1995 vs 1996 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.

1995

  • Airbag light after a spill, 1993–1995

    What to check: Make sure the airbag light goes out after start-up, and ask whether recall 96V107000 was done.

    Toyota recalled 1993–1995 Corollas because a spill in the console could turn on the airbag light, and could set the airbag off.

    NHTSA

1996

Nothing that 1995 lacks.

Recalls

1995

  • 95V195001 1995

    A faulty weld inside a battery terminal can separate, causing a no- start or a battery explosion. NHTSA

  • 96V107000 1993–1995

    Liquid spilled in the console can turn on the airbag warning light, and could set the airbag off. NHTSA

1996

Nothing that 1995 lacks.

What changed between

After 1995, up to and including 1996.

  1. 1996Facelift with new front and rear fascias, wheel covers and three new colors, a revised interior and five-speed, and an optional built-in child seat. The LE is dropped. Edmunds, a published reference

What it came with

1995

Trims
LE (1993–1995) A published reference

1996

Packages
Integrated child seat (1996–1997) Edmunds

Both years

Engines
1.6L four-cylinder A published reference, 1.8L four-cylinder Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions
5-speed manual Edmunds, 3-speed automatic Owners' reports (unofficial), Automatic A published reference
Drivetrains
Front-wheel drive Toyota, a published reference
Body styles
Sedan A published reference, Wagon (1993–1996) Edmunds, a published reference
Trims
Standard A published reference, DX A published reference
Packages
Anti-lock brakes Edmunds, Power sunroof A published reference, Gold emblem package A published reference

Colors

1995

  • Pebble Beige Metallic 3K9, 1993–1995 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Silver Taupe Metallic 923, 1995 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Wintergreen Metallic 6M8, 1994–1995 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)

1996

  • Cashmere Beige Metallic 4M9, 1996–1997 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Dark Emerald Pearl 6M1, 1996–1997 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Brilliant Blue Pearl 8K8, 1996–1997 An owners' registry (unofficial)

Both years

  • Super White 040, 1993–1997 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Satin Black Metallic 205, 1993–1997 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Super Red 3E5, 1993–1997 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Sunfire Red Pearl 3K4, 1993–1997 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Teal Mist Metallic 6N1, 1995–1996 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Orchid Blue Pearl 8K1, 1995–1996 An owners' registry (unofficial)

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

1995

Nothing that 1996 lacks.

1996

Nothing that 1995 lacks.

Both years

  • Sought after: Built to last All years

    SlashGear ranks the 7th gen third of twelve, crediting a quieter, more refined car. To Curbside Classic, an unofficial source, it is the best Corolla of all, well built and cheap to repair, and of ten owners commenting there, seven praise their cars' durability, three past 200,000 miles. SlashGear, Curbside Classic, owners' reports (unofficial)

  • Watch for: The three-speed automatic All years Less sought after One source so far

    Two owners commenting on Curbside Classic's article, an unofficial source, criticize the three-speed automatic. Owners' reports (unofficial)