What engine does Toyota Carina have?
There isn’t a single engine for the Toyota Carina. Across its generations and markets, the model used several four-cylinder petrol engines—and in some regions diesel options appeared as well.
Produced from the late 1970s through the 1990s in various forms and with regional naming differences, the Carina’s powertrain evolved with market demands, emissions rules, and shifting Toyota lineups. The result is a spectrum of engines rather than one fixed option.
Engine options by generation
The following outlines typical engine families by generation, noting that availability varied by country.
- First-generation Carina (late 1970s–1980s): petrol four-cylinder engines in the compact to mid-size range, commonly around 1.3–1.8 L; diesel options were limited and region-specific.
- Second-generation Carina (1980s–early 1990s): larger petrol choices, typically 1.6–2.0 L four-cylinders; diesel variants were more common in Europe and some markets.
- Carina E (1992–1997): commonly offered with 1.6 L or 1.8 L petrol engines; some markets received a 2.0 L diesel option, depending on emissions and trim levels.
The engine mix tracked market demand and regulations, with petrol engines dominating and diesel options appearing where demand and tax regimes favored them.
Diesel availability and regional variations
Where diesel choices existed, they tended to be in specific markets and later in the Carina’s lifecycle, with four-cylinder diesels roughly in the 1.8–2.0 L range.
- Diesel options were most common in Europe and some Asian markets, often in the 1.8–2.0 L class.
- Turbocharged diesels were rare in the Carina lineup; most diesel variants were naturally aspirated four-cylinders designed for efficiency and compliance with local rules.
- Diesel availability varied by generation and trim level, so a given country might have petrol-only or diesel-inclusive Carinas in different years.
For buyers, this means you should verify the exact engine by checking the vehicle’s documentation or asking the seller for the engine code or displacement.
How to identify the engine in your Carina
Look on the engine block or the VIN/engine code plate, which typically lists displacement and engine family. If you’re buying used, cross-check the cited engine with the VIN to avoid mismatches.
Summary
The Toyota Carina did not have a single engine line. Across its generations and markets, it offered a spectrum of petrol engines in roughly 1.3–2.0 L and occasional diesel options, with exact availability depending on year and country. If you provide the year and market, I can give precise engine options for that Carina variant.
Which engine does Toyota Carina use?
The previous generation was a petrol engine and is still using the 1800 cc the 4S-FE, 1500 cc with a 5A-FE type.
What is the Toyota Carina based on?
Celica
The Carina was based on the Celica, which sold well in the US in 1971, but the Carina and the Crown didn't do well in the early 1970s as Toyota transitioned from relative obscurity to a major player in the US.
Is the 1.8 Toyota engine a good engine?
The 1.8L engine from Toyota is the single most reliable piece of machinery on the planet. Variations of that motor have been kept in the Corolla lineup since 1974. It has even made other models like the Celica and Matrix renowned for reliability.
Is Toyota Carina a reliable car?
Reliable, comfortable, if largely unexciting, family transport doesn't come much better than this. Toyota's Carina E is around in solid numbers on the secondhand market and it's a British-built car you can buy with real confidence.
