Description
Since its introduction on the market in 1968, the Toyota Corolla suffered many mechanical and exterior design changes.
Offered in different body styles such as a hatchback, a coupe, a wagon and a sedan, the Corolla enjoyed great success mostly due to its reliability.
With many competitors in the segment, Toyota decided to reveal a more modern Corolla to compete with the Ford Focus, the Honda Civic and the Hyundai Elantra.
Under the hood, the Corolla was fitted with a punchy and smooth-revving 1.8-liter 4 cylinder unit that developed 125 hp. The powerplant was mated with a manual transmission, but an optional automatic 3-speed or 4-speed gearbox was available.
The 2002 model was available in three trim levels: the base CE, LE and the Sporty S.
Toyota was criticized for the lack of air-conditioning and power windows as standard features.
The upper trim level LE added a tilting steering wheel, power windows and a 60/40 split folding rear bench.
With the Sporty S trim level, the Corolla included body-colored rocker panels and door handles, fog lights, a fake leather-wrapped steering wheel and a tachometer with outside temperature display.
One of the biggest drawbacks was represented by the cramped interior, for both front and rear passengers.
With the rather bland exterior design, the Toyota Corolla was the choice of the people looking for the “run-forever” reputation.
