How Toyota Corolla Became the World’s Best-Selling Car

The Toyota Corolla is a name that every car lover knows and respects. It is the world’s best-selling car, with over 44 million units sold since its debut in 1966. But how did this humble compact car achieve such a remarkable feat? What are the secrets behind its success and popularity? In this article, we will take you on a journey through the history and evolution of the Toyota Corolla, and show you why it is the world’s favorite car.

The Birth of the Corolla: Simplicity, Durability and Economy

The Corolla was born in 1966, when Toyota was looking for a new car to compete in the growing subcompact segment. Japan was experiencing rapid economic growth and urbanization, and there was a high demand for affordable and practical cars that could fit in narrow streets and parking spaces. Toyota’s chief engineer, Tatsuo Hasegawa, was tasked with creating a car that would meet these needs, as well as appeal to global customers.

Hasegawa and his team designed the Corolla with three main concepts in mind:

• Simplicity: They wanted to make a car that was easy to drive, easy to maintain and easy to own.
• Durability: They wanted to make a car that was reliable, sturdy and long-lasting.
• Economy: They wanted to make a car that was fuel-efficient, cost-effective and value-for-money.

They also wanted to make a car that was fun to drive, with a sporty and stylish appearance. The name Corolla, which means “small crown” in Latin, was chosen to reflect Toyota’s tradition of naming its cars after royal symbols, such as the Crown and the Corona.

The first-generation Corolla (E10) debuted in November 1966, with a starting price of 432,000 yen (about $1,200 at that time). It had a 1.1-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 60 horsepower, a four-speed manual transmission, a front-engine rear-wheel drive layout, and a MacPherson strut suspension. It also had some innovative features for its class, such as a floor-mounted gear shifter, bucket seats, a radio, a heater and a cigarette lighter. The Corolla was well-received by customers for its performance, comfort and quality. It quickly became the best-selling car in Japan, surpassing its main rival, the Nissan Sunny.

The Global Expansion of the Corolla: Adaptability, Versatility and Diversity

The Corolla was not only successful in Japan, but also in overseas markets. In 1966, Toyota began exporting the Corolla to Australia, marking the start of its global expansion. In 1968, Toyota entered the US market with the Corolla, which was one of the first Japanese cars to gain popularity among American consumers. The Corolla offered better fuel efficiency, reliability and value than its American competitors, such as the Ford Pinto and the Chevrolet Vega. The Corolla also benefited from Toyota’s reputation for customer service and quality control. By 1970, Toyota had sold over one million Corollas worldwide.

• The Corolla continued to evolve with each generation, adapting to changing customer needs and preferences. Some of the major changes include:
• The second-generation Corolla (E20), launched in 1970, had a larger body and engine, as well as more safety features.
• The third-generation Corolla (E30/E40/E50/E60), launched in 1974, introduced a hatchback body style and a front-wheel drive option.
• The fourth-generation Corolla (E70), launched in 1979, had a more aerodynamic design and improved fuel economy.
• The fifth-generation Corolla (E80), launched in 1983, had a more modern and refined appearance and offered more power and comfort options.
• The sixth-generation Corolla (E90), launched in 1987, had a more spacious interior and a wider range of models and engines.

The Rise of the Corolla as the World’s Best-Selling Car: Quality, Reliability and Popularity

The Corolla reached its peak of popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when it became the world’s best-selling car. In 1991, Toyota sold over four million Corollas globally, breaking the record previously held by the Volkswagen Beetle. In 1997, the Corolla surpassed the Beetle as the best-selling nameplate in history, with over 22 million units sold since its inception.

The seventh-generation Corolla (E100), launched in 1991, was designed to appeal to a wider audience with its more sophisticated and elegant style. It also offered more advanced features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags and power steering. The eighth-generation Corolla (E110), launched in 1995, was the first to be built on a global platform, which allowed for more standardization and efficiency. It also had a more rounded and aerodynamic shape and a more powerful and fuel-efficient engine. The ninth-generation Corolla (E120/E130), launched in 2000, had a more distinctive and sportier look and offered more safety and convenience features such as navigation, cruise control and keyless entry. The tenth-generation Corolla (E140/E150), launched in 2006, had a more refined and mature appearance and improved handling and stability. The eleventh-generation Corolla (E160/E170/E180), launched in 2012, had a more dynamic and aggressive design and offered more technology and performance options such as LED headlights, a CVT transmission and a hybrid system.

The Future of the Corolla: Innovation, Technology and Excitement

The Corolla is still going strong in the 21st century, with over 44 million units sold as of 2021. The twelfth-generation Corolla (E210), launched in 2018, is the most advanced and innovative Corolla ever, with a new platform, a new engine, a new hybrid system, a new design and new features such as a digital instrument cluster, a wireless charger and a suite of driver assistance systems. The Corolla is also available in different body styles, such as sedan, hatchback, wagon and crossover, to cater to different markets and preferences.

The Corolla has proven to be a versatile and adaptable car that can meet the needs and expectations of customers around the world. It has also been a pioneer and leader in the fields of quality, reliability, safety, efficiency and environmental friendliness. The Corolla has earned the trust and loyalty of millions of drivers who appreciate its value and performance. The Corolla is not just a car, but a symbol of Toyota’s philosophy and vision.

The Corolla is not resting on its laurels, but is constantly evolving and improving to stay ahead of the competition and the times. Toyota is committed to making the Corolla even better for the future, with more innovation, technology and excitement. The Corolla is not just the world’s best-selling car, but also the world’s favorite car.