1981 vs 1982 Toyota Corolla

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)

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

Both years

• White 033, 1980–1982 An owners' registry (unofficial)
• Silver Metallic 137, 1980–1982 An owners' registry (unofficial)
• Beige Metallic 4A4, 1981–1982 An owners' registry (unofficial)
• Yellow 541, 1980–1982 An owners' registry (unofficial)
• Red 391, 1981–1983 An owners' registry (unofficial)
• Light Blue Metallic 892, 1982 An owners' registry (unofficial)
• Dark Blue Metallic 879, 1980–1982 An owners' registry (unofficial)

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)