Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla
Twelfth generation model (2020, hatchback)
Overview
ManufacturerToyota
Also called
  • Toyota Sprinter (Japan, 1968–2000)
  • Toyota Allex (Japan, 2001–2006)
  • Toyota Auris (Japan and Europe, 2006–2018; Taiwan, 2018–2020)
  • Toyota Levin (China, 2014–present)
  • Toyota Allion (China, 2021–present)
  • Toyota Conquest/Tazz/Carri (South Africa, 1988–2006)
  • Daihatsu Charmant (1974–1987)
  • Holden Nova (Australia, 1989–1996)
  • Suzuki Swace (Europe, 2020–present)
ProductionNovember 1966 – present
Body and chassis
Class
Chronology
PredecessorToyota Publica

The Toyota Corolla (Japanese: トヨタ・カローラ, Hepburn: Toyota Karōra) is a series of compact cars (formerly subcompact) manufactured and marketed globally by the Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. Introduced in 1966, the Corolla was the best-selling car worldwide by 1974 and has been one of the best-selling cars in the world since then. In 1997, the Corolla became the best-selling nameplate in the world, surpassing the Volkswagen Beetle.[1] Toyota reached the milestone of 50 million Corollas sold over twelve generations in 2021.[2]

The name Corolla is part of Toyota's naming tradition of using names derived from the Toyota Crown for sedans, with "corolla" Latin for "small crown".[3] The Corolla has always been exclusive in Japan to Toyota Corolla Store locations, and manufactured in Japan with a twin, called the Toyota Sprinter until 2000. From 2006 to 2018 in Japan and much of the world, and from 2018 to 2020 in Taiwan, the hatchback companion had been called the Toyota Auris.

Early models were mostly rear-wheel drive, while later models have been front-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive versions have also been produced, and it has undergone several major redesigns. The Corolla's traditional competitors have been the Nissan Sunny, introduced the same year as the Corolla in Japan and the later Nissan Sentra, Subaru Leone, Honda Civic and Mitsubishi Lancer. The Corolla's chassis designation code is "E", as described in Toyota's chassis and engine codes.

  1. ^ "History of the Corolla". USA: Toyota. Archived from the original on 20 June 2006. Retrieved 20 March 2013.
  2. ^ "A Quick Look Back on the Corolla's 55-Year History with Over 50 Million Customers". Toyota Times. 13 August 2021. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  3. ^ Mondale, Walter; Weston, Mark (2002). Giants of Japan: The Lives of Japan's Most Influential Men and Women. New York City: Kodansha America. p. 63. ISBN 1-56836-324-9. Archived from the original on 9 June 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2016. Since then many Toyota models have taken up the 'Crown' theme. 'Corona,' for example, is Latin for crown. 'Corolla' is Latin for small crown.