What does the iM mean in Toyota Corolla?

The iM badge in Toyota’s Corolla line is not an officially defined acronym. It originated with the Scion iM hatchback before the model was folded into Toyota’s lineup and renamed over time. Today, the iM tag is no longer used in most markets, with the car marketed simply as the Corolla Hatchback in the United States and other regions.

A brief history of the iM name

To understand what the iM signified, it helps to trace how the badge moved through the brand’s lineup and why Toyota eventually dropped it.

1. 2015—Scion introduces the iM hatchback for the 2016 model year, built on the Mazda2 platform and positioned as a sporty, practical compact with an emphasis on agility and value.


2. 2016–2017—With Scion being phased out as a brand, Toyota rebrands the car as the Toyota Corolla iM for the 2017 model year to align it with the Corolla family while retaining the hatchback body style.


3. 2019—Toyota retires the iM badge, renaming the model Corolla Hatchback as part of a broader effort to consolidate branding under the Corolla name across markets.

In summary, the iM label was a carryover from Scion that signified a hatchback variant tied to the Corolla family, but it was never presented by Toyota as a formal acronym. The badge was retired as the model adopted the standard Corolla Hatchback branding.

Does iM stand for something?

There is no official expansion or meaning published by Toyota for the letters “iM.” The badge was a product of Scion’s branding strategy and was carried into the Corolla lineup before being retired. Automotive outlets and enthusiasts have speculated about possible phrases, but Toyota has not confirmed any official interpretation.

Official stance

Toyota has not disclosed an official acronym or meaning for "iM." It is treated as a model name rather than an acronym, and the name was phased out as part of a branding realignment toward Corolla.

Current status and branding impact

Today, the car formerly known as Corolla iM is marketed as the Corolla Hatchback in the U.S. and many other markets. The change reflects Toyota’s broader strategy to streamline its lineup under the Corolla umbrella, emphasizing a single, recognizable name for the hatchback variant.

Summary

The iM designation was a product of Scion-era branding that signified a hatchback variant within the Corolla family. Toyota later retired the badge, integrating the model into the Corolla lineup as the Corolla Hatchback. There is no official meaning behind the letters “iM,” and the badge is no longer used in modern marketing.

What is the M mode on a Toyota Corolla?

M: Manual Mode
M is Manual on select models. Shift from D to M to step through preset gears using plus and minus inputs, often shown on the instrument panel. This gives you manual style control without a clutch.

Is the Toyota Corolla iM a good car?

The Toyota Corolla iM is considered a good car for those prioritizing reliability, practicality, and a low price, but it's not ideal for drivers seeking performance or a spacious interior. Its main advantages are its excellent reliability, good fuel economy, and standard features, while its downsides include a cramped back seat, underpowered engine, and slow acceleration.
 
Pros

• Reliability: Like other Corollas, the iM has a reputation for being very reliable and long-lasting, with many owners reporting high satisfaction with its dependability. 
• Practicality: It is a practical hatchback with a decent amount of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down. 
• Fuel Efficiency: The Corolla iM is fuel-efficient, making it a good option for daily driving. 
• Value: It often comes with a lot of standard features for its price, making it a good value proposition. 
• Ride Comfort: It offers a comfortable ride that handles bumps well, though it can feel busy on rougher roads. 

Cons

• Performance: The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is underpowered, leading to slow acceleration and a lack of driving excitement. 
• Rear Seat: The back seat can feel cramped, especially for taller passengers, and is not as roomy as some competitors. 
• Driving Dynamics: It is not considered a fun car to drive, despite a decent handling setup. 
• Visibility: Some drivers find the rear visibility to be limited. 

Who is it for?
The Corolla iM is a good choice if you are on a budget and prioritize dependability over performance. It's a sensible car for daily commutes, with good fuel economy and a practical hatchback design that's great for hauling cargo. 
Who should consider alternatives?
If you need a car that is more engaging to drive, has a more spacious back seat, or offers stronger performance, you may want to look at other options. Some say you would be happier paying a little extra for a more well-rounded small hatchback.

What is the difference between Corolla SE and iM?

Although the Toyota Corolla and Corolla iM both pack 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engines, the iM model has more horsepower at its disposal (137 as opposed to 132). On the other hand, the standard Corolla possesses a bit more torque than its hatchback counterpart (128 as opposed to 126).

What does Toyota Corolla iM mean?

The Corolla iM was a 5-door compact hatchback model from Toyota that was produced from 2016 to 2018 and was replaced by the Corolla Hatchback for the 2019 model year. It was based on the Auris hatchback sold in other countries and featured a sporty design with a 1.8-liter engine, standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, and either a 6-speed manual or an automatic continuously variable (CVT) transmission.
 
You can watch this video to see a walkaround and features of the 2017 Toyota Corolla iM: 59sToyota USAYouTube · Jun 13, 2017
Key features

• Body style: 5-door hatchback 
• Engine: 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower 
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) 
• Safety: Standard features included the Toyota Safety Sense-C package, which added pre-collision system with automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. It also had a backup camera and the Star Safety System. 
• Exterior: Featured a honeycomb grille, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a spoiler on some models. 
• Interior: Came with standard tech features like a touchscreen infotainment system and Bluetooth, with some models offering dual-zone climate control and heated front seats. 
• Space: Offered ample passenger and cargo space for a compact hatchback. 

What happened to it?
The Corolla iM was replaced in the United States for the 2019 model year by the entirely new Toyota Corolla Hatchback, which was redesigned and based on the TNGA platform, notes MotorTrend.