1980 vs 1981 Toyota Corolla

vs

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

1980

Nothing that 1981 lacks.

1981

Nothing that 1980 lacks.

Both years

  • Rear wheel bearings All years One source so far

    What to check: Listen for a growl from the rear that changes with speed, and feel for play in the rear wheels.

    Three owners commenting on Curbside Classic's 1980–83 article, an unofficial source, report rear wheel or axle bearings failing.

    Owners' reports (unofficial)

  • Rust All years One source so far

    What to check: Look at the rear quarter panels, the lower body and the fuel tank for rust.

    Two owners commenting on the same article, an unofficial source, report rust, one in the rear quarters and one in the body and fuel tank.

    Owners' reports (unofficial)

Recalls

1980

  • 80V045000 1980

    A faulty press die can leave the alternator pulley cracked, and if it breaks the battery stops charging. NHTSA

1981

Nothing that 1980 lacks.

What changed between

After 1980, up to and including 1981.

No changes recorded between these years.

What it came with

1980

Nothing that 1981 lacks.

1981

Nothing that 1980 lacks.

Both years

Engines
1.8L four-cylinder (1980–1982) Toyota, a published reference, an owners' registry (unofficial)
Transmissions
4-speed manual Owners' reports (unofficial), 5-speed manual Owners' reports (unofficial), 3-speed automatic Curbside Classic
Drivetrains
Rear-wheel drive A published reference
Body styles
Sedan, two-door Curbside Classic, a published reference, Sedan, four-door Curbside Classic, a published reference, Wagon, five-door Curbside Classic, a published reference, Sport coupe Curbside Classic, a published reference, Liftback, three-door Curbside Classic, a published reference, Hardtop coupe A published reference
Trims
Standard A published reference, Deluxe A published reference, SR5 A published reference

Colors

1980

  • Green Metallic 6C3, 1980 An owners' registry (unofficial)

1981

  • Beige Metallic 4A4, 1981–1982 An owners' registry (unofficial)

Both years

  • White 033, 1980–1982 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Silver Metallic 137, 1980–1982 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Black Metallic 6A8, 1980–1981 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Beige 489, 1980–1981 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Yellow 541, 1980–1982 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Orange Metallic 394, 1981 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Copper Metallic 474, 1980–1981 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Red 391, 1981–1983 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Red Metallic 395, 1981 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Light Blue Metallic 861, 1980–1981 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Dark Blue Metallic 879, 1980–1982 An owners' registry (unofficial)

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

1980

Nothing that 1981 lacks.

1981

Nothing that 1980 lacks.

Both years

  • Sought after: Long-lived, to its owners All years One source so far

    Of about 23 owners commenting on Curbside Classic's 1980–83 article, an unofficial source, about eight praise their cars' durability, one a 4A-C engine that reached 390,000 miles. Owners' reports (unofficial)