What kind of car is a Toyota iM?
It is a compact five-door hatchback built on the Corolla platform. In the U.S. market it began life as the Scion iM, was subsequently rebranded as the Toyota iM, and today is aligned with the Corolla family under the Corolla Hatchback name. The vehicle emphasizes practicality and efficiency over sportiness, offering versatile cargo space in a small-car footprint.
Origins and branding history
The following overview traces how the iM came to be—and how the badge evolved as Toyota consolidated its lineup.
- Scion iM launched as a 5-door hatchback based on the Corolla platform
- When Scion was retired in 2016, the model continued as the Toyota iM for the 2017 model year
- For the 2019 model year, the model was renamed Corolla Hatchback to align with Toyota's Corolla family, with some markets continuing to reference the Corolla iM in certain contexts
These branding steps reflect Toyota’s shift away from the standalone Scion brand and its effort to unify hatchback models under the Corolla umbrella.
Timeline at a glance
Design, mechanics, and performance
The following list highlights the car's core design choices and typical mechanical features, illustrating what the iM offered as a practical hatchback.
- Body style: five-door hatchback
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive
- Engine: 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine
- Power output: around 137 horsepower with torque near 126 lb-ft (figures vary slightly by year)
- Transmissions: manual and CVT options were available depending on year and trim
- Interior and cargo: flexible rear seating and usable cargo space for a compact hatchback
- Market positioning: aimed at value-conscious buyers seeking practicality, fuel economy, and reliability
These specifications underscore the iM's role as a practical, everyday hatchback rather than a performance-oriented model.
Current status and how it fits today
As Toyota consolidated its lineup, the iM name stopped being used in the U.S. market. The hatchback continues under the Corolla Hatchback name, sharing its underlying design with the Corolla sedan and serving as the compact, versatile option in Toyota’s lineup. It remains a competitor to other compact hatchbacks like the Honda Civic Hatchback and Mazda3 Hatchback.
Summary
The Toyota iM is the hatchback counterpart of Toyota’s Corolla family. Originating as the Scion iM and later rebranded as Toyota iM before being folded into the Corolla lineup as the Corolla Hatchback, it offered a practical five-door body, front-wheel drive, and a modest 1.8-liter engine for efficient urban and suburban use. Today, the model lives on under the Corolla Hatchback banner, continuing to appeal to buyers who value cargo flexibility and reliability in a compact package.
What's the difference between iM and Corolla?
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What is Toyota iM?
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What year did they make the Toyota Corolla iM?
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Is the Toyota iM a good car?
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