Corolla Generasi Ke-8

The 8th Generation COROLLA

Pursuing the intrinsic economic efficiency of family cars.

"Concern for environmental problems and safety. One answer to the radically changing era."


Takayasu Honda,
Development Leader of the 8th Generation COROLLA


Production Period
1995 - 2000
*Production period in Japan. The period of introduction for this generation model may vary by region.




The 8th generation COROLLA appeared on the market in May 1995 during a time when Japan was facing a sluggish economy, and strong considerations were being sought for the environment and economic efficiency. The COROLLA, which with every generation had been developed as the best compact car for harmony between the society and its members, was developed this time as well with just the right size and a high level of quality. First, the team targeted harmonization with society and pursued economic efficiency (resource conservation), environmental performance, and safety. As a result, a high rigidity body and top level fuel efficiency were achieved through significant weight reductions. Safety performance was also firmly maintained by enhancing safety equipment, and careful consideration was given to environmental aspects including improving recyclability and achieving even cleaner emissions from the diesel engine.

This 8th generation COROLLA, which maintained high level quality while achieving harmonization between society and its members, held firmly to COROLLA's number one position in domestic sales, which had continued since 1969, in part because of the enthusiasm of the sales staff and the popularity of the wagon.

The era of Japan's booming economy, which had continued for many years, came to an end, and with this, rapid changes began to occur in the social environment, and preferences for luxury items shifted to an era that sought simple yet sturdy goods. A greater awareness of environmental issues was developed, and consumers demanded that goods be manufactured with consideration of the global environment and in harmony with the society. In the midst of these changes, developments of the 8th generation COROLLA began.

Development leader Takayasu Honda stated the following concerning developments of the 8th generation COROLLA. "Wanting to maintain the status of 'the best' compact car, I believed that in addition to polishing its appearance and driving performance, our first thoughts should be of harmonization with society, because the COROLLA is the most sold car globally. I believed that we could answer the needs for a socially responsible car by focusing on safety and environmental measures." The development theme pursued based on this idea was "a slim, healthy car." In other words, Honda's challenge was to lose the fat, develop the muscles, and create a well toned, healthy car.

The team's first focus, from the viewpoint of resource conservation and energy savings, was on making significant weight reductions and improvements in fuel efficiency. However, a critical development point was also to maintain collision safety performance, which could easily lead to an increase in weight. To solve these contradicting issues, the team began conversing with the Manufacturing departments from the initial development stage and obtained opinions on an ideal body structure. Then the team used computer analysis to optimize the structure and widely adopted high tensile steel sheet metal. As a result, a high rigidity body was realized with up to 50kg weight reduction for the sedan, and 70kg for the coupe, and good fuel efficiency was realized.

Another major focus in the development of the 8th generation COROLLA, reflecting the times, was the concern for "the total cost of ownership." This concept was established in an effort to reduce the total cost that pertained to vehicle ownership, including the initial vehicle price and maintenance costs. After ensuring safety and environmental performance, the team thoroughly pursued total cost reductions by improving the engine's fuel economy and reducing the weight of the body. In addition, the team considered ways to curb repair costs should the vehicle become damaged, and adopted a horizontally partitioning structure for the front bumper.

The COROLLA was created in 1966 as a vehicle to clear the way for motorization in Japan and has become well loved throughout the world. As stated by Development leader, Takayasu Honda, the 8th generation COROLLA was released to the world in May 1995 as a car that transcended generations and nationalities.

At the time of its initial release, the 8th generation COROLLA was available in five different body types including a 4-door sedan, a 2-door coupe, and the van from the previous model, as well as a wagon and a hardtop (COROLLA Celles), which had both undergone a minor model change. Later in January 1997, the MPV (known as the COROLLA Spacio in Japan and New Zealand, and as the COROLLA Verso in Europe) was added to the lineup as a new body type. The MPV in particular gained a favorable reputation for its diverse seat arrangements made possible with three (or two, depending on the country) rows of seats.

A total of five engine variations were available including four gasoline engines and the 2.0-liter OHC 2C-III diesel engine. The gasoline engines included the 1.3-liter 4E-FE, the 1.5-liter High-mecha twin cam 5A-FE, and the 1.6-liter 4A-FE and 4A-GE engines. In August 1998, in the latter half of the model period, the 2C-III diesel engine was replaced by the 2.2-liter 3C-E engine.




The 8th generation COROLLA was newly designed with a clean-cut taste, with a roomy cabin that was easy to get in and out of, and with body panels utilizing simple, solid surfaces. With this model, the team pursued a well-balanced sedan design that would stay fresh for many years, and while exploring new design tastes, the designers also pursued a design that contributed to excellent visibility and operability. Specifically, considerations were made for easy recognition of the front end and corner areas from the driver seat by providing an energetic hood relief that extended from the hood area to the headlamps. Likewise in the rear, superior functional beauty and a sense of high quality was also achieved with the rear combination lamps that emphasized a clean image, the lowered rear glass frame for better visibility in the rear direction, the ducktail shaped trunk lid, and the lowered trunk opening height for ease of loading and unloading cargo.

The theme of the interior design was "clean & comfortable", and with this theme, the design team pursued clear, refreshing taste with a high level of quality. Ample seating space was ensured while maintaining just the right size for a compact car, and a compact design with good visibility was realized without any sense of being cramped. The new model also featured superior usability including controls that were easily within reach from a natural seating posture. Specifically, the overall interior width and height were expanded, and the front head clearance was enlarged in the upward, forward, and sideways directions to further increase the sense of liberation. The instrument panel took on a generous, simple, horizontal design, and its height was lowered to reduce any sense of constriction on the passengers. Also, the center cluster, which in the past had been divided into three sections, was integrated for a more refreshed impression. Moreover, a luxurious image was expressed by adopting three-dimensionally designed door trim with integrated armrests and pockets.

All 5 types of engines available at the time of the new model's initial release were carried over from the 7th generation. These engines included the High-mecha twin cam 1.3-liter 4E-FE, the 1.5-liter 5A-FE, the 1.6-liter 4A-FE, and the Sports twin cam 1.6-liter 4A-GE gasoline engines, and the 2.0-liter 2C-III diesel engine. However, the high efficiency oriented High-mecha twin cam engine, the Sports twin cam engine for sporty driving, and the High-torque diesel engine designed for good fuel economy were all significantly tweaked for better performance while perfecting the unique qualities of each engine.

For the 5A-FE and 4E-FE, the prime engines of the COROLLA, the team strived to achieve noticeable improvements in performance, while keeping in mind economic efficiency and operational ease. Targeted refinements included the increase of torque in the practical application range, and achieving an even better fuel efficiency. To realize this, a broad array of changes were made, such as adopting an Idle Speed Control (ISC) device, expanding the fuel cut off range when decelerating, reducing friction, and making changes in the intake and exhaust systems. As a result, the 5A-FE engine generated a maximum output of 100ps / 5600rpm and a maximum torque of 14.0kg-m / 4400rpm, and the 4E-FE engine achieved a maximum output of 88ps / 5600rpm and a maximum torque of 11.8kg-m / 4600rpm. The lowered maximum output of these two engines compared to the 7th generation model became a major topic of conversation at that time. This was the result of preference for stress-free operational ease in daily use rather than peak power in the high speed range. However, other than when emissions regulations were tightened, or when engine output measurement methods were changed, a lowering of output figures had generally not been done before then.

On the other hand, for the Sports twin cam 4A-GE engine, the team targeted a higher output in the high speed range, suited for sporty driving, and smooth power delivery through the entire speed range. Advanced technology from the former model was inherited including the 5-valve mechanism, the VVT (Variable Valve Timing) mechanism, and independent throttle valves for each cylinder, and changes were made to the valve operating system, intake and exhaust systems, and combustion chamber to achieve a high revving, high output engine with a maximum output of 165ps / 7800rpm and a maximum torque of 16.5kg-m / 5600rpm. Also, a single muffler with a built-in variable valve was adopted in place of the conventional dual muffler. With this muffler, appearance from the rear of the vehicle was enhanced, and higher performance was achieved together with a lower noise level.

The injection pump characteristics were changed for the 2C-III diesel engine to comply with stricter domestic emissions regulations, and the emissions volume of black smoke and NOx was reduced to achieve an even cleaner engine. However, no changes were made to the maximum output and maximum torque, which remained at 73ps / 4700rpm and 13.2kg-m / 2800rpm respectively. The 1.6-liter 4A-FE underwent further reductions in weight, but the output figures remained unchanged at a maximum output of 115ps / 6000rpm and a maximum torque of 15.0kg-m / 4800rpm.

Transmissions were also carried over from the 7th generation model. Manual transmission was available in either a 4-speed or 5-speed version, while the automatic transmission was available in a 3-speed, 4-speed, or a 4-speed with ECT-S. Resin parts were also adopted for a more lightweight design, and the shift stroke of the manual transmission was shortened for an improved shift feeling. The component parts of the automatic transmission were reviewed for a better match with the engine characteristics, and changes were made to the hydraulic characteristics to achieve smooth departure acceleration and response.

As in the past, a MacPherson strut suspension with an L-type lower arm was adopted for the front, and a dual-link type MacPherson strut suspension was adopted for the rear. Stress analysis using advanced technology was done on each component part to achieve optimized characteristics and significant weight reductions. As a result, high level handling performance and driving stability were achieved and unpleasant vibration (harshness) and noise were reduced. In addition, the gear ratio and hydraulic properties of the power steering system were changed to achieve a smoother steering feel.

In 4A-GE engine models equipped with a Super-strut suspension, a torque sensitive helical LSD, suited for sporty driving, was adopted for the first time in Japan on an front wheel drive vehicle. With this setup, if the inside wheels starts spinning while cornering, optimum driving force is immediately delivered to the outside wheels to achieve stable cornering and excellent controllability.

Developments of the 8th generation COROLLA progressed with priority on improving seating comfort while maintaining just the right size for a compact car. The front seats were developed with the idea of achieving comfortable seats that do not cause fatigue even on long drives. The support and fit of the seats were improved and secure seating comfort was achieved by optimizing the shape of the seatbacks and seat cushions. The seatbacks were designed with a contour close to the shape of the human body for maximum support and even pressure distribution. The cushions provided a mild seating comfort and improved vibration absorption with high elasticity, high density urethane foam. On the function aspect, the reclining adjustment allowance of the driver's seat was expanded, and the level of freedom in driving posture was widened. For the rear seat, the volume at the top of the seatback and the thickness of the seat cushion pads were increased to improve support and fit, and a stable seating posture was achieved. In the sporty grade models, high-support sports seats manufactured by Recaro were made available as an option.

In the equipment area, the team also meticulously pursued comfort and convenience. Features included a tilt & slide power moonroof that provided interior ventilation and a liberating feeling, a wireless door lock remote control system, a 6-speaker COROLLA live sound system, and map lamps with a room lamp function. A wide array of storage spaces were also provided including a large capacity glove box, a gadget case in the lower panel of the driver's seat, and pull-out type cup holders. The height of the luggage opening was also lowered to make loading and unloading of cargo easier. A superior level of quietness, which greatly impacts interior comfort, was also achieved by analyzing vibration and noise properties through computer simulation and through repeated evaluations in an actual vehicle. In addition to reducing vibration transmission to the body, sound insulating and sound absorbing materials were optimally positioned to reduce vibration and noise, and differences in surface levels of exterior body parts were reduced to achieve a flush surface design, reducing wind noise as well.

In the area of safety, the design team thoroughly pursued measures for preventive safety to prevent an accident before it occurs, and measures for collision safety to minimize damage should an accident occur.

For preventive safety, an exterior design with easily recognizable front and rear overhangs, easy to operate meters and switches with excellent visibility, and seats that do not cause fatigue even on long drives, and such were adopted. These features maintained a comfortable environment for the driver to implement optimum driving maneuvers at all times. In addition, ABS to suppress tire lockup during sudden braking, high mount stop lamps to increase visibility for trailing vehicles, and a rear spoiler with a built-in LED stop lamp were available.

In the area of collision safety performance, a body structure that efficiently absorbs impact energy during a front or rear end collision, side door beams that suppress deformation when a side collision occurs, and energy absorption materials were adopted to help minimize damage to the cabin. Other safety features included a new impact absorption steering column, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags, and 3-point ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts. As a result of thoroughly pursuing safety performance in this way, passenger protection performance was achieved that cleared both the safety standards in Japan and the side impact standards of the US, the strictest standards in the world.

On the other hand, the team also dealt aggressively with energy conservation, resource conservation, and nature protection. The 8th generation COROLLA contributed to suppressing global warming by adopting a lightweight body structure and optimizing engine control, which enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions. From the viewpoint of efficiently utilizing resources, TSOP (Toyota Super Olefin Polymer), a material that excels in recyclability, was adopted in the bumper, cowl louver, and such, and recyclable material was used in the luggage trim and floor carpet. In addition, numerous environmental protection measures were implemented such as adopting a horizontally partitioning front bumper structure designed for easier repair, reducing the amount of resin and rubber used, stamping material symbol designations on the primary components, and adopting a new refrigerant for the air conditioning unit.
Other Technologies and Equipment

● Semi concealed wipers to improve visual quality and reduce wind noise

● Ignition key illumination for improved nighttime use

● Wood grained center cluster with a sense of luxury

● One-push power window and power door lock switches centralized in the armrest of the driver's seat

● Luggage mat integrated with the spare tire board to prevent mat slippage

● AT shift position indicator integrated in the meters

● Radio antenna embedded in the rear window glass

● Rear seat center armrest

● Buzzer to prevent driver from forgetting the keys


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


Specifications of displayed vehicle : 8th generation
Model code : E-AE110-AEPEK
Grade : 1500SE-Saloon sedan
Model year : 1995
Vehicle price (JPY) : 1,457,000
Vehicle weight (kg) : 1020
Minimum turning radius (m) : 4.8
Overall length (mm) : 4285
Overall width (mm) : 1690
Overall height (mm) : 1385
Wheelbase (mm) : 2465
Min. ground clearance (mm) : 150

Interior dimensions:
length (mm) : 1875
width (mm) : 1435
height (mm) : 1165
Passengers : 5
Engine type : 5A-FE
No. of cyls & arrangement : Inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valves
Fuel : Gasoline
Engine displacement (cc) : 1498
Fuel consumption (km/L) : -
60 km/h constant speed driving : 23.8
10 mode fuel efficiency : -
10.15 mode driving : 14.6
Transmission type : 4-speed automatic with 2WAY OD
Drive train : FF
Max. output : 100PS / 5600rpm (NET)




Vehicle Diagram and Dimensions


Secret of COROLLA

Overseas production surpassing domestic production
The COROLLA has become a car that is cherished by every nation throughout the world. To increase the export volume and allow even more customers to enjoy the splendor of the COROLLA, overseas production was started in Malaysia in 1968. Then in 1999, the production volume in Japan was surpassed by the overseas production volume as the COROLLA transformed into a vehicle cherished worldwide, living up to its name in form and content. Today, the COROLLA is produced in 16 nations and regions throughout the world.


Space efficiency ― a topic of conversation
In the past, the COROLLA Wagon had a strong image as a trusty work-use model. However, around 1987, its popularity amongst younger consumers began to increase. The 8th generation COROLLA Wagon, which became a topic of conversation for its unique TV commercial, was nicknamed "Coro-gon." With its excellent space efficiency, the model was a good match for the lifestyle of that period, and in Japan, a sales volume was recorded that gained on that of the sedan.



The newly developed engine that had already existed in the past generation
The domestic COROLLA, which was reborn as a 9th generation model in 2000, proudly adopted the "new" 1ZZ-FE engine with VVT-i. However, the predecessor to this engine, the 1ZZ-FE engine without VVT-i, had already been adopted by the 8th generation COROLLA produced in North America. This reversal of new technology being first adopted in an overseas model ahead of a domestic model occurred because the COROLLA is sold and produced worldwide. The 9th generation COROLLA sold in North America also adopted this engine with VVT-i as was done in Japan.