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What engine does a 1991 Toyota Corolla have?

The typical 1991 Toyota Corolla in most markets came with a 1.6-liter inline-four known as the 4A-FE, a fuel-injected DOHC engine. Depending on region and trim, other engines were offered, but the 1.6L 4A-FE was by far the most common choice.


Engine options by market


Because the Corolla was sold worldwide in a variety of configurations, the engine lineup for the 1991 model year varied by country and trim level. The following summaries reflect common setups you might encounter.



  • 1.6-liter inline-four 4A-FE, DOHC, fuel-injected; paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Typical output was around 105–110 horsepower depending on the exact spec.

  • Some markets offered a smaller 1.3-liter inline-four (commonly part of the 4A-C family) used in entry-level trims or for emissions-focused versions.

  • A limited number of trims and regions offered a larger engine (around 1.8 liters) in certain configurations, though this was not standard on the majority of 1991 Corollas.


Overall, the engine lineup for the 1991 Corolla was region-dependent, with the 1.6L 4A-FE serving as the backbone for most North American and many international cars, while smaller or occasionally larger options appeared in specific markets.


How to confirm your engine


To verify the exact engine in a specific 1991 Corolla, check the engine code stamped on the engine block or the vehicle’s documentation. The 1.6L 4A-FE is the most common code you’ll see for North American and many other markets, but local variants may use 4A-C or other codes depending on the country of sale.


For buyers or restorers, VIN decoding and the original owner’s manual can also provide the precise engine specification for a particular vehicle.


Summary


The 1991 Toyota Corolla primarily used a 1.6-liter inline-four engine known as the 4A-FE in many markets, especially North America. Other regions offered smaller 1.3-liter engines (4A-C) in economy trims, and a few markets had occasional larger engines in select trims. Always verify the engine code on the specific car to be certain.

What type of engine is in a Toyota Corolla?


A Toyota Corolla can have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine, a 1.8-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, or older models have other engines like a 1.8-liter gas engine. The specific engine depends on the model year, trim, and whether it is a gas, hybrid, or sometimes a sportier model.
 
Common modern engines

  • 2.0L four-cylinder (gasoline): This engine typically produces around 169 horsepower and is found in models like the LE, SE, XSE, and XLE. 
  • 1.8L four-cylinder (hybrid): This engine is part of the hybrid system and, when combined with the electric motor, produces around 121 to 138 horsepower depending on the specific model year. 

Older or specific model engines
  • 1.8L four-cylinder (gasoline): Some older models and entry-level trims came with a 1.8-liter engine, which usually produced around 139 horsepower. 
  • 1.6L four-cylinder: Some older Corolla models, like the E140, were equipped with a 1.6-liter engine. 

Other factors
  • Model year: Engine options vary significantly by year. 
  • Trim level: Different trim levels, such as the LE versus the XSE, will have different engines. 
  • Drivetrain: Some hybrid models are available with all-wheel drive (AWD) in addition to front-wheel drive (FWD). 



How much is a 1991 Toyota Corolla worth today?


7Edmunds Appraisal Report
driven per year, with no color or options selected. 1991 Toyota Corolla trade-in prices range from $645 - $5,411. Get a more accurate value for your car with the Edmunds appraisal tool.



What engine is in a 1991 Toyota Corolla?


Engine

Base engine size1.6 L
CylindersInline 4
Base engine typeGas



How long do 1991 Corollas typically last?


Average Lifespan of a Toyota Corolla. Toyota Corollas are widely known to last between 300,000 and 400,000 kilometres—often more—with proper care. That's roughly 15 to 20 years of daily driving, making it one of the most durable vehicles in its segment.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.