What year did the Corolla become FWD?
There isn’t a single year when the entire Corolla lineup switched to front‑wheel drive. The shift happened gradually, with some markets adopting FWD for standard models in the early to mid‑1980s and others retaining rear‑wheel drive variants for longer. By the 1990s, front‑wheel drive had become the norm for most Corollas, though all‑wheel drive options appeared on certain trims in some regions.
Historical overview of the drivetrain shift
The Toyota Corolla began life in 1966 with a traditional front‑engine, rear‑wheel‑drive layout. Over the decades, Toyota offered both RWD and, in later generations, front‑wheel drive, depending on market and model. A well‑known exception is the AE86 category from the early 1980s, a rear‑wheel‑drive variant that coexisted with FWD family models in the same era. The broader industry move toward front‑wheel drive took hold in the mid‑1980s and, for most of the world, FWD became standard for Corollas by the 1990s.
Performance variants and drivetrain choices
Within the same generation, performance‑oriented versions like the AE86 Sprinter/Trueno remained rear‑wheel drive, illustrating that the transition to FWD was not uniform across all Corolla models. The main passenger and hatchback lines gradually shifted to FWD, while sportier or regionally specialized trims could still use RWD for longer in some markets.
Market variations and notable examples
Across different regions, the mix of front‑ and rear‑wheel drive evolved at different paces. The trend, however, was toward FWD for conventional Corollas, with all‑wheel drive offered only on select trims or regions.
- 1960s–1970s: The early Corollas were predominantly rear‑wheel drive in most markets.
- Early–mid‑1980s: Front‑wheel drive appeared on many standard Corolla models in several markets, while the AE86 sports variants largely remained rear‑wheel drive.
- 1990s onward: Front‑wheel drive became the norm for most Corollas worldwide, with occasional all‑wheel‑drive options on specific trims or wagons in some regions.
In short, the shift to front‑wheel drive was gradual and regional rather than a single global turning point.
Summary
The question doesn’t have a single answer year. The Corolla’s move to front‑wheel drive began in the early to mid‑1980s in many markets, became standard for most models by the 1990s, and remains the default layout today, with occasional all‑wheel drive options in certain trims and regions. The Ae86 and other rear‑wheel‑drive variants persisted alongside these changes for several years, underscoring the model’s varied drivetrain history.
What was the last year of the rear-wheel drive Toyota Corolla?
The 5th Generation
Released in May 1983, the fifth-generation Corolla (and Sprinter) represented a most comprehensive model change in its history. The family-use sedan followed the worldwide trend and switched its layout from front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR) to front-engine, front-wheel-drive.
Is the 1986 Toyota Corolla FWD or RWD?
The coupe and 3 door hatch were rwd. All others were fwd for that generation.
Are Toyota Corollas FWD?
Most models now used the front-wheel drive layout except the AE85 and AE86, which were to be the last Corollas offered in the rear-wheel drive or FR layout. The AE85 and AE86 chassis codes were also used for the Sprinter (including the Sprinter Trueno).
When did the Toyota Corolla go FWD?
Look at a fifth-generation Corolla, which began in 1984, and you will get the first front-wheel-drive version. The 1988 Toyota Corolla started the sixth generation with a front-drive coupe, more conservative styling, and better-equipped trims.
