The Toyota Corolla, the Japanese carmaker’s line of compact and subcompact cars, is the world’s best-selling nameplate. First introduced in 1966, more than 35 million Corollas have been sold – that’s one every 40 seconds!
Corolla, which means “small crown” in Latin, follows Toyota’s tradition of utilizing the word “crown” for its primary models. Camry is an Anglicized articulation of “kanmuri,” the Japanese word for “crown” and Corona is the Latin word for “crown.”
The first Corolla to hit United States showroom floors traveled on a 90-inch wheelbase. There were four body styles: a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan and a two-door wagon. Toyota installed its 1.1-liter overhead valve, four-cylinder, 60-horspower engine longitudinally under the hood. An automatic transmission was foreign to the tiny import.
Toyota has always blessed the Corolla with terrific fuel economy, a smooth ride, a quiet interior, lively acceleration and responsive handling. Its 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine combined with a five-speed manual gearbox provides 38 miles per gallon without forfeiting power … it zips around with 132 horsepower. A five-speed automatic transmission is optional. Another option – the Corolla’s optional 2.4-liter, four-cylinder power plant – provides 158 horses.
Today’s Toyota Corolla is its 10th generation, which debuted in 2009. While no taller or longer than previous Corollas, it provides more shoulder and hip room with its wider stance. The Corolla has always been great for drivers who seek comfort, value and rock-solid dependability.
The Corolla has maintained its extraordinary reputation because Toyota has a never-ending passion to improve its most successful vehicle. Toyota gives the Corolla a facelift every two years and it becomes a completely new model every four years.
Just as there is no shortage of Corollas on the road, there are plenty of Toyota parts suppliers. All import auto parts stores are not created equal. Cheap auto parts will not keep your Corolla running efficiently, nor will you be pleased with the way it looks. It’s best to purchase foreign auto parts and car accessories from a reliable dealer like All-Import Auto Parts. They stock the best replacement car parts in the business.