Since its introduction on the market in 1968, the Toyota Corolla suffered many mechanical and exterior design changes.
Offered in different body styles such as a hatchback, a coupe, a wagon and a sedan, the Corolla enjoyed great success mostly due to its reliability.

With many competitors in the segment, Toyota decided to reveal a more modern Corolla to compete with the Ford Focus, the Honda Civic and the Hyundai Elantra.

Under the hood, the Corolla was fitted with a punchy and smooth-revving 1.8-liter 4 cylinder unit that developed 125 hp. The powerplant was mated with a manual transmission, but an optional automatic 3-speed or 4-speed gearbox was available.

The 2002 model was available in three trim levels: the base CE, LE and the Sporty S.

Toyota was criticized for the lack of air-conditioning and power windows as standard features.

The upper trim level LE added a tilting steering wheel, power windows and a 60/40 split folding rear bench.

With the Sporty S trim level, the Corolla included body-colored rocker panels and door handles, fog lights, a fake leather-wrapped steering wheel and a tachometer with outside temperature display.

With the rather bland exterior design, the Toyota Corolla was the choice of the people looking for the “run-forever” reputation.