1996 vs 1997 Toyota Corolla

vs

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

Recalls

1996

Nothing that 1997 lacks.

1997

  • 97V043001 1997

    A sharp jolt soon after starting, such as slamming the seat back or releasing the parking brake suddenly, can set off the airbag. NHTSA

What changed between

After 1996, up to and including 1997.

  1. 1997The CE (Classic Edition) sedan arrives, the DX wagon is dropped, and every model gets more side-impact protection. Edmunds, a published reference

What it came with

1996

Body styles
Wagon (1993–1996) Edmunds, a published reference

1997

Trims
CE (Classic Edition) (1997) Edmunds, a published reference

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
Trims
Standard A published reference, DX A published reference
Packages
Anti-lock brakes Edmunds, Integrated child seat (1996–1997) Edmunds, Power sunroof A published reference, Gold emblem package A published reference

Colors

1996

  • Teal Mist Metallic 6N1, 1995–1996 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Orchid Blue Pearl 8K1, 1995–1996 An owners' registry (unofficial)

1997

  • Bright Ivy Pearl 6P5, 1997 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Misty Plum Metallic 932, 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)
  • Cashmere Beige Metallic 4M9, 1996–1997 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)
  • Dark Emerald Pearl 6M1, 1996–1997 An owners' registry (unofficial)
  • Brilliant Blue Pearl 8K8, 1996–1997 An owners' registry (unofficial)

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

1996

Nothing that 1997 lacks.

1997

Nothing that 1996 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)