla, covering each of its 12 generations and offering some advice on which are the best versions to buy, what to look out for, and how much you should pay.
Toyota Corolla Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Toyota Corolla Pros and Cons
- Toyota Corolla Generations
- 12th Generation (2018-present)
- 11th Generation (2013-2018)
- 10th Generation (2008-2013)
- Ninth Generation (2002-2008)
- Eighth Generation (1997-2002)
- Seventh Generation (1992-1997)
- Sixth Generation (1987-1992)
- Fifth Generation (1983-1988)
- Fourth Generation (1979-1983)
- Third Generation (1974-1981)
- Second Generation (1970-1974)
- First Generation (1968-1970)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Toyota Corolla years are the best?
While it might be the most expensive, the latest Toyota Corolla – on sale new since 2018 – is, by any rational criteria, the best yet. It’s a brilliant all-rounder, available with all the latest safety features, and justifies the Corolla’s reputation for excellent reliability.
What are the worst Toyota Corolla years?
While the Toyota Corolla has a very strong reliability record overall, some versions have had recurring issues. The 2009 Corolla has to go down as the worst year for reliability, with a high number of complaints about excessive engine oil consumption on carcomplaints.com.
Is a used Toyota Corolla a good deal?
A used Toyota Corolla is a great deal if you’re looking for a car that’s easy to drive, affordable to own, and unlikely to let you down. If you’re after a car that’s thrilling to drive or hugely desirable, you should probably look elsewhere, but in every other respect, the Corolla is a very sensible choice.
Toyota Corolla Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Likely to be very reliable
- Most models have low running costs
- Comfortable and easy to drive
Cons:
- Some versions are very bland
- Limited choice of engines for many versions
- Interiors are basic in older models
Toyota Corolla Generations
12th Generation (2018-present)
The latest Toyota Corolla shows Toyota on good form, offering a much wider model range than its predecessor and a degree of style and desirability that recent Corolla models have lacked. It’s a sharp-looking car, whether you choose the four-door Corolla sedan or five-door Corolla hatchback, with distinctive arrow-shaped headlamps, balanced proportions, and sculpted sides. Introduced in 2018, this 12th-generation Corolla brings a few innovations, including high-tech safety features. There’s also a thoroughly convincing high-performance model in the shape of the GR Corolla.
It’s the more prosaic Corolla models that are the big sellers, of course, and with this generation, there are a lot of variations to choose from. Corolla sedan and Corolla hatchback body styles are available, with the sedan offering the lowest entry price and the hatchback available only in sportier trim levels. The Corolla Hybrid is available only as a sedan, while the GR Corolla is only available as a hatchback. Front-wheel drive is standard for most versions, but the sedan and hybrid models are also available with all-wheel drive.
All brand-new (non-hybrid and GR) Corolla models have a 2.0-liter engine, but a 1.8-liter engine was previously available in the sedan. Fuel economy is a highlight, with all versions giving at least 30 mpg EPA combined. The Corolla Hybrid combines a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and has a CVT automatic transmission, while fuel economy is rated at about 50 mpg EPA combined, varying slightly according to trim and model year. The GR Corolla is a much-modified hot hatchback with all-wheel drive. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.6-litre, three-cylinder engine, pushing out 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual has been standard since launch but an eight-speed automatic transmission became an option in 2024.
Trim levels – which vary according to body style and have changed over time – include L, LE, SE, SXE, XLE, XSE, Nightshade, and Apex. Current trim levels for the GR Corolla are Core, Premium and Circuit Edition. All are well equipped and, from the start, the entry-level sedan has featured LED headlights/tail lights, a reversing camera, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, a seven-inch touchscreen and voice recognition as standard. A facelift for all Corollas for the 2023 model year included fresh bumper designs and a number of spec upgrades, including a new eight-inch touchscreen display and the inclusion of climate control and a multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support for all models. All but the entry-level sedan now come with remote keyless entry and a smart key system with push button start as standard. A blind spot monitor is standard on top-spec models but optional for others.
The latest Corolla feels like a well-engineered car and all the data so far suggests it's built to last. In the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, the Corolla was the top-rated compact car and Toyota as a brand was second only to Lexus overall. Similarly, the 2023 Consumer Reports Annual Auto Survey named Lexus and then Toyota as the top brands for reliability, with the Corolla ranked in the top 10 most reliable models.
The Toyota Corolla is prized for its longevity and holds its value well. Prices for the latest model start at about $13,000, but we’d argue it’s worth spending a bit more to get a lower-mileage, higher-spec example. Prices for a used GR Corolla aren’t far off the MSRP, starting at about $33,000.
11th Generation (2013-2018)
The 11th-generation Toyota Corolla continued where the previous model left off, with a fairly slim model range and a four-door sedan being the only body style. Lots of features were available (with more added over time) but, on the whole, this is a car designed to be affordable and painless to own, rather than wowing you with its design or spec.
Although it looks similar to its predecessor, the 11th-generation Corolla is slightly lower and wider and notably longer, with an increase of nearly four inches in both length and wheelbase. Despite that, a more aerodynamic shape and updated engines give improved fuel efficiency, with all versions returning more than 30 mpg combined, according to EPA figures. Every model has front-wheel drive and a four-cylinder 1.8-liter engine, and transmission options over the car’s lifespan included a six-speed manual, a four-speed automatic, and a CVT transmission branded as CVTi-S.
The increased dimensions make this Corolla much more spacious inside. The interior has a more stylish, upscale look than its predecessor, too, even if the design isn’t as appealing as you’ll find in some rivals. Ease-of-use is hard to fault, though – all of the controls and displays are clear and functional.
Standard features are pretty good and improved over time – the earliest, most basic versions have air conditioning, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth and eight airbags, while the newest, top-of-the-range models include a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and SiriusXM radio. Trim levels available over the model’s run include L, LE, LE Eco, SE, SXE, and XLE. An update for the 2017 model brought cosmetic changes, including new-look LED headlights, sleeker front and rear designs, and upgraded materials inside. Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) technology also became standard; this range of driver assistance features includes Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist and dynamic radar cruise control. At this time, Toyota also discontinued Scion, its “youth brand”, and the Scion iM – a five-door hatchback – was renamed the Toyota Corolla iM. It’s closely related to the Corolla sedan, but classed as a different model.
The Toyota Corolla of this era generally upholds the brand’s reputation for reliability. In the J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, the Corolla was placed second in the compact category and Toyota as a brand finished third overall. Data from carcomplaints shows 2014 was something of a hotspot for complaints, but many related to infotainment or audio issues rather than major mechanical traumas.
Thanks to its strong reputation for reliability, you’re likely to pay a bit more for a used Corolla of this era than you would for some rivals. Budget for at least $9,500 if you want one that hasn’t covered huge mileage.
10th Generation (2008-2013)
Toyota kept things pretty simple for the 10th-generation Toyota Corolla – it’s available as a front-wheel-drive sedan only, with a choice of four-cylinder engines with a 1.8-liter or 2.0-liter capacity. Available transmissions were a five-speed manual or four-speed auto. Fuel economy for all versions is in the region of 30 mpg. Compared with its predecessor, this Corolla is a fraction larger, with a (slightly) more dynamic exterior design that has echoes of the larger Camry. If you’re looking for a sporty drive, the Mazda 3 or the Honda Civic of the time are better options, but the 2018-2013 Corolla is a comfortable, quiet, and easygoing ride.
Corolla trim levels of this era include base, S, LE, XLE, and XRS. Entry-level base trim models have a fairly rudimentary level of equipment but do come with air conditioning and front, side, and curtain airbags as standard. Higher-spec trim levels include alloy wheels, cruise control, and stability control, although these were available as part of option packs for other models. Stability control became standard for all models from the 2010 model year, while a facelift for the 2011 model year brought design changes including a new front grille and equipment upgrades.
In general, the Toyota Corolla of this era upholds the model’s reputation for excellent reliability. In most years of the J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, it’s a recommendation in the compact category and Toyota as a brand sits near the top of the pile. While the 2009 Corolla has the most complaints for a single year on carcomplaints.com, with excessive engine oil consumption the biggest issue, the overall number is still comparatively low given the number of Corollas sold.
While it’s a good sign of this Corolla’s longevity that you can find plenty of examples with 200,000+ on the odometer for less than $4,000, it’s wiser to spend about double that for one that’s covered 80,000 miles or less and is fit to rack up the miles.
Ninth Generation (2002-2008)
The Toyota Corolla that was introduced in 2002 felt like a big step forward compared with the previous model – more substantial, better to drive and with a more modern feel throughout, it was genuinely a car for the new millennium.
On paper, the basic spec was carried over from the previous car – a four-door sedan with a 1.8-liter engine – but the new Corolla was significantly larger than its predecessor. More than four inches longer and three inches taller, in fact, and with an extra five inches in its wheelbase – all helping to give it both a more solid feel on the road and extra interior space. Power for the 1.8-liter engine was up by five horsepower to 130 horsepower (although later models had 126 horsepower), with a choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
In all, this Corolla has a more upscale look and feel than the car it replaced and that’s reflected in the equipment. From the outset even the entry-level CE trim level came with air-conditioning and electric door mirror adjustment as standard. An update for the 2005 model year added the option of stability control for some models and curtain airbags for all models. It also introduced the sporty-looking Corolla XRS model, which had a bodykit, a rear spoiler, and alloy wheels as standard, as well as a 164 horsepower version of the 1.8-liter engine and a six-speed manual transmission. Other Corolla trim levels available across the model’s production run included CE, S, LE, and XLE.
As with most Corollas, this version is generally solid and dependable, but there are problems to be aware of. The number of issues raised by customers on carcomplaints.com is low, given the number of Corollas sold, but transmission problems and peeling paint are common complaints.
Finding a Corolla of this age that’s in good shape can be a challenge, because they tend to be used as workhorses and can rack up mega mileages. If you want one with less than 100,000 miles on the odometer, you’ll need to pay upwards of $6,000, while $9,000-$10,000 should get you a really good one.
Eighth Generation (1997-2002)
The eight-generation Toyota Corolla was pretty much business as usual. A single body style – four-door sedan – was offered, and the only drivetrain was a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive and either a five-speed manual or three- or a four-speed automatic. A limited range of trim levels was available, including (in ascending order of standard equipment) VE, CE, S, and LE.
Compared with its predecessor, this version of the Corolla had very similar external dimensions and the same wheelbase, so it didn’t offer a great improvement in practicality. The new 1.8-liter engine offered more power and better mpg, however, and new features that were available, including a CD player and side airbags. Equipment levels look pretty meager by today’s standards, but by the end of the model run, you could specify air-conditioning, alloy wheels, and side airbags as options.
Although known as a generally reliable car, Corollas of this era are now around a quarter of a century old, so their service and maintenance history is all-important. Excessive oil consumption is a known issue for the 1.8 engine and you’ll do well to find a Corolla of this era that doesn’t have a few rattles, while many suffer from cloudy headlight lenses.
The eighth-generation Toyota Corolla is unlikely to become collectable, so paying big money for a really low-mileage example doesn’t make much financial sense. A sub-100,000-mile example will cost about $4,000-$5,000, and you can pay a lot less for one with big mileage but may still give good service for a while.
Seventh Generation (1992-1997)
The seventh-generation Toyota Corolla was a familiar sight in the 1990s. Introduced in 1992 for the 1993 model year it was, like most Corolla models, a big seller. Slightly larger in every direction than its predecessor, this Corolla also had a curvier, chunkier look partly inspired by the design of the luxury sedans produced by Lexus – Toyota’s then-nascent premium brand.
A slightly slimmed-down model range featured four-door sedan or five-door wagon body styles. Engine choices were a 1.6 or a 1.8, with fuel economy ranging from about 26 mpg to 33 mpg. Manual or automatic transmissions were available, and all versions were front-wheel drive. Base trim really was quite basic – you get more features with mid-spec models, which had DX badging. Top-of-the-line cars wore an LE badge, while Classic Edition (CE) models were available later in the model run.
The 1992-1997 Toyota Corolla helped to cement Toyota’s reputation for reliability, with some people naming it one of the most reliable cars ever. Things do go wrong, of course, and as with any car of this age, its longevity and the cost to maintain it will be largely down to the way it’s been looked after over the years.
Prices for this Corolla model vary widely. You can find a well-used example for a couple of thousand dollars, but you can pay more than double that for a good one, even if it has a lot of miles on the clock.
Sixth Generation (1987-1992)
The sixth-generation Toyota Corolla introduced for the 1988 model year was the first one not to offer rear-wheel drive, with only front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive versions available. There was slightly less choice overall, with no hatchback version for the US, but you could still choose from sedan, coupe, or wagon (pictured) body styles.
All versions have a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine, with power outputs ranging from 95 horsepower to 115 horsepower, depending on spec and age. Available trim levels include DX, LE, SR5, GT-S, and FX.
The earliest Corollas of this generation are now nearly forty years old, so those that remain are likely to have been well looked after over the years. They’re comparatively simple in mechanical terms, so repairs could be straightforward, as long as parts are available.
Any Corolla of this era that’s survived this long is likely to be in pretty good shape and verging on collectible status, so don’t expect to find one for bargain-basement prices. You might find a tatty example for less, but one in good condition will cost at least $5,000.
Fifth Generation (1983-1988)
The fifth-generation Toyota Corolla, introduced in 1983 for the 1984 model year, continued to offer remarkable variety for buyers – there were sedan, hatchback, coupe or wagon body styles and both front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive derivatives. You couldn’t mix and match, though – the sedan and hatchback models were front-wheel drive and the wagon and coupe models were rear-wheel drive. The Sport Coupe version, widely known as the AE86, has a cult following for its sharp looks and finely balanced rear-wheel drive handling.
Compared with more recent Corolla models, the 1983-1988 Corolla is small and not especially roomy inside, although the wagon version does have a large boot. Its diminutive nature gives it a fairly agile feel, though, and pairs with a reasonably fuel-efficient engine to give decent mpg. A 1.8-liter diesel was offered, but most Corollas of this era have a 1.6-litre gasoline engine producing between 71 and 112 horsepower.
Corollas of this era have a good reputation for reliability, but rust – or simply old age – have caused number to dwindle. Those you can find are likely to have been meticulously maintained or restored, and any repairs could depend on the accessibility and availability of replacement parts.
Any fifth-generation Corolla that’s still around is likely to be sold as a classic car, and priced to match. You might find a dog-eared one for a couple of thousand dollars, but you’re more likely to pay more. Much, much more in the case of an AE86, which is a highly collectible car.
Fourth Generation (1979-1983)
The fourth-generation Toyota Corolla rolled into the US in 1979 with a similarly large variety of models as its predecessor. You could have a saloon with two or four doors, a two-door “hardtop” coupe, a three-door “fastback” coupe, a three-door “liftback” coupe or a five-door wagon. All were rear-wheel drive, while the engine options were a 1.6-liter or a 1.8-litre four-cylinder. This was the first Corolla to feature power steering, which was introduced in 1981.
More sophisticated suspension and uprated brakes made this Corolla a better drive, while the interior was quite cutting-edge for its time, with all the instruments contained in a single display and an angular, rectangle-themed design throughout. Trim levels comprised Standard, DX, DLX, E5, and SR5.
There’s not a lot of accurate reliability data for Corollas of this age. They do have a reputation for being durable and easy to maintain, but rust is an issue. As a result, there aren’t many left and remaining examples in good condition are now regarded as classics and priced accordingly. A good one will fetch five figures, with the more stylish two- or three-door versions commanding a premium.
Third Generation (1974-1981)
The third-generation Toyota Corolla, introduced in 1974, was the first to sell in huge numbers in the US. Its popularity was boosted not only by the fact that it used relatively fuel-efficient engines – a real consideration due to the ongoing impact of the 1973 oil crisis – but also by the increase in the variety of available models. As well as two-door or four-door sedan and five-door wagon versions, you could buy a two-door coupe or a three-door “liftback” coupe. The liftback was an especially stylish addition – essentially a sleek, “shooting brake”-style coupe wagon.
The four-cylinder engines were geared more for fuel economy than performance and comprised 1.2-, 1.3- or 1.6-liter units with power ranging from 55 horsepower to 75 horsepower. All versions were rear-wheel drive. The interior is dated by today’s standards, and rather cramped, while standard equipment is pretty much what you expect of the time. Highlights from the 1976 model year brochure, for example, include “knitted vinyl seats” and, for Deluxe models, a “three-spoke woodgrain steering wheel”.
Toyota Corollas of this age aren’t that common, so reliability data is scant. It’s safe to say that – like every Corolla – they were built to last, but good maintenance over the years is crucial to their survival. Some of those that are left will have been modified for a sportier look and feel, while the rest – if they’re in good shape – will be marketed as classics. Prices vary greatly depending on history and condition, but you’re likely to need $10,000 or more for a car that runs well and looks good.
Second Generation (1970-1974)
The new Toyota Corolla for 1970 might be a small car by today’s standards, but it’s slightly larger than the first-generation model. Continuing to offer a good degree of choice, there were two-door or four-door sedan models, a two-door coupe, and three-door or five-door wagon variants.
As before, all models had rear-wheel drive and a four-cylinder engine – this time round there was a choice of a 1.2-liter or a 1.6-liter. Most versions had a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission, but sportier versions were available with a five-speed manual. Firsts for the Corolla included an AM/FM radio and air-conditioning. Available trim levels included Standard, Deluxe, Hi-Deluxe, SL and SR.
It’s very difficult to predict the reliability of a Toyota Corolla of this era because, with this many years under its belt, the health of an individual car will depend on how it’s been looked after. It’s an inherently simple, solid car but, with at least fifty years of service, it won’t be showroom-fresh.
Prices are similarly hard to nail down, because a Toyota Corolla of this age will be sold as a classic car, and the price will vary according to its condition and provenance. You’re certainly unlikely to find a good one for less than $5,000, though, and you’ll pay much more for one that’s been very well cared for or restored.
First Generation (1968-1970)
By the time the first-generation Toyota Corolla was already well on the way to becoming the top-selling vehicle in its home market of Japan when it was introduced to the US in 1968. Toyota’s hopes that it would become similarly popular in other markets proved well founded, as we’ve already mentioned. The things that have made the Corolla such a success over the past fifty-plus years were there from the start, with the same focus on robustness, functionality, and low running costs as its successors.
Power for the first-generation model came from a 1.1-liter or 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a four-speed manual or a two-speed automatic transmission. All models were rear-wheel drive. Body styles were a two-door or a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe or three-door wagon. While the interior was fairly basic the Corolla offered sporty “bucket”-style front seats and a comparatively high roofline to give plenty of headroom.
Not many Toyota Corollas of this era survive – those that are still around are likely to have been scrupulously maintained or restored because, as with most cars of this age, they do rust. If you can find one for sale its historic significance means that its price may well run into five figures if it’s in decent shape. Alternatively, it’s possible it may have been modified, but either way it’ll be a collectible, so it won’t be cheap.
