External characteristics

The updated design of all Toyota Corollas since 1995 has affected the entire model range of the generation. Moreover, models for different countries differed significantly in appearance, interior “filling” and functionality. They were supplied to the Japanese domestic market from 1995 to 1997 in sedan form. The models had a slightly conservative appearance, clearly reminiscent of the previous generation. For the European and American markets, the 1997 Toyota Corolla was presented in station wagon and sedan bodies, as well as a hatchback, which had three or five doors, and the Corolla G8, an improved version of the hatchback, was also available to choose from.

The 8th generation is one of the most reliable and safe cars, which in Europe in the year of its debut won the title of the most popular in its price segment.

The 1997 Toyota Corolla is a comfortable and functional car, which at the time of its release had a fairly high level of options compared to other representatives of the global automobile industry.

Unlike previous generations produced before 1995, the general trend in the appearance of the body was maintained, and each new generation was a continuation of the previous release. Now the 1997 Toyota Corolla has appeared in a completely different design - these are round and oval, slightly elongated, slightly convex headlights, which replaced the elongated rectangular ones, a more streamlined shape and a smaller radiator grille. These and other elements began to distinguish the Toyota Corolla of 1996 and other versions of the generation from other brands of cars of the same comfort class.

Owner reviews

Eduard, 35 years old, Lipetsk

In 2021, the need arose to buy an inexpensive sedan with a spacious interior; a friend suggested picking up a Camry XV20 with a 131-horsepower engine.

The car was assembled at the end of 1999 and 5 years later imported to Russia from Canada. After the purchase, I had to change the shock absorbers (the factory units were in place). Part of the rear suspension arms and timing gear drive. No large spots of rust were noticed on the body, consumption in the city does not exceed 12 liters of gasoline (I drive calmly and without sudden acceleration).

Alexey, 44 years old, Krasnodar

In 2010, I purchased the American version of the Camry sedan, equipped with an automatic transmission and a 2.2-liter engine.

The car was assembled in December 2000 at the Toyota plant in Kentucky and was operated in the USA until 2005. I liked the soft and quiet interior, the climate control worked flawlessly. When driving on the highway, the body began to sway on uneven surfaces, but it was impossible to eliminate the defect (a feature of the chassis). The minimum consumption on the highway with the cabin partially loaded and speeds up to 90 km/h was 7 liters of A-92 gasoline.

Interior features

The interior decoration has gained significantly greater respectability and expanded its boundaries by changing the wheelbase of the car. The interior size of even a three-door hatchback was not cramped for normal seating of 5 people. And although many options remained at the level of the seventh generation models, luxury trim levels included aluminum wheels, power accessories, an immobilizer, two airbags, and the possibility of trimming the interior with wood-like plastic. You can find a photo of the 1998 Toyota Corolla dashboard on the Internet.

Higher comfort was facilitated by such parameters as the presence of lateral support for the driver's seat, which helped to stay behind the wheel for a long time, and the back practically did not get tired. An informative and ergonomic control panel has increased the ease of control and use of the main and additional functions of the car. In some versions, movable-type regulators were replaced by rotating mechanisms, which became much more convenient to use.

The fairly roomy trunk is not too different in volume from earlier generations, and a convenient hatch adds comfort both for transporting some accessories in the cabin and for ventilation in the summer heat.

After certain changes that the creators made to the image of the 1999 Toyota Corolla as a result of restyling, the external characteristics of the model changed slightly, while comfort was maintained. The size and appearance remained almost the same, and a stereo system that was modern at that time was added to the interior. There are many images of the car on the Internet, and any photo will demonstrate the appearance of the 1999 car.

Internal equipment

The car was equipped with a molded instrument panel made of soft plastic. Linings with imitation of wood structure were used in the trim of the interior and door panels.

The basic equipment included electric drives for mirrors and windows, and the steering column was adjustable in 2 directions.

The front seats were manually adjusted; some cars for the Japanese market offered a driver's seat with electric drives. Heated rear window and 1-zone climate control were included in the basic equipment, heated seats were an option.

The plant installed a radio with a cassette recorder, and a CD player was offered on some cars. The door locks had an electric locking drive by default, and child protection was provided at the rear.

On some cars there was an ignition key with a lock control panel installed inside; the alarm system was installed by the dealer according to the client's order.

The standard versions had the interior trimmed with thick, wear-resistant fabric; the expensive version was offered in black or beige leather.

Toyota Camry 1999 salon.

Technical specifications

The size of all produced cars of the eighth generation, depending on the type of body and year of manufacture, varies from 4270 to 4320 mm in length, and the height ranges from 1385 to 1440 mm. The width of all bodies is 1690 mm. Depending on the configuration, the ground clearance of each car also varies; it can range from 140 to 150 mm (versions of the Toyota Corolla 1999 and older have a ground clearance of 150 mm or more), and the wheelbase size is 2461 mm. The weight of the car also directly depends on its configuration and can reach 1230 kg, while the minimum weight is 930 kg.

In technical terms, this generation of the 1998 Toyota Corolla and all other versions boasts high environmental friendliness due to the reduction of harmful emissions into the environment and economical fuel consumption, especially cars equipped with 2.0 liter diesel units.

The choice of engines that equipped Toyota Corolla cars of 1996 and all subsequent years of production was quite wide: 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6 liter units with a power of 88 horses for the smallest engines and engines with a traction force of 115 hp. With. under the hood. All-wheel drive was offered with 1.6 and diesel engines. Units with a volume of 1.3 and 1.5 were produced only in front-wheel drive variations, but you could choose a manual or automatic PP gearbox. Gasoline units were offered in both injection and carburetor types.

All-wheel drive diesel models of the 1996 Toyota Corolla were produced only with mechanics, while front-wheel drive was also available with an automatic transmission.

The restyled Toyota Corolla of 1999 did not make any changes to the technical characteristics, leaving them at the same level.

As in previous generations, the Toyota Corolla before and after 1998 was equipped with an excellent suspension: in front there is a universal and practical MacPherson strut, in the rear there is an independent spring-type beam. It was this combination that gave the 1998 Toyota Corolla model, given its not the smallest size, excellent maneuverability and stability on the road in any, even the most extreme situations.

Machine operation

When driving Camry sedans on a daily basis, you should consider the age of the vehicle. It is recommended to carry out regular engine maintenance with oil and filter changes every 7-8 thousand km.

You should annually check the condition of the suspension components, monitor the oil level in the gearbox and periodically change antifreeze and brake fluid.

The pads can withstand a mileage of up to 50 thousand km; during maintenance, it is necessary to check the condition of the discs and drums, as well as the rubber cuffs of the brake cylinders.

Fuel consumption

Cars with a 2.2-liter engine have the minimum fuel consumption; on the highway the engine requires 7-8 liters of fuel, and in the city costs do not exceed 13 liters of gasoline per 100 km.

The modification with a 3.0 liter unit burns 1-2 liters more fuel.

The condition of the piston group and gearbox has a great influence on efficiency. For example, a worn-out engine can consume up to 15-17 liters of gasoline in the city (in this case, the owner will need to constantly add oil to the crankcase).

Power, acceleration and speed

The power reserve is enough to overtake passing traffic on the highway at speeds of up to 110-120 km/h; in city traffic the car does not lag behind its modern counterparts.

When driving at high speeds, you should take into account the soft suspension; when turning, the body tilts until the shock absorber travel limiters are activated. The cars are designed for a calm pace of movement at speeds of up to 100 km/h, which reduces driver fatigue and reduces gasoline consumption.

Toyota Camry moves at a speed of 120 km/h.

Possible problems

When purchasing a car manufactured 21 years ago, you should take into account the natural wear and tear of the main components of the chassis and transmission, as well as the body.

Motors have a service life of up to 400 thousand km, but then increasing oil consumption appears due to a drop in compression and wear of the valve stem seals.

The automatic transmission may require overhaul and replacement of some parts. Mechanical units have increased reliability (subject to careful operation and periodic replacement of lubricant).

In the chassis, the hinges of the levers wear out, the springs burst and the shock absorbers begin to leak. There are problems with the steering rack, which begins to knock and leak oil.

The thin paint coating wears away over time, leading to surface corrosion.

If the car was damaged in an accident and then repaired in a makeshift manner, then cracks and pockets of through corrosion appear at the bends of the structural elements.

Features and Benefits

The main advantages of this generation include the following parameters:

• a large number of configurations;
• wide choice of generations in different bodies;
• high quality factory assembly;
• brake reliability and safety due to increased body strength, the presence of pretensioners and airbags;
• excellent handling and optimal suspension;
• durability and resistance of the body due to a special zinc coating;
• functional and practical interior;
• availability of spare parts and their reasonable cost.

The Toyota Corolla of 1996 and all subsequent years can rightfully be called a universal car, which, although not distinguished by interior and exterior delights, is endowed with good quality and strength. It is guaranteed to be an excellent alternative to a car of this class.