Toyota Marks 50-Millionth Corolla Sold

From A Humble Start, the Corolla Grew to Become the World’s Best-Selling Model, and Toyota Celebrates This Milestone Car’s Place in Automotive History and Customers’ Lives

This past July, Toyota sold the 50-millionth Corolla, a milestone not just in Toyota history, but automotive history, as well. Now in its 12th generation and over 55 years in production, Corolla remains one of the world’s top-selling vehicles, earning buyers’ confidence and trust one car at a time.

Toyota introduced the Corolla in 1966, and it arrived in the U.S. in spring 1968 as a 1969 model, starting at about $1,700. Gas cost $0.35 a gallon, and the median household income was $7,700. The No. 1 TV show in America was “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” and top hit songs that early Corolla drivers would have heard on the optional AM radio included Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay,” Simon and Garfunkle’s “Mrs. Robinson” and The Beatles’ “Hey Jude.”

As the Corolla quickly evolved to offer more room, comfort and performance, it became a value benchmark in its class and grew into one of the largest branches in the Toyota family tree. Corolla’s most significant role, however, has been the one it has played in the lives of the millions who have been buying and driving this dependable model for more than half a century.

The Corolla has been making memories and stories for nearly three generations of customers. That adds up to billions of first jobs, first dates, daily commutes, graduations, vacations, doctor appointments, weddings, kids’ ballgames … all the meaningful events that make a life. Even people who never owned a Corolla have a Corolla story to tell about one they remember a friend, neighbor, cousin or coworker driving.

Fifty million cars later, this pillar of the Toyota family remains trusted for being well equipped for any situation. For an affordable price, the 2022 Corolla combines advanced tech, sporty style and top-level comfort with up to 53/52/52 EPA estimated MPG in the hybrid model and the protection of standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 featuring automatic emergency braking.

Just as it did at the end of the 1960s, Corolla today offers buyers the freedom and independence that comes from its affordability, along with confidence that a car can provide many years of reliable service with low overall cost of ownership. The 2022 Corolla line continues that proud and personal tradition with sedans, a sporty hatchback, a hybrid and the first-ever Corolla Cross compact crossover.

For Corolla, dependability isn’t just about how the car runs, but also describes how it becomes a trusted member of the households it serves. It’s no wonder that a Corolla has long been the start of a “Toyota family,” with other Toyota models soon joining it in many driveways and garages.

Ready for Anything

Corolla sales were already on the upswing when the October 1973 Oil Embargo set off a chain reaction of long lines and higher prices at the gas pump, and even fuel rationing. The increasing number of buyers who turned to Corolla could be confident that even just few gallons in the tank would be enough to meet the needs of the week or more.

Corolla emerged from that downbeat period with even wider and rapidly growing appeal, and Toyota began to add more models, including sporty fastback coupe and liftback versions. Toyota’s steadfast dedication to continuous improvement ensured that every new generation of Corolla offered more than its predecessor.

By the mid-1980s, Toyota was building Corollas in the U.S., and today, Corollas are built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi, Inc. (TMMMS), which opened in 2011. The new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama, will begin building the all-new Toyota Corolla Cross later this summer.

While the 2022 Corolla may seem lightyears from its late 1960s ancestor, its core values trace a line right back to that first edition. The Corolla continues to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of a growing and diverse customer base but has never veered from its mission to deliver renowned Toyota quality, durability and reliability with high fuel economy at an affordable price. It’s just gotten a whole lot more refined and enjoyable to drive.

Here’s a look at how Corolla got to 50 million … and counting.

First Generation: 1969-1970

The first Corolla was the essence of simplicity, with a clean and crisp design offering generous all-around visibility in coupe, four-door sedan and two-door wagon models. A coupe called Corolla Sprinter with a slightly lower semi-fastback roofline arrived later.

All Corollas had a short-stroke 1,077-cc overhead-valve four-cylinder engine that used aluminum for the cylinder head, intake manifold, valve cover and clutch housing – pretty forward thinking at the time. Wheels were just 12-inch diameter, and the only transmission offered was a four-speed manual. With 60 horsepower (51 hp SAE net) zero-to-60 took around 17 seconds, and the top fuel economy estimate was in the high 20s.

The 1969 Corolla two-door sedan started at just under $1,700, and among its standard features were reclining front seats and a locking fuel-filler door. Attention to detail impressed auto media and customers. Said “Car and Driver” magazine in a road test, “Not only is the interior well designed but it’s also well finished, right down to the carpet that’s perfectly molded to the shape of the floor with every edge carefully bound to avoid that low-priced look.”

Second Generation: 1971-1974

The second-generation Corolla grew in size, with a slightly longer wheelbase, moved up to 73 horsepower and offered Corolla’s first optional automatic transmission, a two-speed. (A three-speed arrived a bit later.) For 1972, an SR-5 coupe featured a 88-hp (SAE net) 1.6-liter engine with a five-speed manual transmission to be a fun companion to the new Celica sport coupe. Corolla had by this time become the second-best-selling car in the world.

Third Generation: 1975-1979

The Corolla again grew a bit in size and offered 1.2, 1.3 and 1.6-liter engines. The line added fastback coupe and Liftback models for 1976, which featured fresh front styling. The Liftback was more like a sport wagon and added rear seat head room, the result being both sporty and eminently practical.

Fourth Generation: 1980-1984

A bold, angular design distinguished the fourth-generation Corolla, which kept its wide range of models. The new design focused on roominess and quietness while adding more amenities. The U.S. model offered a 75-hp OHV 1.8-liter engine and the 4A-C 90-hp OHC 1.6-liter engine. The two-door models were praised for front seats with a “memory” feature that allowed the seats to slide forward to assist with rear seat ingress/egress, and then return to the same position and recline angle.

Fifth Generation: 1985-1988

The fifth-generation Corolla brought big news all around. The main series switched to front-wheel drive for added interior room and better all-weather traction. In a joint venture with General Motors called New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI), Toyota began building Corollas in California. All front-drive engines were now SOHC configuration.

A rear-drive Corolla model, known by its VIN prefix “AE86,” came in coupe and hatchback styles. The top GT-S version packed the heat of the legendary 4A-GE DOHC 1.6-liter engine. In 1987, a new front-drive FX hatchback was added, and the top version, the FX16 GT-S, inherited the 4A-GE engine to create a new “hot hatch” model. The rear-drive GT-S would later become a drifting legend, in real life and in video games. The spirit of both those cars continues in the 2022 Corolla Hatchback.

Sixth Generation: 1989-1992

The sixth-generation Corolla line was now all front-wheel drive, with all models powered by 16-valve DOHC engines and featuring four-wheel independent suspension. The Corolla All-Trac wagon and sedan models had an effective all-wheel drive system. The new coupe featured pop-up headlights like the AE86 and came in SR-5 and GT-S models. The latter was quite sporty, indeed, featuring the 4A-GE engine, special wheels and a bold body kit. The GT-S had 135 horsepower in the 1990-1991 version.

Seventh Generation: 1993-1997

The seventh-generation Corolla, available only in sedan and wagon styles in the U.S., became more Camry-like in its design, and in fact moved up in cabin size to the compact segment while the Camry moved to midsize. Both 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter DOHC engines were offered. For 1997, a CE sedan packaged numerous popular options for a special value-priced model. The timing seemed appropriate to celebrate Corolla becoming the best-selling car model in history that year.

Eighth Generation: 1998-2002

The eighth-generation Corolla improved on the proven formula, with yet more cabin room on the same wheelbase as the previous model. The redesigned unibody improved passenger crash protection and, notably, side airbags became available. A new all-aluminum 1ZZ-FE 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine debuted the Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system and made 120 horsepower with higher fuel economy ratings.

Ninth Generation: 2003-2008

In its ninth-generation, Corolla got a bit longer and taller to create its roomiest cabin ever. A Corolla S model added sport-tuned suspension and special body styling. With its 130-horsepower engine, the Corolla had an EPA-estimated 31 combined MPG with the five-speed manual transmission and 28 combined MPG with the four-speed automatic. As a sign of the times, the center console box could hold 14 compact discs.

For 2005, the performance-tuned Corolla XRS model combined the high-revving 164-horsepower 2ZZ 1.8-liter engine from the Celica GT-S with a six-speed manual transmission and sport-tuned suspension.

“The levels of fit and finish are nothing short of remarkable,” commented “Car and Driver” magazine about the ninth-generation Corolla. By 2002, the Corolla had achieved 25 million sold worldwide.

10th Generation: 2009-2013

In the 10th-generation Corolla, a multi-faceted focus on refinement resulted in what “Motor Trend” magazine observed “must be the quietest car in its class, with less wind noise than many luxury cars.” The body had a sleeker look than before and was just as roomy. The XRS model returned, now with the 2.4-liter engine from the Camry for higher torque and greater responsiveness in everyday driving. With CDs beginning to fade, the higher-grade Corolla models offered JBL Premium Audio with iPod connectivity, Bluetooth and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

Comfort and tech had become higher priorities for compact car buyers, and the Corolla obliged with the XLE grade, which offered an available power moonroof and a JBL audio system with AM/FM/six-disc CD changer, plus satellite radio and eight speakers.

11th Generation: 2014-2018

The 11th-generation Corolla debuted a chiseled new body. The rear seat’s 41.4 inches of legroom exceeded that of many midsize and full-size sedans. All Corolla models now featured eight standard airbags, including a new driver’s knee airbag and front passenger seat cushion airbag. Critically, the 2017 Corolla came standard with Toyota Safety Sense-P, a total safety system anchored by automatic emergency braking and that bundled the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist; Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams.

Upgraded interior materials continued the premium feel, and a touchscreen audio system featured Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity as standard. Automatic climate control became standard on the LE grade and above. The L and sporty S grades standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while the automatic transmission was now a CVT to boost fuel economy. The Corolla Eco model with Valvematic engine technology had an EPA estimated 42 MPG highway / 34 MPG combined.

12th Generation: 2019-present

For 2019, the Toyota Corolla line brought a new sedan with a lower, leaner, tauter look. Bigger news: The hatch was back! A sporty hatchback returned to the line after a long absence. And still bigger news: The first Corolla Hybrid Sedan debuted, becoming the fuel economy champ of the line with an astounding EPA estimated 52 combined MPG.

The Corolla Hatchback has a body all its own and channels the spirit of the past Corolla GT-S and XRS performance models, thanks to the 169-horsepower 2.0-liter Dynamic Force engine and rev-matching intelligent six-speed manual transmission. This hot yet highly efficient powerplant is also available in the Corolla sedan. And, while the Corolla Hybrid is the line’s MPG rating leader, the other models are efficiency experts, too, with the 2.0-liter models having an estimated rating of up to 35 combined MPG.

The Corolla Sedan and Hatchback offer a Nightshade Special Edition, an XSE sport model and a luxury-flavored XLE grade. The Dynamic Shift CVT available for all models (except the Hybrid) uses a geared first ratio for a better performance feel and efficiency. The limited-availability Corolla Apex took performance to an even higher level with a bold body kit, track-developed suspension with lowering springs, lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels and a sport-tuned exhaust.

For 2022, the first-ever Corolla Cross joins the line, a new crossover with ample space to tackle the town and generously equipped with Toyota’s renowned comfort and tech features. All Corolla models are built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform for high levels of agility and safety. And, all Corolla models feature standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 on all grades.

The Beat Goes On

After 50 million cars, the Toyota Corolla heads into the future offering stylish, agile, quiet, roomy, highly efficient models brimming with the latest tech and safety and ready to write millions more personal stories around the globe. Toyota invites everyone with a Corolla story to share it using #MyCorollaStory.

Toyota Sparks Interest in STEAM With a Hands-On Experience

Achievements in science and art start with the same spark: wonder.

When the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum asked a team of Toyota Motor North America Research & Development (TMNA R&D) employees what led them to become an engineer, scientist or researcher, each pointed to a moment of childhood wonder as the spark of curiosity that blossomed into a career. Now, these same catalysts to innovation have a new place to work their magic.

Introduced today, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum STEAM PARK was designed with the mission to help inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and artists. And while the future of innovation is assuredly high-tech, the root of inquiry rests with the analog world of the inner workings of machines.

STEAM PARK offers the increasingly rare tactile experience of interactive mechanical exhibits, which come with names that could come right out of a Jules Verne story, such as Window Maze Ball Machine, Airfoil, Propeller Chair and a first-in-the-world digital Roulette Curve. There is even a floor-to-ceiling, multi-interactive 17th-century clock for those who see mere cogs in the machine as priceless learning opportunities.

STEAMPARK ideation sketches

“It’s all mechanical and driven by the visitor. The visitor makes it work, and you look at all these pieces and parts, from levers to gears to pulleys and conveyors,” explains Mel Drumm, president and chief executive officer of the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.

From ideation to design, TMNA R&D engineers collaborated with the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum to develop the space and the nearly two dozen exhibits for more than two years. STEAM PARK, which will be part of the museum’s permanent display, ensures a long line of future inventors will have the chance to get their hands on the wheels of production.

Fueling Impactful Collaboration 

For nearly two decades, TMNA R&D, headquartered in Michigan, has collaborated on several initiatives with Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, which serves close to 400,000 visitors annually from across the state. Beginning in 2008, the company worked closely on the development of the STEAM exhibit, “Engineers on a Roll,” an immersive and interactive preschool experience mouse trap game designed specifically to inspire preschool-aged visitors to touch, see, and to learn through play.

16-foot Window Maze Ball Machine

It’s not just about providing financial support; sharing knowledge and collaborating with the community is what successfully propels Toyota’s efforts forward. This long-standing collaboration underscores Toyota’s commitment to the communities it serves while inspiring students to become interested in STEAM. Driving curiosity and helping to bring this enriching and interactive gallery to life is part of Toyota’s core values.

“As Toyota transitions to a mobility company, we think that the STEAM PARK and these new exhibits really align with our fundamentals,” says Jeff Makarewicz, group vice president and Toyota USA Foundation board member. “Through new connected, automated and electrification technologies, we’re trying to solve some of the world’s most critical problems, but we can’t do it alone. We are going to need to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers, and STEAM Park can help build tomorrow’s STEAM professionals.”

Toyota Engineer Carlos Briceno at the Air Foil exhibit with his family

STEAM PARK was made possible by grants from the Toyota USA Foundation and Toyota Motor North America totaling $1.5 million. This includes funding the renovations to the “Engineers on a Roll” exhibit, which will be refreshed and renamed STEAM PLAY, and the forthcoming outdoor environmental education experience STEAM PLACE.

Igniting Imaginations and Delightful Discoveries   

In becoming a mobility company, Toyota is striving to improve people’s lives. To that end, STEAM PARK isn’t just for kids. It’s an engaging, multidimensional experience for people of all ages.

“One of the great things about the exhibit is that it is completely open-ended,” says Drumm. “You walk in, and there are multiple layers to every exhibit. So, if you’re a seasoned engineer, you’re going to approach the exhibits one way. If you’re a preschooler, you’re going to approach the exhibits another way. If you’re in middle school or upper elementary school, you’re going to see it differently, and then when it’s facilitated by our staff, you’ll see yet another layer of exhibits.”

“I think we all have a responsibility to try to spark the innovators of tomorrow, to try to show that we are all good stewards of the planet, to show that we’re all involved in trying to make the world a better place,” says Drumm.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum collaboration with Toyota video

Toyota Debuts Mobile Collision Assistance Service

 Post-Collision Guidance Feature Delivered to Toyota and Lexus Drivers Through Smartphone App

Toyota and Lexus drivers now have a new assistance service available to them in the moments following a collision. Collision Assistance, a just-in-time support service, is now available to drivers within the Toyota and Lexus mobile app. The feature within the Toyota and Lexus Owners Apps offers guided instructions to help drivers navigate a post-collision repair process.

Toyota worked with CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc. (CCC), a leading SaaS platform for the multi-trillion-dollar P&C insurance economy, to develop Collison Assistance. The CCC mobile technology combines guided accident documentation and access to claims and management services to assist drivers following a collision. Toyota transmits accident and vehicle telematics data to CCC to initiate the program. Collision Assistance is designed to let the customer choose how they’d like to handle the claim and repair processes, providing convenience and safety while also ensuring owners are informed about the process through completion.

“Safety for our customers is paramount. The minutes following an accident can be critical — drivers are often confused and uncertain about what to do. By incorporating Collision Assistance into our owner app, we can offer help when it is needed,” said Steve Basra, Toyota Motor North America, Connected Technologies group vice president. “We aim to deliver innovative features to our drivers. With Collision Assistance, we’re offering additional safety and peace of mind.”

Collision Assistance is an extension of the Safety Connect suite of features available to Toyota and Lexus owners who have an active subscription or are within the trial period of select 2018 model year or newer Toyota and Lexus vehicles. After the driver has confirmed they are safe and without injury, the Collision Assistance app can be used to guide drivers to collect important accident documentation, connect them to a network of auto insurers for optional claim submission and provide search capabilities to help locate a collision repair facility. The feature will prompt drivers through the entire process, from data gathering and insurance claim management all the way through collision repair.

“Toyota is taking a comprehensive approach to post-collision management, and we’re proud to support its mission to deliver world-class safety experiences to drivers,” said Andreas Hecht, CCC’s OEM Services Group SVP. “By using CCC’s technology to establish a personal, near-real time connection with drivers, automakers can positively impact the often-stressful post-collision experience.”

The Collision Assistance Feature is made available to Toyota and Lexus owners through the Owners App. Toyota and Lexus Owners App downloads are available for iPhone® or Android™ smartphones. Click here to learn more about Collision Assistance.

Keep Your Dog Cool with Homemade Frozen Treats!

We started the summer off with temperatures above 100 degrees and it seems summer isn't done with Western Washington yet! And with summer usually lasting into September, we could be in for more days of uncomfortable heat. While some of us have air conditioning, many of us don't and have to get creative with ways to keep cool. Our furry friends have even fewer options, so we have to get creative with ways to keep them cool and healthy.

One fun and tasty way to do that is with frozen dog treats! Sure, it's great to get that pup cone in the drive-thru, but here are some delicious and healthy-for-dogs treats you can make at home to give them any time to beat the summer heat!

• Frozen yogurt, peanut butter, and fruit pupsicles!
• Frozen apple dog treat!
• Two-ingredient cantaloupe ice cream!

Filmmaker Roger Suggs Collaborates with Toyota to Share More Untold Stories of Kansas City’s Black Community

 “Beautiful, Black and Bold: A Mini-Mentary Series” Celebrates Women Entrepreneurs and Leaders

Toyota announced today the premiere of the second season of a documentary series developed in partnership with Roger Suggs, also known as the rapper “Vigalantee,” that highlights Kansas City’s historically Black communities. The second season, titled “Beautiful, Black and Bold: A Mini-Mentary Series,” illuminates Black women entrepreneurs and leaders. New episodes will be released weekly throughout August in celebration of Black Business Month, an annual event that elevates Black-owned businesses.

Viewers are also invited to support Safe House, a grassroots community program that provides emergency housing for youth and students, a high-quality shared workspace for entrepreneurs with computers, professional printing equipment and screen printers and a community gathering space for guest speakers, workshops and networking events.

“Creating both seasons of this docuseries has been a labor of love for my Kansas City community, neighbors and fellow entrepreneurs,” Suggs said. “It’s an honor to shine a light on the remarkable women featured in season two while supporting Safe House and a vision for a trusted community space that helps youth fulfill their full potential.”

Suggs, who is the coordinator of student activities at Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC), brings his unique approach to storytelling and overall creative direction to the series. Toyota offered financial support for filming and editing and loaned 2021 Toyota vehicles that were incorporated into the episodes. The first episode is available at TruthTheReason.com.

“After seeing the results of season one and Roger’s passion and heart for storytelling, we knew we would support another season of this project,” said Curt McAllister, Midwest public relations manager for Toyota Motor North America. “People will walk away from this series inspired and uplifted by the stories featured, and I hope our partnership helps people find their entrepreneurial spirit.”

A list and description of all episodes follows:

1. “Sweet Redemption: The Keisha Kandi Apples Story.” All it takes is one step to cross the line into the spectacular, as Keisha Kay learned following the viral success of her sweets company, Keisha Kandi Apples. From selling simple candy apples at her job, to massive and complex custom orders, Keisha has battled opposition from within her own community and from the racism of society. Despite the strain of sleepless nights and tight deadlines, showing her daughter anything can be achievable keeps her going strong and onto the next frontier of her business: the storefront.

2. “A Woman’s Will: The Celisha Towers Story.” It is said that only those that have seen a system inside and out can ever hope to actually change it, as was the case with Celisha Towers and the foster care system she grew up in. After an ongoing and accomplished career in law enforcement, Celisha determined she would change the system for the better, not just for the children who will walk the path she walked, but for her entire community ailing under the systemic racism that plagues it.

3. “Perfect Imperfections: The Latanya Skillern Story.” Any ex-felon can say no matter the steps one took to be better, one great threat always looms for the rest of their lives: recidivism. After a four-year stint in prison, Latanya Skillern knew employment for returning citizens like her was extremely difficult to find, which prompted her to use her extensive skills in painting and home renovation to create one of Kansas City’s best home/commercial repair companies: Pretty N’ Paint N’ Things. Despite the naysayers brushing her off for not just the name, but for being a woman in a male-led industry, Latanya’s enterprise continues to grow. And she will soon use it to help citizens like her not only by employing them, but by housing them and aiding them in re-entering the world as she once did.

4. “Belief Beyond Belief: The Tameca Lash Story.” Every business has a pioneer who paved the way for those who came afterward, and for the sweets business, that pioneer is Tameca Lash. As her regular 9-5 job stopped being enough to provide for her family, she revisited her childhood interest of experimenting with candies and flavors to create what is now Sugah Rush Berries. What sets her apart from other enterprises is her tendency to coach and advise other up-and-coming “sugar artists,” as she calls them, which in her native Wyandotte County is an extremely rare trait. In her mind, there’s enough space and clientele for everybody.

5. “Soulful Revival: The Shalenda Gunnels Story.” Greatness can show up at the most unexpected times and during our lowest moments. Following a well-publicized altercation and mounting debts, Shalenda Gunnels saw the punches just keep on coming; yet in her darkest hour, a miracle manifested in the form of a good Samaritan who not only helped her get her finances in order, but indirectly helped Shalenda reconnect with a life-long passion for baking. As friends, co-workers and strangers alike began to notice and taste her wonderful, homemade work, a simple hobby became a rising enterprise in the form of Soul Sweets By The Cake Lady. Now, she uses her baking and complex custom work not only to give her the income she needs, but to help herself and others find the light in a harsh world.