When did Corollas become front-wheel drive?
The move to front-wheel drive happened with the Corolla's fifth generation, introduced in 1979 for the 1980 model year; since then, front-wheel drive has been standard on most Corollas worldwide, with occasional all-wheel-drive variants offered in some markets.
To understand when and why this shift occurred, it's helpful to review the Corolla’s drivetrain history across generations and regions. The timeline below highlights the key milestones in this evolution from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive.
Milestones in Corolla drive layouts
The list below outlines when front-wheel drive was introduced and when it became standard across generations, noting the pivotal fifth-generation shift.
- Pre-1979: All Corolla models were rear-wheel drive (RWD) in most markets.
- 1979 (fifth generation, E70): Introduction of front-wheel drive on many markets; 1980 model year widely offered in FWD configurations.
- 1980s–present: Front-wheel drive became the standard layout for Corollas worldwide, with occasional all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants offered in some market configurations.
Taken together, the Corolla’s transition to front-wheel drive began in the late 1970s and was solidified through the 1980s, shaping the model’s packaging and efficiency for decades to come.
Summary
The Corolla shifted to front-wheel drive starting with the fifth generation in 1979/1980, and front-wheel drive has been the norm for the model since, with rare AWD variants appearing in certain markets.
Is the 1979 Toyota Corolla FWD or RWD?
The Corolla E70 was the fourth generation of cars sold by Toyota under the Corolla nameplate. The fourth-generation model was released in March 1979 in Japan, and was the last generation to have the entire lineup in rear-wheel-drive configuration.
Are Toyota Corollas front-wheel drive?
Here approaching on the right hand side you have your LE trim level badge. Left hand side is your Corolla badge underneath the rear logo is the backup.
What year did the Corolla go fwd?
The 1988 Toyota Corolla started the sixth generation with a front-drive coupe, more conservative styling, and better-equipped trims. By the seventh generation, the Corolla had a 97-inch wheelbase and the 1.6-liter engine or a 115-horsepower 1.8-liter one.
Is the 2005 Toyota Corolla FWD or RWD?
Front-wheel drive
The 2005 Toyota Corolla seats five. It's offered in four trims: CE, S, XRS and LE. A manual transmission and an automatic gearbox are available. Front-wheel drive is standard.
