The 1996 Toyota Corolla is a dependable entry-level vehicle and is one of Toyota's best-selling models. It provides decent performance at a fairly low cost. Despite the lack of standard features, it offers a fairly decent options list. While the options do drive the price up, it is still a fairly low priced vehicle. It is the last year that Toyota made a sedan and wagon body option available. The wagon will likely be is discontinued in 1997 in favor of the sedan. Only the DX is available with both body options. The main difference between the DX and base model is that the DX comes with a more powerful 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine and a larger list of optional features.
The Range
Body Styles: sedan, wagon
Engines: 1.6-liter four-cylinder, 1.8-liter four-cylinder
Transmissions: four-speed automatic, five-speed manual
Models: Toyota Corolla, Toyota Corolla DX, Toyota Corolla Wagon DX
What's New
The 1996 Toyota Corolla has some minor restyling, redesigned front and rear fascias, and three additional color options. An optional integrated child safety seat is now available. The manual transmission has been redesigned, making for a better, smoother ride.
Exterior
The 1996 Toyota Corolla is available as a sedan or wagon that measures 172 inches in total length. The design is very curved and rounded, although not quite as modern as some other Toyota models. Its 14-inch wheels and a remote trunk release are standard. A rear spoiler, rear window defroster, and keyless entry system are available as optional equipment.
Interior
The 1996 Toyota Corolla lacks any major standard features. The short list includes bucket seats, power brakes, and cloth seating. However, a center console, cruise control, clock, power steering, air-conditioning, AM/FM radio, cassette player, CD player, and a CD changer are available as optional equipment. The DX offers an integrated child safety seat as an optional feature.
Performance & Handling
The 1996 Toyota Corolla has decent overall performance. It comes with two engine choices: 1.6-liter four-cylinder on the base model and a 1.8-liter four-cylinder for the DX model. The engine options provide decent, if not particularly remarkable, acceleration, and speed. The 1.6-liter engine offers 100 hp at 5600 rpm and 105 lb-ft of torque. The turning and handling are good but not particularly unusual for a vehicle this size.
Safety
The 1996 Toyota Corolla is equipped with dual-front airbags as standard equipment. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and integrated child safety seats are available as an option. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives it four stars out of five after performing passenger and driver side crash tests.
EPA Fuel Economy
Toyota Corolla, 1.6-liter four-cylinder: 26/32 mpg city/highway
Toyota Corolla, 1.8-liter four-cylinder: 23/31 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Reliable
- Well-made
- Last chance for the Corolla wagon
You Won't Like
Sum Up
One of the best cars on the road.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Ford Focus
- Geo Prizm
- Honda Civic
- Volkswagen Golf