1997 Toyota Corolla E100

Overview

Engines

1.6L four-cylinder, 1.8L four-cylinder

Came as

• Sedan

On record

0 warnings, 1 recall

What changed for 1997

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

Compare 1997 with 1996

Colors

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

Sources: Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)

Specs

Engines

• 1.6L four-cylinder 4A-FE engine page A published reference

  Base and CE sedans

• 1.8L four-cylinder 7A-FE engine page Edmunds, a published reference

  115 hp for 1993–1994, then 105 hp

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
• CE (Classic Edition) (1997) Edmunds, 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

Figures for the whole 7th gen

• Model codes: AE101 with the 1.6L, AE102 with the 1.8L A published reference
• Wheelbase: 97.0 in A published reference
• Chassis: Fully independent suspension, front disc brakes and rear drums on every model A published reference
• Drag coefficient: 0.33 for the sedan, 0.36 for the wagon A published reference

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

No warning is written up yet. That means none is recorded, not that there are none.

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 1997 Recall 97V043001

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

Checked against NHTSA records on November 2, 2026.

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• 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)

Maintenance

No service schedule is added yet.