4th gen Toyota Corolla 1980–1983 E70

Overview

Engines

1.8L four-cylinder, 1.6L four-cylinder

Came as

• Sedan, two-door
• Sedan, four-door
• Wagon, five-door
• Sport coupe
• +2 more

On record

2 warnings, 1 recall

The story

Design work began in 1974 under Fumio Agetsuma, who asked for a quiet, economical, roomy car as aerodynamic as the rules allowed, one that would appeal to young and old alike. It went on sale in Japan in March 1979, and export sales began that August. A published reference

The 4th gen was the last Corolla whose whole range was rear-drive, and the one-millionth Corolla built was one of them, in February 1983. A published reference

Colors

• White An owners' registry (unofficial)038, 1983
• Silver Metallic An owners' registry (unofficial)147, 1983
• Gray Metallic on Gloss Black An owners' registry (unofficial)2D6, 1982
• Gray Metallic on Gloss Black An owners' registry (unofficial)2D3, 1983
• Light Beige An owners' registry (unofficial)4A8, 1982

Sources: An owners' registry (unofficial)

Specs

Engines

• 1.8L four-cylinder 3T-C Toyota, a published reference, an owners' registry (unofficial)

  Pushrod, 75 hp · 1980–1982

• 1.6L four-cylinder 4A-C Toyota, a published reference, an owners' registry (unofficial)

  Single overhead cam and an aluminum head, 90 hp · 1983

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

Figures

• Wheelbase: 94.5 in A published reference
• Rear suspension: A live axle on coil springs, five links and a Panhard rod, except the wagon A published reference
• Power steering: The first Corolla to offer it, in the US from the 1982 model year A published reference
• Two-door front seats: Slide forward for the rear seat and return to where they were set Toyota

Years and what changed

1. 1980

   New generation with angular styling, more room inside and a quieter cabin, and a 75 hp 1.8L four. Toyota, a published reference

2. 1981

   No change recorded

3. 1982

   Power steering becomes available in the US. A published reference

4. 1983

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

Watch out

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

• Rear wheel bearings All years

  One source so far

  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

  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)

Recalls

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

• 1980 Recall 80V045000

  A faulty press die can leave the alternator pulley cracked, and if it breaks the battery stops charging. NHTSA

Checked against NHTSA records on November 2, 2026.

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• 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)

Maintenance

No service schedule is added yet.