Toyota Corolla (E110) - North America

North America

Introduced in 1997 (1998 model year), all Corollas for the North American market were now built in Fremont, California (by NUMMI) or Cambridge, Ontario (by TMMC). Unlike the Japanese counterparts, the North American Corolla at this time was only offered as a four-door compact sedan. A new all-aluminum 1ZZ-FE engine powered all Corollas, making this generation lighter than its predecessor. This new engine uses a timing chain instead of a timing belt. It also incorporated laser etched valve guides directly in the block, rather than the old shrink to fit valve guides in the predecessor Corolla motor (4A-FE & 7A-FE). This prevents oil burning and valve guide failure in the future.

In North America, only sedans were offered, and all came with daylight driving lights. This Corolla has a maximum legal carrying capacity of 1,500 lb (680 kg). Grades were VE, CE, and LE. The VE model was the base model available in a 3 speed automatic or the 5 speed manual transmission with 175/65x14 tires. The CE and LE models offered the 4 speed automatic with overdrive or the 5 speed manual transmission with 185/65x14 tires. An optional powered sunroof was offered on the CE and LE models. An optional Touring Package with color matched side skirts, color matched rear mudflaps, a white faced instrument cluster with tachometer and outside temperature gauge, and aluminum wheels was reserved for the VE, CE, and LE models. Side airbags and ABS were optional for the CE and LE models, but very few of them actually had them. The first batch of 1998 Corolla VE's did not have a front sway bar but by June 1998 it was included on all models. VVT-i variable valve timing was added to the engine in model year 2000 with a small increase in power from 120 hp (89 kW) to 125 hp (93 kW) along with child seat anchors added on the rear deck. The introduced VVT-i optimizes cam and valve timing to reduce emissions.

For the 2001 US model year (2000 calendar year), the VE was eliminated and the S model was introduced. The CE became the new base model offered in 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission and the sporty S replaced the Touring Package. The 2001 model year also got a slight refresh with the new front headlights, redesigned front bumper, auxiliary DC power port with a higher armrest (LE 4 speed automatic models), inside trunk release for accidental lockouts in the trunk, new controls for the air conditioner that had the rear glass defrost button relocated with a button for the recirculation of air, and round reverse lights. The 'sportiness' of the S model built upon the CE models with a gauge cluster with tachometer in a red/black theme with an outside temperature gauge, a charcoal gray and black interior, standard front fog lamps, color matched side skirts, color matched rear mudflaps, a color matched front grill, a trunk release, power mirrors, a trunk light, 14" 'S' model wheel covers, and lighted map lights on the rear view mirror. The S model lacked the 60/40 folding rear seat, or tilt steering of the LE model. The 'S' model had no performance advantage over the other models: it was purely an appearance package.

Toyota official accessories available through dealerships for all trim of the 8th generation Corolla included a color-coded rear spoiler with LED brake light, front bumper bra, 6 disc CD changer, sunroof sunshade, trunk cargo net, keyless entry car alarm, cruise control, gold emblem kit, wood trim dash kit, and black rubber mudflaps.

North American market engines:

• 1998–1999 — 1ZZ-FE, 1.8 L (1794 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, 120 hp (89 kW) @ 5600 rpm, 165 nm (122 ft•lbf.) @ 4400 rpm
• 2000–2002 — 1ZZ-FE, 1.8 L (1794 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, VVT-i, 125 hp (93 kW) @ 5800 rpm, 169.5 nm (125 ft•lbf.) @ 4000 rpm