Toyota Carina ED - First Generation (1985-1989) ST160 Series

First Generation (1985-1989) ST160 Series

The first generation was a new design direction, emphasizing styling and comfort over practicality and economy. The Celica platform was used and attention was placed on handling and performance. Fog lamps were made standard August 1987. The 1S-ELU was replaced by the 2.0 L 3S-FELU, and May 1988, the 1S-iLU was replaced by the 1.8 L 4S-FiLU.

When the first Carina was introduced in 1970, it was identified as a four-door Celica, but sold at a different Toyota Japan dealership called Toyota Store as a Corona-sized sedan with the performance-enhanced image of the Celica. The Corona was exclusive to Toyopet Store, and the Celica was exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store. The introduction of the Carina ED represented a reintroduction of the performance reputation of the Celica, once again as a four-door version.

Its design sought to emulate the hardtop four-door coupé styling of large American and European sedans, resulting in a small, low cabin with longer front and rear ends. The ED's B-pillar stood up in the middle with no purpose other than to hinge the rear door on; it was not attached to the roof side of the cabin. The ED achieved huge sales in Japan, and other Japanese manufacturers introduced the Mazda Persona, Nissan Presea, and Mitsubishi Emeraude around the same time. "ED" is the initials of "Exciting" and "Dressy".

The hardtop approach was also used on the yet smaller Corolla/Sprinter platform, called the Corolla Ceres and the Sprinter Marino; these cars were offered for consumers who wanted the luxurious approach offered by the Toyota Crown hardtop and sedan, as well as the Mark II (4-door sedan), Cresta (4-door hardtop) and Chaser (4-door hardtop and performance enhancements) but at a lower price and reduced tax liability based on the vehicles size and engine displacement.