The 1.1-liter engine got the ax, but Toyota decided to retain the 1.2-liter unit with some modifications. The second-gen car, also known as the E20, featured improved front suspension design for better handling, but also a slightly longer wheelbase for greater comfort. From here on out, Toyota would roll out a new generation every four years, and introduce a major facelift every two years. This would set the precedent for how the Corolla story unfolded for years to come. Toyota decided to roll out a brand-new Corolla in 1970, just four short years after the first-generation made its debut. Coming in at $1,700, it was one of the most affordable cars in its segment, but it was much better equipped and far more reliable than all of its competitors. What made the Corolla so special, however, was its selling price. North American variants came with either a 1.1-liter or a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine, making 60 and 65 horsepower respectively. Its stand-out features made it an international best-seller. The first-gen Corolla was offered in just two body styles: a 2/4 door sedan, and a 2 door wagon.
Initially, it was only offered in Japan, but it found its way over to the United States two years later, in 1968. It all started with the first-gen Corolla,codenamed E10, back in 1966. Here’s a quick look at the Corolla’s vast history and the different generations, as well as what made each of them outperform and outsell most of their rivals. Now in its twelfth generation, the new Corolla is a far cry from the original model which hit the showroom back in the mid-1960s, but it’s still got some of the essence which made the first Corolla so great. Very few cars have influenced the automotive industry as much as the Toyota Corolla has.
It’s one of the best-selling cars of all time, a car which shaped the very automotive world we live in today.
If you want an affordable, practical and economical car, chances are you’ll probably end up with a Toyota Corolla.