1982 vs 1983 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.

1982

Nothing that 1983 lacks.

1983

Nothing that 1982 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)

What changed between

After 1982, up to and including 1983.

  1. 1983The 90 hp 1.6L 4A-C, with an overhead cam and an aluminum head, replaces the 1.8L. Toyota, a published reference

What it came with

1982

Engines
1.8L four-cylinder (1980–1982) Toyota, a published reference, an owners' registry (unofficial)

1983

Engines
1.6L four-cylinder (1983) Toyota, a published reference, an owners' registry (unofficial)

Both years

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

1982

  • Beige Metallic 4A4, 1981–1982 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Light Beige 4A8, 1982 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Yellow 541, 1980–1982 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Brown Metallic 4B4, 1982 An owners' registry (unofficial)

1983

  • Creme 557, 1983 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Shell Metallic 3C3, 1983 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Beige Metallic on Brown Metallic 2D4, 1983 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Light Yellow 558, 1983 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Orange Metallic 4C8, 1983 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Copper Metallic 4C7, 1983 An owners' registry (unofficial)

Both years

  • White 038, 1983 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Silver Metallic 147, 1983 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Gloss Black 202, 1982–1983 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Gray Metallic on Gloss Black 2D3, 1983 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Red 391, 1981–1983 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Wine 3B2, 1982–1983 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Light Blue Metallic 839, 1983 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Dark Blue Metallic 884, 1983 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Silver Metallic on Dark Blue Metallic 2H3, 1983 An owners' registry (unofficial)

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

1982

Nothing that 1983 lacks.

1983

Nothing that 1982 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)