The Corolla E110 was the eighth generation of cars sold by Toyota under the Corolla nameplate.

Introduced in May 1995, the eighth generation shared its platform (and doors, on some models) with its predecessor. Due to the Lost Decades recession at the time, Toyota ordered Corolla development chief Takayasu Honda to cut costs, hence the carry-over engineering.

For the general market, the Corolla was offered in Base, XLi, GLi and SE-G trim levels.

Japan

This was the last Corolla generation to have an equivalent Sprinter model, and the Levin sports package upgrade. Neither the hatchback nor the liftback were available in the Japanese market. The Sprinter Carib wagon was identical to the European Corolla wagon and was only available in Japan as a Sprinter. The previous generation Corolla Wagons and Vans continued to be sold alongside the new generation until 2000 (Touring Wagons) and 2002 (Vans, Assista Wagon). The Sprinter, exclusive to Toyota Auto Store Japanese dealerships was renamed the Toyota Allex and was modified from a sedan to five-door hatchback.

Japanese models received minor changes in April 1997 with new nose, tail and interior. The rear panel was redesigned, therefore the trunk and tail lights are not interchangeable between the old and facelift models. The new Japanese rear panel is the same as the European model. Japanese models were replaced by the E120 in 2000.

Japanese market engines: 4E-FE – 1.3 L (1331 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, 5A-FE – 1.5 L (1498 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, 4A-FE – 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, 4A-GE – 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 20-valve DOHC, FI, 2C-III – 2.0 L (1974 cc) I4, diesel, FI, 3C-E – 2.2 L (2184 cc) I4, diesel, EFI,

Southeast Asia

Indonesia This generation of the Corolla was launched in December 1995. Initially it was offered in XLi, SE-G, and S-Cruise grades, all powered by the 1.6-liter 4A-FE engine. The SE-G and S-Cruise came standard with a driver airbag, which made them the first cars to offer this safety equipment in the Indonesian compact car segment.

The facelifted 1.8 XLi and 1.8 SE-G came in March 1998. In addition to the newer 1.8-liter 7A-FE engine, the Corolla received new front and rear body panels and upgraded interior. The SE-G also came standard with ABS and an additional passenger airbag.

On the island of Batam, where used imports from Singapore are popular, the Corolla GLi E110 is one of the most common models, in the private car and taxi segment. Together with the local XLi and SE-G, the Singaporean GLi are common sights in this island. The majority of the E110s are the facelifted North American/Japan/Asian models, although there are a few pre-facelift 1995 models.

Malaysia In Malaysia, the E110 series Corolla was offered in two grades from February 1996, GLi and SE-G. Both were powered by the 1.6-liter 4A-FE engine. The SE-G and GLi came standard with airbags. 7330 Corollas were built in Malaysia in 1996.

A facelift was offered in 2 grades, SE-G and GLi variants was offered in April 1998. In addition to the bigger 1.8-liter 7A-FE Hi-Torq engine, the Corolla received new front and rear body panels, upgraded interior, and ABS was also standard on the SE-G.

Philippines In the Philippines, the E110 Corolla, nicknamed "Love Life" or "Baby Altis", was launched in December 1997, and was originally available in three grades: XL, XE, and GLi. The 1.3L 2E and 1.6L 4A-FE engines, as well as the 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions are carried over from the previous generation.

At introduction, the GLi was the top-of-the-line model, featuring a 1.6 L 4A-FE engine and trim-exclusive Red Mica body paint. This specification had power windows and locks, an optional spoiler, a digital clock with an Alpine 4-channel head unit, standard ABS, and TVSS (Toyota Vehicle Security System) keyless locks, and was available with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. A special variant named TOM'S Toyota Corolla Turbo that was based on the GLi trim was offered in 1999 through dealers where it sold body kits and a complete turbo kit for its 1.6 L 4A-FE engine developed by TOM'S.

The 1.3 XE was a step up from the standard XL grade, adding dual SRS airbags, 14-inch alloy wheels, and a Fujitsu Ten 4-channel audio unit. This variant was only available with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The 1.3 XL was the Corolla's cheapest model at launch, equipped with basic features like a two-spoke polypropylene steering wheel, wind-up windows, 13" steel wheels, Fujitsu Ten 2-channel stereo, and 5-speed manual transmission. It was sold as rental cars and taxis alongside the E120 Corolla Altis until May 2004, when it was replaced by the newly launched Toyota Vios J variant.

In 1999, a new 1.3 LE trim was introduced, with comparable features to the XL and XE grades but with a 5-speed manual transmission and 14-inch alloy wheels; it was phased out in early 2003 and replaced by the Vios E and G trims.

The XE and GLi versions were redesigned in early 2000. The name 'Corolla Altis' was first applied to a new 1.8 SE-G trim with identical features to the GLi, including a new 1.8 L 7A-FE engine, modified front and rear body panels, a remodeled grille, and a 4-speed automatic transmission. All were available until mid-2001, with the exception of the XL and LE trims.

Toyota Motor Philippines also made an interactive CD brochure featuring the GLi, XE and XL models. + Engine specifications for PH models Model Engine type Max. output Max. torque1.3 L XE / XL / LESOHC 12V 2E (Carburetor) at 6,200 rpm at 4,200 rpm1.6 L GLiDOHC 16V 4A-FE (EFI) at 6,800 rpm at 4,800 rpm1.8 L SE-G 'Altis'DOHC 16V 7A-FE (EFI) at 6,000 rpm at 4,400 rpm

Singapore The E110 was one of the best-selling cars during its time in Singapore. It was commonly used as a taxicab there. Many of these cars were exported to Batam for use as taxis in the 2000s.

Thailand In Thailand, the E110 series Corolla was launched in July 1996. It was initially offered in DXi, GXi and SE-G trim levels — they were powered by either 1.5-liter 5A-FE engine or the 1.6-liter 4A-FE engine, this iteration of Corolla is nicknamed as "Tong Nueng" or Duck-Ass model.

Trims offered on the pre-facelift model: 1.5 DXi – 1.5-liter DOHC 5A-FE engine, 5-speed manual transmission, tilt-adjustable steering (3-spoke), no tachometer, includes power steering and stereo, vinyl seats, 13-inch steel rims with hubcaps. 1.5 GXi – 1.5-liter DOHC 5A-FE engine, 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions, tilt-adjustable steering (3-spoke), includes tachometer, power steering and stereo, power windows and door locks, fabric seats, 13-inch steel rims with hubcaps, includes Driver's airbag. 1.6 GXi – 1.6-liter DOHC 4A-FE engine, 5-speed manual transmission, tilt steering adjustment (4-spoke), includes tachometer, power steering and stereo, power windows and door locks, power mirrors, 14-inch alloy rims, fabric seats, ABS (anti-lock braking system) and driver's airbag. 1.6 SE-G – 1.6-liter DOHC 4A-FE engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, tilt steering adjustment (4-spoke), includes tachometer, power steering and stereo, power windows and door locks, power mirrors with auto-folding function, 14-inch alloy rims, fabric seats, ABS (anti-lock braking system) and driver's airbag.

The facelift model was introduced in April 1998, offered in three grades: GXi, GXi-S and SE-G, the bigger 1.8-liter 7A-FE engine was added and the 1.5-liter 5A-FE engine was discontinued. In June 1999, the 1.8 SE-G trim was rebranded into Corolla Altis, making it more luxurious than the standard Corolla. In March 2000, the tail lights of Corolla Altis models were changed to the ones that is similar to the European market and the 1.6-liter SE-G trim was added, this facelifted Corolla was marketed as "Hi-Torque" due to its more powerful engine. "1800cc HI-TORQ"

Trims offered in the facelifted model:

Marketed as Corolla: 1.6 GXi – 1.6-liter DOHC 4A-FE engine, 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions, tilt steering adjustment (4-spoke), includes tachometer, power steering and stereo, power windows and door locks, power mirrors, velvet Fabric seats, 14-inch alloy rims, includes ABS (Anti-lock braking system) and Driver's airbag. 1.6 GXi-S – 1.6-liter DOHC 4A-FE engine, 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions, same specifications and features as 1.6 GXi plus Leather seats and sporty accessories such as Rear Spoiler, Side Skirts and different design of Alloy wheels.

Marketed as Corolla Altis: 1.6 SE-G – 1.6-liter DOHC 4A-FE engine, 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions, tilt steering adjustment (4-spoke leather wrapped), includes tachometer, power steering and stereo, power windows and door locks, power mirrors with auto-folding function, dial-type airconditioning system, velvet Fabric seats, 15-inch alloy rims, factory-fitted side skirts and rear spoiler, includes ABS (Anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and Dual SRS airbags, added in March 2000. 1.8 SE-G – 1.8-liter DOHC 7A-FE engine, 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission, tilt steering adjustment (4-spoke leather wrapped), includes tachometer, power steering and stereo, power windows and door locks, power mirrors with auto-folding function, push-button automatic climate control, genuine Leather seats, 15-inch alloy rims, factory-fitted side skirts and rear spoiler, includes ABS (Anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and Dual SRS airbags, formerly marketed as Corolla 1.8 SE-G between February 1998 and May 1999.

North America

Introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year, all Corollas for the North American market were either built in Fremont, California (by NUMMI) or Cambridge, Ontario (by TMMC). Unlike the Japanese counterparts, the North American Corolla at the time was only offered as a four-door compact sedan. A newly developed all-aluminum 1ZZ-FE engine powered all Corollas, making this generation lighter than its predecessor. This new engine uses a timing chain instead of a timing belt. It also incorporated laser etched valve guides directly in the block, rather than the old shrink-to-fit valve guides in the preceding Corolla motors (4A-FE & 7A-FE). This prevents oil burning and valve guide failure in the future. Although these efforts theoretically would have decreased oil burn, a flawed piston ring design affected all engines without VVT-i. This new engine design, although decreasing oil consumption from some components ultimately caused oil burning in higher mileage examples.