What car has a 2e engine?
The 2E is a 1.3-liter Toyota inline-four used in several late-1980s Toyotas, notably the Starlet and certain Corolla-based models.
In this article, we identify the vehicles commonly equipped with the 2E and its EFI successor 2E-E, explain how to confirm a car’s engine code, and place the 2E family in the broader context of Toyota’s compact-car lineup from that era.
Which cars used the 2E engine
Below is a quick guide to the models that historically carried the 2E or its EFI variant 2E-E in various markets. Availability depended on year, region, and trim level.
- Toyota Starlet (certain late-1980s variants) powered by the 2E or 2E-E engine.
- Toyota Corolla-based hatchbacks and compact sedans in select markets during the same period, equipped with 2E/2E-E powerplants.
Because engine codes and options varied by market, not every Starlet or Corolla from those years used the 2E/2E-E. If you’re diagnosing a specific car, check the engine block/valve cover for the 2E or 2E-E markings or consult the vehicle’s service manual or VIN/engine-code documentation.
Engine variants: 2E versus 2E-E
The 2E family refers to a 1.3-liter inline-four. The 2E-E designation denotes the fuel-injected, electronically controlled version that offered more precise fuel delivery and typical efficiency improvements over earlier carbureted or non-EFI setups. In practice, power outputs depended on markets and emissions equipment but generally fell within a modest, sub-100 horsepower range. For any given car, the exact spec is tied to the engine code stamped on the engine and the region where the vehicle was sold.
How to verify the engine in a specific car
To confirm whether a particular vehicle uses the 2E or 2E-E engine, you should:
- Inspect the engine block or valve cover for the 2E or 2E-E marking.
- Check the vehicle’s service manual or maintenance records for the engine code listed under the powerplant section.
- Look up the VIN along with the model year and market to see the original factory specification for that VIN.
If you’re buying a used car, these checks can help verify originality and avoid confusion with other 1.3-liter Toyota engines that share similar displacement but different codes.
Summary
The Toyota 2E and its EFI variant 2E-E powered a subset of the company’s compact cars in the late 1980s, most notably certain Starlet variants and Corolla-based models in various markets. Verification of the exact engine comes down to checking the engine code on the engine itself and cross-referencing with official documentation or VIN details. In short, if you’re seeking a Starlet or Corolla from that era with a 2E/2E-E engine, look for the 2E family behind the hood and confirm with the vehicle’s paperwork.
How many cylinders does a 2E engine have?
The 2E-12-valve engine achieves both high power output and low fuel consumption with the four-cylinder 12-valve design and the V-type carburetor*1.
Is the 2E engine still in production?
2E. The 2E is a 1.3 L (1,295 cc) SOHC version with three valves per cylinder. Output ranges from 65 to 88 hp (48 to 66 kW; 66 to 89 PS) at 6,000 rpm with 72 lb⋅ft (98 N⋅m) of torque at 3600 rpm to 77 lb⋅ft (104 N⋅m) of torque at 5200 rpm. It appeared in 1985, and was discontinued after 1998.
How does the 2E engine compare to other engines?
In comparison to modern engines, the 2E engine lacks advanced features like fuel injection, turbocharging, or variable valve timing.
Which car uses a 2E engine?
Vehicles Powered by the Toyota 2E Engine
Toyota Corolla E80 and E90 Series (1985–1992) Toyota Tazz (South African market) Toyota Starlet (some markets)
