Toyota Corolla (E120)

The Toyota Corolla (E120/E130) is the ninth generation of compact cars sold by Toyota under the Corolla nameplate. In Japan, this series arrived to the market in August 2000; however, exports were typically not achieved until 2001 and 2002 depending on the market.
The sedan and station wagon arrived first in August 2000, followed by the five-door hatchback in January 2001, and the Europe-only three-door hatchback in 2002. Toyota supplemented the original styling with an edgier, hatchback-only styling treatment from 2002. Sedans and wagons sold in Japan adopted a new front-end design in 2004, although this version did not typically reach export markets. In other Asian markets and the Americas, the ninth generation Corolla (sedan and wagon only) had unique front and rear styling treatments with mild updates over the model's production run.
The E120/E130 model offered a longer 2,600 mm (102.4 in) wheelbase. It is built on a shortened V50 series Vista platform. From being marketed as a premium compact sedan, to an affordable hatchback, the ninth generation Corolla was designed as a "global" automobile to suit different market needs. This was one of Toyota's most versatile and most popular models ever produced.
The E120/E130 series Corolla has also spawned another separate hatchback model called the Matrix, sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico, which forms the basis of the Pontiac Vibe, which was in turn sold in Japan as the Voltz.
The E120 series was replaced by the E140 or E150 series in late 2006 or early 2007 but the E120 continued to be produced in China until 2017.
The E120 Corolla won the What Car? magazine's "Car of the Year" award for 2002.
For the Japanese market, trim levels for the Corolla Sedan were X Assista Package (Base), X, G and Luxel. In 2003, 1.5-litre 4WD sedans were made available in the Japanese market.
The station wagon model is called the Corolla Fielder in Japan and the five-door hatchback is called the Corolla RunX, launched in 2001. The Toyota Allex is a five-door hatchback that replaced the Sprinter sedan, a badge engineered version of the Corolla RunX. The Allex was exclusive to Toyota Netz Store locations, while the Corolla RunX was exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store locations.
JDM Corolla RunX trim levels are: RunX X (1500 cc 1NZ-FE engine), RunX S (1800 cc 1ZZ-FE engine) and RunX Z as well as RunX Z Aero (1800 cc 2ZZ-GE engine).
The first two of three JDM Allex trim levels were not differentiated with a visual badge, but offered similar packages to the RunX with the base model featuring the 1500 cc 1NZ-FE engine, the middle range featuring the 1800 cc 1ZZ-FE engine and the Allex RS180 featuring the 1800 cc 2ZZ-GE engine. Allex models offered a different colour range and had minor styling differences to the RunX, such examples include the plastic trim above the license plate area being chrome as opposed to body colour like on the RunX. Interior cloth patterns also differed from the RunX.
The Corolla Spacio (Verso in Europe) moved on to the new platform, with later models adding a third row of fold-down seating in the back. The Corolla sedan sold in Japan also differed slightly as compared to the other markets with a slightly different headlamp and tail lamp design.
The E120 Corolla sold in Australia was available as a sedan, wagon and five-door hatchback (Seca), sales began in December 2001. Trim levels offered were the Ascent, Ascent Sport, Conquest, Levin and Ultima. A small number of models were built in South Africa, with the high-performance Sportivo (hatchback only) built exclusively in South Africa. South African-built Corollas have a vehicle identification number starting with A; Japanese-made examples have a VIN starting with J. The Sportivo was powered by the 2ZZ-GE engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, while the other models had the 1ZZ-FE. Minor changes in 2004 included the grille and replacing the headlights with a "tear drop" type. The Sportivo was discontinued in Australia from 2006 due to the prohibitive costs involved in modifying the engine to comply with Euro IV emissions.
All the other models had their engine power and torque reduced with October 2005 production from 100 to 93 kW (134 to 125 hp) and from 171 to 161 N⋅m (126 to 119 lb⋅ft) to comply with Euro IV. From May 2006, the Ascent and Ascent Sport models were upgraded with standard front power windows and passenger airbag, while the Conquest models had ABS as standard. The equipment upgrades were not applied to the wagon, which ceased production in August 2006.
In New Zealand, the Corolla hatch was offered in three trim levels: GL, GLX & T Sport. The GL proved most popular and differed from the GLX only by a lack of woodgrain trim, rear electric windows, passenger airbag and alloy wheels. GLX models mostly featured tan coloured interior with woodgrain trim, front fog lights and alloy wheels as standard. The T Sport model offered a sportier look with spoiler, side skirts, front fog lights and 15-inch alloy wheels as standard. All models had the 1.8-litre 1ZZ-FE, offered either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual and had manual A/C as standard. The Corolla sedan was offered only in the GL and GLX trim level, whilst the station wagon offered in the GL trim only.
For the European market, the Corolla was offered in 3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, sedan or saloon, and wagon or Kombi / Estate forms. The high-performance Corolla T-Sport with 1.8-litre 2ZZ-GE engine was available in certain countries.
European/Israeli/Moroccan market engines:
An upmarket version of the ninth generation Corolla, dubbed the Corolla Altis, is manufactured and sold in countries such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. It debuted in March 2001 as a bigger and more luxurious variant of the Japanese Corolla, featuring unique interior and exterior panels that separates it from the basic Corolla. The Corolla Altis is targeted at consumers who prefer more comfort than the standard Corolla but do not wish to buy the more luxurious Camry. Two versions of engines are available: the 81 kW (110 bhp), 1.6 L 3ZZ-FE engine and the 100 kW (134 bhp), 1.8 L 1ZZ-FE engine, both with VVT-i technology.
In October 2003, the Corolla Altis received its first facelift. Changes include a new grille design, a sleeker front bumper, redesigned fog lamps, new LED tail lights, different alloy wheels and minor interior updates (auto climate control became a standard feature in lower end variants). Two years later, to keep up with its newer competitors, the Corolla Altis received its second facelift. Exterior changes include another redesigned grille, redesigned chrome rear license plate ornament, a new third LED brake light, and new audio switches on the steering wheel.
The Corolla Altis was introduced in Thailand on 16 May 2001 making it the first country in Southeast Asia to get this model. It is offered a total of three grades (J, E and G), paired with either 1.6-litre 3ZZ-FE and 1.8-litre 1ZZ-FE engine that is standard with Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i). The J grade was marketed simply as Corolla, while the E and G grades were marketed as Corolla Altis. The 1.8S grade was added in June 2002, the specs are the same with the 1.8G grade but it is added with rear spoiler and side skirts. In January 2003, a low end variant of the Corolla and Corolla Altis is also branded as the Toyota Limo, featuring lower spec and intended for taxi businesses in Thailand. Unlike the two aforementioned models, it is powered with the 1.6-litre DOHC non-VVTi 4A-FE engine paired with either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Due to being the commercial grade of the Corolla lineup, it doesn't have any power features except for steering, but it has 3-spoke PVC steering wheel, single-din AM/FM stereo with mechanical-operated cassette player, manual dial-type airconditioning system, gray Vinyl seats, 14-inch steel wheels, and doesn't includes tachometer and ABS (Anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) unlike on the regular Corolla and Corolla Altis models. It is not to be confused with the low end taxi version of the Toyota Vios which is also called Toyota Limo in Indonesia.
Marketed as Corolla:
Marketed as Corolla Altis:
The facelifted Corolla Altis was revealed for the first time on 19 November 2003. It received a new grille design, a sleeker front bumper, redesigned fog lamps, new LED tail lights, different alloy wheels and minor interior updates. The trims remained the same as the pre-facelift model, but the ABS with EBD function were removed for the 1.6J and 1.6E grades, the 1.6E Plus grade was rebranded as the 1.6G grade in August 2005. More than One year after its release, the taxi-oriented Limo gets the pre-facelift Altis grille design in July 2004, the features remained the same as the pre-facelift model and it is still powered by the 1.6-litre 4A-FE engine still paired either with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Marketed as Corolla:
Marketed as Corolla Altis:
The Corolla Altis was facelifted for the second time in June 2006, Exterior changes include another redesigned grille, redesigned chrome rear license plate ornament, a new third LED brake light, new optitron instrument cluster design for higher grades and new audio switches on the steering wheel. The trims remained the same as the first facelift model, but the 1.8S grade gained with Touchscreen head unit with AM/FM/CD/AUX functionality with capability of playing DVDs. Meanwhile, the ABS with EBD safety feature was added back to the 1.6E grade and the 1.6J Plus was removed from the lineup. The taxi-only Limo gets the first facelift Altis grille design in October 2006, it gained some features such as power windows, door locks, single-din AM/FM radio with CD player and 14-inch alloy rims that is similar to the Corolla 1.6J model from 2001. It is now powered by the 1.6 3ZZ-FE engine paired with either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission similar to the Regular Corolla and Corolla Altis models.
Marketed as Corolla:
Marketed as Corolla Altis:
In Malaysia, the Corolla Altis was introduced in July 2001. Notably in Malaysia the models sold had tail lights that are identical to the models that are sold outside of Asia and Southeast Asia. It features three-round insets for the tail lamps instead of the standard single round inset used in other Asian markets. These were later replaced with the standard single round insets from 2004. Both the 1.6 L and 1.8 L models were sold in Malaysia. A new aerokit and new wing mirrors with signal indicators (similar to the 2007 Camry) is available as an optional package in Malaysia.
In the Philippines, the Corolla Altis was launched in September 2001 and it came in four trim levels: 1.6 J, 1.6 E, 1.6 G and the highest-spec 1.8 G. The first two comes in both 5-speed manual transmission and 4-speed automatic transmission, while the latter two comes only in 4-speed automatic transmission. It has improved features and more premium amenities compared to its predecessor.
The facelifted Corolla Altis was introduced in December 2003 and it came in five trims: the base-grade 1.6 J which is paired with 5-speed manual transmission, 1.6 E which are paired with both 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions, 1.8 E, and the top-spec 1.8 G which are only paired with 4-speed automatic transmission. It has added some features such as 8-way power adjustment seats, power retractable side mirrors, etc.
In January 2006, a 1.6 S trim was added to the lineup. Based on the base J trim, it came with extras such as the body kits, front fog lamps, mesh-type grille, 15-inch S-type alloy wheels, 2-DIN audio system with MP3, leather shift knob, 4-spoke leather steering wheel and leather seats and door trims.
In Singapore, Toyota's exclusive authorised dealer Borneo Motors originally sold the Japanese version of the Corolla in 1.5L (LX, XLi) and 1.6L (LX). The facelift Japanese Corolla was launched in September 2003, featuring dual headlamp lamp clusters, updated tail lamp design and front bumper and chrome horizontal grille. It was later replaced with the Corolla Altis in August 2004 with 1.6L and 1.8L variants in automatic transmissions only. The 1.8L model offered optitron display for the speedometer clusters, rain sensors and a zig-zag automatic gearshift layout and some 1.8 model batches included a full bodykit as standard. In late 2007, the Corolla Altis was offered in a limited run where the 1.6 models featured interior silver panel trims, and updated double-din head unit, 15” double-spoke rims, honeycomb grille (adapted from the Corolla S) and body kit with a boot-lid spoiler with a special Limited Edition sticker at the boot.
With large numbers sold and production lasting for seven years—longer than most other Corolla generations—the E120 Corolla Altis is among the all-time most popular Corollas in Asia.
ASEAN engines:
The ninth generation Corolla was sold in China as the Corolla EX through FAW Toyota, which started production in February 2004 and continued to be sold alongside the newer tenth-generation Corolla in its later years. It was also known as the 花冠 (Hua Guan) which is a direct translation of 'Corolla' (crown of the flower) in Mandarin Chinese. Three trim levels were available, namely Value, Excellence & Elegance. The Excellence and Elegance editions were offered with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox while the Value edition was only available in manual transmission. The Corolla EX was originally powered by a 1.6 L 3ZZ-FE VVT-i engine upon introduction, which produces 81 kW (109 hp). The later versions were powered by a 1.6 L 1ZR-FE dual VVT-i engine producing 91 kW (122 hp) or the 1.6 L 4ZR-FE dual VVT-i engine producing 87 kW (117 hp). Various facelifts occurred between 2010 and 2013. Production ended on 17 February 2017 after a 13-year run.
An electric variant of the Corolla EX was produced and was called the Ranz E50 EV by the automotive marque Ranz, which was owned by Sichuan FAW Toyota Motor. Production for the Ranz E50 EV commenced in April 2015.
The North American Corolla was designed to be larger than the Japanese Corolla, and was based on the Corolla Altis distributed in Southeast Asia. It came to the United States in January 2002 for the 2003 model year, following its unveiling at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in January.
The 1998 E120 design proposal by Masao Saito's had been frozen for production in early 1999, with patents filed on 22 July 1999 at the Japan Patent Office under patent number 1120997.
Trim levels offered were CE, LE, and S, continuing from the previous generation. Production for the ninth-generation Corolla ended in December 2007, with the tenth-generation Corolla introduced in January 2008 as a 2009 model. The Corolla carried over the 1ZZ-FE of the previous generation, with a plastic intake manifold. Power output was increased to 130 hp. The Corolla grew in height from the previous generation, and used larger 15-inch wheels, resulting in increased size and weight compared to the previous generation. The S trim level featured sportier front and rear bumpers and side skirts, but maintained side skirts and fog lights like the previous model.
Official Toyota accessories available through dealerships for all ninth generation Corollas include: front-end mask, gold emblem package, mudguards, 15" flared 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, wheel locks, simulated carbon fiber dash appliqué, simulated blackwood dash appliqué, auto-dimming electrochromic rearview mirror, ashtray cup, carpeted floor mats, all-weather floor mats, cargo net, cargo mat, Cargo-Logic cargo mat by Nifty Products, cargo tote, first aid kit, Toyota VIP RS3200 remote keyless security system (CE, S), Toyota VIP RS3200 Plus security system (S, LE), and a CD autochanger (6-disc).
In 2004, for the 2005 model year, the exterior styling was refreshed with revised front bumper and grille, clear rear turn signal lenses, and updated wheel covers for the CE and LE trims. Interior differences include white on black Optitron gauges for the LE trim, a rear center headrest, and an updated radio head unit. Certain models were updated with Electronic Throttle Bodies and an Anti-Lock Braking System. The Manual transmission was dropped for the CE and LE trims, and was only available on the S.
This was the first generation of the Corolla to be available in Mexico, and was offered in 3 trim levels: the base CE, the mid-range LE and S, the latter the only trim to offer a manual transmission.
The base CE or "Classic Edition" trim came standard with manual windows and locks, but was available with optional power windows and locks. The mid-range LE or "Luxury Edition" came with blue gauge faces with dark blue numbers and orange needles. It was also fitted with mock-wood interior accents. Some models came with a 2-compartment center console and leather seats. On the exterior, the LE and above models came with colour-keyed mirrors and door guards, and blacked out B-pillars. 15-inch 6 spoke Alloy wheels were optional, as well as a rear spoiler. The S or "Sport" trim adds side skirts, front and rear ground effects, a rear spoiler, and 15-inch 6 spoke aluminium alloy wheels as standard. Some models were available with blacked out headlight housings. On the interior, the colour scheme is changed to black, with subtle chrome accents. The S trim also adds a gauge set with white numbers and red markings and needles for a sporty appearance.
North American market engines:
Shown as a concept in November 2003, a sporty XRS model (ZZE131), introduced in 2004 between the 2005 and 2006 model years only, featured the high-revving 127 kW (170 bhp) at 7,600 rpm, 172 N⋅m (127 lb⋅ft) at 4,400 rpm 2ZZ-GE engine and 6-speed manual from the Toyota Celica GT-S and Lotus Elise. The 2ZZ-GE motor was developed with collaboration from Yamaha Motor Corporation (like other wide-angle head GE, GTE, and GZE Toyota engines), and uses similar technologies found in its sibling motor the 1ZZ-FE. The XRS was very similar to its Corolla S cousin in appearance, however there are significant changes to the mechanical components. The 2ZZ-GE uses a cable throttle (unlike the electronic throttle control of the 2ZZ-GE in the later years of the Celica GT-S) with a lift set-point at 6,700 rpm and an 8,200 rpm redline. The close ratio C60 6-speed manual transmission (also found in the Toyota Matrix XRS) was the only transmission available. The sport-tuned suspension lowered the Corolla XRS by 12.7 millimetres (0.5 in). A Yamaha designed brace spans the front strut towers as well as a X-brace for the rear towers. The steering column is thicker and the power steering system is unique.
The rear drum brakes from the S (and other Corolla trims) were replaced with the drum-in-disc brakes from the Celica GT-S and the ABS system was upgraded to a four-channel with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution). Absent are Traction Control and Stability Control Systems (VSC). The Corolla XRS was given 5 spoke 16-inch painted aluminium alloy wheels (similar to the Matrix) and Michelin Pilot Primacy P195/55-R16 summer performance tires, equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The wheels are the most noticeable difference in exterior appearance from the Corolla S that features 6-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels. Other exterior differences being the key coloured grill surround (other trims have chrome), XRS badge at the back, rear discs, and a slightly lowered appearance.
The interior features a three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel from the Celica, leather shift knob, and leather shift boot from the Matrix XRS. Optitron gauges like those found in Lexus vehicles replaced the standard red-on-white gauges of the Corolla S. The interior has dark blue plastic with silver accenting and beige pillars from the bottom of the windows to the beige headliner. The dashboard is black. The front seats were replaced with manually adjustable sports seats with more side bolstering. The 4 main seats are black cloth with a blue hexagon pattern and black cloth sides. The front floor mats are from the Corolla S. Due to the rear X-brace, the rear seats do not fold 60-40 like those found in the other Corolla trims. Colour choices for the Corolla XRS were Super White II, Silver Streak Mica, Phantom Gray Pearl, Black Sand Pearl, Impulse Red Pearl, and Indigo Ink Pearl.
The Corolla XRS was on sale in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Toyota estimated to sell approximately 5,000 Corolla XRS per year. Production numbers have not been released, however it has been speculated that less than 7,000 were produced (unofficially estimated at 6,619 units). Unofficially, Toyota Canada has disclosed that 818 were sold MY (model year) 2005 and only 279 MY 2006, bringing a total of 1,097 Corolla XRS being sold in the country over the 2 model years. This limited production and minimal exterior differences resulted in the Corolla XRS being a unique sleeper hiding among the extremely common Corolla S and is the final outright performance designed model from Toyota that was targeted towards "single male buyers" before the complete switch to the Toyotas' Scion youth oriented brand.
The E140 Corolla XRS introduced for the 2009 model year as a successor used the 2.4L 2AZ-FE from the Toyota Camry and Scion tC and was available with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. While the 2009 Corolla XRS caters to a greater range of customers with the option of an automatic transmission, it is significantly slower than the previous generation and although its design intentions are similar, it is a different car from the original 2005 and 2006 Corolla XRS.
To commemorate 20 years of building Toyota Corolla in Canada, Toyota Canada offered the 20th Anniversary Edition Corolla CE for the 2008 model year, which includes power door locks with keyless entry, cruise control, power windows with driver's side auto down, special edition badging, aluminium alloy wheels and power sunroof.
In Brazil, the Corolla sedan and the Corolla Fielder wagon are built locally. It is available with the 1.6L 3ZZ-FE engine (sedan only) and the 1.8L 1ZZ-FE. The sedan is externally identical to both US and ASEAN (Altis) models, but the Fielder has different styling from the Japanese version. Starting from the 2008 model (released May 2007), the 1.8L 1ZZ-FBE engine has flexible-fuel technology. Unlike most other flexible-fuel vehicles in Brazilian market, the Corolla Flex has the same power ratings either with ethanol or petrol.
In the US, the 2003 model year Corolla scored moderately in crash tests with cumulative scores being around 7/10. However, it has been marred with an array of questionable safety concerns post launch. There were multiple lawsuits primarily due to unintended acceleration and weak subframe rigidity.
The 2003 model year Corolla was also one among the many vehicles in the centre of the Toyota Safety Controversy where the company was accused of manipulating or falsifying safety inspection results. This has led to many questioning the safety pedigree of the Corolla.
Media related to Toyota Corolla (E120) at Wikimedia Commons