The Toyota Corolla 2000-2023
With over 50 million units sold globally, the Toyota Corolla is one of the best selling cars in the world. In fact, in 1974, this family hatchback was officially the most purchased car globally, after only being on the market since 1966.
Since its introduction, there have been 12 generations of the Toyota Corolla, 4 of which have been introduced since the turn of the millennium. Still a popular choice among motorists worldwide, there’s something different with every generation that continues to make the Corolla a popular choice, and not just the gorgeous paint colours on the bodywork.
Let’s take a look at the new generations since the turn of the century and how much the Toyota Corolla has changed.
A brief history of Toyota
The legacy of Toyota can be attributed to the aspirations of one man, Kiichiro Toyoda.
After a visit to Europe and the USA in 1929-1930, when car manufacturing was booming, Kiichiro had aspirations of starting an automobile company himself. He founded Toyoda Automatic Loom Works’ as a subsidiary of his father’s textile business in 1933 - the beginnings of an iconic marque.
A few years later, in 1936, Toyoda released its first car, the Toyoda AA. Both mechanically and design-wise, the AA took inspiration from popular cars in the USA. The AA looked remarkably like the Chrysler Airflow, whilst its engine was a 3.3-litre, 6-cylinder unit - also the engine design of choice in the States.
In 1937, the company needed to change its name and left the decision to its factory employees. An overwhelming majority voted for ‘Toyota’. Composed of 8 ‘lucky’ strokes when written in Japanese, it was the sole reason why ‘Toyota’ was well-received.
The Corolla since 2000
There have been 4 generations of the Corolla since the turn of the century, and each has shown continuous improvements from the last.
9th generation (2000)
The 9th generation Toyota Corolla was released in August 2000. To bring in the millennium, the Corolla started to resemble the styling to what we recognise now. It sported a range of new technology, more space inside and improved safety features.
Mechanically, the Corolla came with a range of engine options, like:
- An economical 4-cylinder engine
- 114 bhp 2.0 litre D-4D diesel engine
- A high performance engine (only available in the Corolla XRS models)
On the down side, the 9th generation Toyota Corolla didn’t come without its problems. The car was prone to:
- Evaporative emission control (EVAP)
- Premature starter failure
- Cloudy headlights
- System leaks
- Brake master cylinder failure
10th generation (2006)
For the 10th generation of the Toyota Corolla, there was a name change exclusively for Europe - the Toyota Auris. The Toyota Auris hit the UK tarmac in early 2007, with its new name now more aligned with the Toyota Yaris and Toyota Avensis models.
The Toyota Auris had certain improvements not seen before on what was called the Toyota Corolla previously.
Upgraded suspension, electronic power steering and an enhanced chassis which allowed even more room inside, the Toyota Auris wasn’t short on upgrades. There’s more too. Now available as a hybrid model, it was the first time in Toyota’s history that a full-production hybrid car was available for purchase.
11th generation (2012)
Returning in 2012 with its original model name, this generation of Toyota Corolla upheld its reputation for dependability, exceptional build quality and efficiency. Smaller than the previous model and available with a 1.3, 1.5 or 1.8 litre 4-cylinder engine, this Corolla was nippier than its predecessor too.
Again, hybrid versions were available in the eleventh generation format. The hybrid Corolla came with a 1.5 litre hybrid system that wasn’t too dissimilar from the one used in the Toyota Prius.
After a 2017 facelift, the 11th generation Toyota Corolla was now a sleek and refined car, and it had many more features too. By the end of its run in 2018, the eleventh generation comprised of:
- A streamlined body shape along with an updated front grille
- LED headlights
- Rear view camera
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Autonomous emergency braking systems
- Bluetooth connectivity, touch screen console, AUX and USB inputs
12th generation (2018)
The most recent Corolla is as reliable as ever, however not much has changed since the 11th generation. A few tweaks here and there, you might say, like improved battery technology and a small drop in weight, which have both improved performance overall.
Like many small hatchback manufactures, Toyota has turned its hand to transform its own everyday hatch back into an adrenaline-pumping hot hatch - the Toyota Corolla GR. Inspired by the World Rally Championship, it comes with a triple exhaust that delivers the baritone rumbles of the 300bhp, 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo-charged engine.
Not only that but there’s more to this car that’s sure to be music to every petrol head’s ears:
- High performance brakes
- GR circuit-tuned suspension
- 18 inch alloy wheels
- Rear spoiler
- 4-wheel drive
- 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds
Toyota Corolla paint colours
The Toyota Corolla is available in 9 paint colours including:
- Scarlet Flare
- Juniper Blue
- Decuma Grey
- Eclipse Black
Other colours are available in the Toyota range. For example, the Toyota Yaris comes in:
- Platinum White
- Galactic Blue
- Titan Bronze
- Pure White
Toyota Corolla car touch up paint
Car paint for the Corolla (or any other model of Toyota) is available in all the colours listed above, plus any manufacturer discontinued paint colours or limited editions.
PaintNuts can mix all these colours for colour match touch up car paint, available as a high precision car touch up pen, bottle and brush or car spray paint/aerosol. Just look up your colour code using your car reg, and off you go.