Corolla Generasi Ke-7

The 7th Generation COROLLA

High-end, impressive COROLLA.

"Shifting COROLLA value to the range of emotions and sensitivity."


Akihiko Saito,
Development Leader of the 7th Generation COROLLA

Production Period (1991-1995)

*Production period in Japan. The period of introduction for this generation model may vary by region.




The 7th generation COROLLA was developed by carefully pursuing the fundamental performances of driving, turning, and stopping, and dramatic improvements were made to every aspect. This 7th generation COROLLA debuted in June 1991 with the catchphrase "Big and Safety". However, in 1991, the booming economy of Japan began to take a downward turn, and this impacted new car sales throughout the country. The 7th generation, which had been developed as a masterpiece, was no exception in being impacted by this sluggish economy, and unfortunately, the sales volume in Japan did not grow as had been expected. Needs of the public also began to change as focus shifted to quality as well as price. The 7th generation COROLLA boasted of a high level of completeness and was replete with abundant equipment that appealed to the consumer. However, the design team became keenly aware of the importance of having a correct understanding of the times and customer needs. Despite these backgrounds, a production volume of 2.4 million units was recorded, and the top market share in its class was steadily maintained. In fact, many 7th generation COROLLAs can still be seen on the road as it has maintained its image as a good car, and still treasured by many even today.

The economy of Japan at that time had enjoyed continued abundance, and the value sought in vehicles had diversified. This in turn led to a further increase in customers with preferences for higher grade vehicles. With these conditions, the 6th generation COROLLA was a big hit with its higher level quality that surpassed the boundaries of family cars, so planning and development of the 7th generation COROLLA was started based on a concept of keeping with the previous model and "not being caught in the boundaries of family cars".

Generations of COROLLAs had accomplished a significant role as a family car that had led Japan's motorization, and by this time, The COROLLA series had become the worldwide leader of family cars. With this in mind, the design team targeted the creation of a 7th generation COROLLA that was, once again, ahead of the upcoming generation. The basic concept was to "create the next generation standard". Under this concept, Development leader Akihiko Saito analyzed the needs of the new generation. With the values of the public changing from pursuing "material abundance" to fulfilling "the heart and mind," Saito realized that the upcoming generation would value a product that "deeply inspired the soul" of the customers. Saito came up with the keyword "deep impression" and emphasized that, "The impression that a car makes is first developed when the essential functions and performance significantly exceed expectations." With this basic idea in mind, the team carefully pursued fundamental vehicle performances including driving, turning, and stopping.

Development of the 7th generation COROLLA proceeded around three specific themes. First, create style that overflows with beauty and amenity space that is gentle on the passengers. Second, further evolve the fundamental driving performance of "driving", "turning", and "stopping." And third, pursue thorough safety and reliability for a sense of security that satisfies the soul. Saito did not focus on merely increasing the levels of these areas, but rather believed that dramatic improvements in a new dimension would lead to the creation of a "next generation standard".

In order to enhance all aspects of "driving", "turning", and "stopping", all development departments such as the engine and suspension departments were integrated, and this team stayed at a test course in Shibetsu City in Hokkaido for a total of six months where they faced the challenge of evolving the vehicle's fundamental performance to a new dimension. The test course in Shibetsu was selected because it had winding curves like that of everyday European roads, and the team could emulate the authentic ride of European-manufactured vehicles. Exhaustive testing and discussions were held to the point that, later, the team referred to this period of development as the "Shibetsu Training Camp." There, the defensive barriers between each department were cleared away, opinions were contributed even by those without direct responsibility, and the team worked diligently to create a new level of quality.

Development leader Saito expressed his aspirations when developments first began as he stressed to the team, "Create a vehicle that customers can select with confidence, rather than a vehicle that customers can tolerate with." The 7th generation COROLLA, which expressed a high level of completeness and quality suited for the "next-generation standard," achieved maturation that deeply impressed the customers. In addition to the high quality finish of the interior that surpassed that of higher grade vehicles, the elaborately finished exterior was accepted by all age groups and exhibited the height of Toyota's technical strength.

Two types of body variations were available when the 7th generation model was initially released including the sedan and 2-door coupe (COROLLA Levin), and later, the wagon and van were added to the lineup. The following year, the 3-door hatchback (COROLLA FX) and the 4-door hard top (COROLLA Celles) were added simultaneously for a final total of six body variations.

Gasoline engines were available in five types including the 1.3-liter 4E-FE, the 1.5-liter 5A-FE, the 1.6-liter 4A-FE, the Sports twin cam 4A-GE, and the supercharged 4A-GZE. For the diesel engine, the 2.0-liter 2C was adopted, for a total of six engine types.

The design of the 7th generation focused on an image with an abundance of "curves." Body panels were deeply drawn toward the body ends, giving this model a rich body design that expressed a "high class family sedan" style with the image of luxury and driving performance. While emphasizing high quality, many characteristic traits of the COROLLA were retained as well. Notable features included large irregularly shaped headlamps, horizontal radiator grille, and integrated front bumper designed for maximum cooling performance and aerodynamics. The interior as well took on a "curved" theme and achieved a dramatic increase in the level of design and material quality. The instrument panel was configured from smoothly curved lines, and four round meters with good visibility were adopted. The safety pad in particular was designed with a large, integrated form with minimal gaps and parting lines, further enhancing the high quality image.

All gasoline engines of the 7th generation COROLLA were designed as EFI (Electric Fuel Injection) equipped double overhead cam engines. These EFI & twin cam engines were called 2nd generation High-mecha twin cam engines, and notable characteristics included the designed head cover, surge tank, and hydraulic engine mounts adopted on all vehicles to contribute to superior NV performance.

The 1.3-liter 4E-FE engine was developed based on the conventional 2E engine, converted to EFI and High-mecha twin cam configuration with increased displacement. This engine generated a maximum output of 100ps / 6600rpm and a maximum torque of 11.8kg-m / 5200rpm.

The 1.5-liter 5A-FE engine, inherited from the 6th generation, incorporated new designs in various areas around the cylinder head, and a maximum output of 105ps / 6000rpm and a maximum torque of 13.8kg-m / 4800rpm were generated. By optimizing the intake port shape in particular, an air swirl was generated inside the combustion chamber for efficient combustion, and high output was achieved. In addition, a knock control was incorporated in the engine control system to suppress knocking and to achieve optimal ignition timing and combustion at all times. Furthermore, torque control was adopted in automatic transmission models to reduce the shift shock that occurs when changing gears, and an engine profile with mild, easy to handle output and torque was achieved.

The 1.6-liter 4A-FE engine adopted a dual exhaust manifold to improve performance and generated a maximum output of 115ps / 6000rpm and a maximum torque of 15.0kg-m / 4800rpm. The Sports twin cam 4A-GE with the same 1.6-liter displacement underwent modifications to the extent that it could be called a newly designed engine. Output improvements were targeted, and the intake volume was increased by adopting a 5-valve design with three intake valves and two exhaust valves per cylinder. In addition, agile response like that of a sports engine was achieved using four independent throttle valves ― one for each cylinder. Also, a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system was adopted for the intake side camshaft to supplement low and medium speed torque, and a maximum output of 160ps / 7400rpm and a maximum torque of 16.5kg-m / 5200rpm were generated, realizing a sporty engine beyond that of the past. No major changes in particular were made to the supercharged 4A-GZE engine that was continued from the 6th generation COROLLA, but minor changes were made to the exhaust system, and a maximum output of 170ps / 6400rpm and a maximum torque of 21.0kg-m / 4400rpm were achieved.

For the diesel engine, the 2.0-liter 2C-III diesel engine was adopted. This was the engine available on the 4WD models of the 6th generation. For the 7th generation COROLLA, this diesel engine was optimized for use in FF vehicles by altering the valve timing and the shape of the exhaust manifold, and a maximum output of 73ps / 4700rpm and a maximum torque of 13.5kg-m / 2800rpm were achieved.

The transmission basically followed that of the 6th generation COROLLA. Priority was focused on the shift feeling for manual transmissions, and subtle changes were made to the unit and its operating system. These changes included adopting a triple-cone synchromesh, adding a shift wire moderation adjustment mechanism, and making changes to the shift knob. The daring adoption of a heavier shift lever with mass damper, a first for Toyota, led to minimal vibration and a good shift feeling. In automatic transmissions, the newly developed Super flow torque converter was adopted to achieve powerful departure and acceleration performance and to significantly improve fuel efficiency.

Similar to the 6th generation COROLLA, a 4-wheel strut suspension was adopted with L-type lower arms in the front and dual-link arms for the rear. The component parts and characteristics were reviewed, and superior handling stability was ensured. In addition, the TEMS (Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension) was adopted in higher grade models. For enhanced comfort, the former 2-step setting of "SOFT" and "HARD" was upgraded with the addition of a third step, "MEDIUM", making possible a finer adjustment of damping characteristics.

Separate from these suspensions, a newly developed Super-strut suspension was made available for the Coupe (Levin) and 3-door hatchback (FX). This suspension, which provided high cornering performance comparable to a double wishbone configuration, supplemented the weaknesses of the conventional MacPherson strut suspension, and minimized extreme wheel alignment changes by suppressing the tilt of the tires when cornering. Also, unstable vibration and torque steer, which had been the weak point of front wheel drive vehicles with high output engines, were reduced. This contributed to allowing the tires to exhibit their full potential, and as a result, overall cornering performance was significantly enhanced.

For the steering mechanism, rack & pinion steering similar to that of the 6th generation COROLLA was adopted. Two types of steering mechanisms were available in the 7th generation COROLLA including the proven "engine speed sensitive power steering," and the newly adopted "New Progressive Power Steering.” The newly adopted steering system controlled the firmness of the steering wheel according to vehicle speed and road surface reaction force. This enabled easy operation at low speeds, which was light enough to be turned with one finger, and a firm and stable steering feel at high speeds.

In the development of the 7th generation COROLLA, the team pressed onward with efforts to increase quality beyond the boundaries of family cars, a task set forth by the 6th generation, and paid close attention to every detail. For the interior space, comfortable seating space was achieved by primarily expanding the head clearance, rear legroom, and interior width. To improve comfort in the rear seat in particular, the arrangement of the seat rails of the front seat was reviewed, and the rear seat leg space was expanded. The switches were completely redesigned and converted to switches that are easy to operate with an improved operation feeling. In higher grade models, automatic air conditioning was adopted as standard equipment. Other deluxe equipment was also prepared including vehicle speed sensitive door locks, automatic headlamps, a clearance sonar that detected obstacles and urged caution to the driver, and a wireless key-less entry system. As a result, an increase in quality was achieved that went beyond expectations and significantly exceeded the boundaries of family cars.

Various safety devices were made available in the 7th generation COROLLA to accommodate the customers' increased consciousness toward safety, and equipment was enhanced in line with that of present day vehicles. The 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) used to suppress tires from locking during sudden braking, and the high mount stop lamp, which increased visibility for trailing vehicles, were made available as options on all models. In addition, a computer analyzed collision safety body structure, driver's seat SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags, and side door beams were adopted. Furthermore, safety performance was also considered from a hardware aspect and efforts were made to ensure braking force. This included adopting ventilated front disc brakes in all vehicles, and in some models, adopting large diameter disc rotors and opposed piston brake calipers.


Other Technologies and Equipment

● Viscous LSD (Limited Slip Differential)　

● Electric combination meters

● Seats made by Recaro

● 3-point seatbelts for the rear seat

● Projector fog lamps
● Flame retardant treatment of interior parts

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Major Specifications

*The specifications listed here are for the displayed vehicle (shown in the photo on the left) at the Corolla 40 year anniversary event held in August 2006 in Tokyo, Japan.


Specifications of displayed vehicle : 7th generation
Model code : E-AE100-AEMEK
Grade : 1500SE-L sedan
Model year : 1991
Vehicle price (JPY) : 1,398,000
Vehicle weight (kg) : 1010
Minimum turning radius (m) : 4.8
Overall length (mm) : 4270
Overall width (mm) : 1685
Overall height (mm) : 1380
Wheelbase (mm) : 2465
Min. ground clearance (mm) : 150

Interior dimensions:
length (mm) : 1820
width (mm) : 1420
height (mm) : 1155
Passengers : 5
Engine type : 5A-FE
No. of cyls & arrangement : 4270
Fuel : Gasoline
Engine displacement (cc) : 1498
Fuel consumption (km/L) : -
60 km/h constant speed driving : 27.5
10 mode fuel efficiency : 16.4
10.15 mode driving : -
Transmission type : 5-speed manual
Drive train : FF
Max. output : 105PS / 6000rpm (NET)






Vehicle Diagram and Dimensions



Secret of COROLLA

COROLLA and the world's most famous super car
The Sports twin cam 4A-GE engine was modified for the 7th generation COROLLA to the point that it could be called a newly designed engine. The major characteristic of this engine was its valve mechanism of 5 valves per cylinder. This 5-valve configuration is rare even in present day performance cars, and certainly not found in family cars. For instance, Ferrari has adopted 5-valve engines in some of their super sports cars.