Is the Corolla's Engine Imported?
4 Answers
Toyota Corolla's engine is assembled by Tianjin FAW Toyota Engine Co., Ltd., with technology provided by Toyota. Therefore, this engine is domestically produced. The engine models used in the Toyota Corolla are 9NR/8NR, with a maximum horsepower of 116 HP, a maximum power output of 85 KW, a maximum power speed range of 5200-5600 rpm, and a peak torque of 185 N.m. For daily maintenance of the Toyota Corolla's engine, the following methods can be used: Use lubricating oil of the appropriate quality grade. For gasoline engines, select SD--SF grade gasoline engine oil based on the additional equipment of the intake and exhaust systems and usage conditions. For diesel engines, choose CB--CD grade diesel engine oil according to mechanical load, with the selection standard not lower than the manufacturer's specified requirements. Regularly change the engine oil and filter. The quality of any grade of lubricating oil will deteriorate during use. After a certain mileage, performance degradation can cause various engine issues. To avoid malfunctions, change the oil regularly according to usage conditions and maintain an appropriate oil level. When oil passes through the fine pores of the filter, solid particles and viscous substances in the oil accumulate in the filter. If the filter becomes clogged and oil cannot pass through the filter element, it may rupture the filter element or open the safety valve, allowing oil to bypass through the relief valve, carrying contaminants back to the lubrication area, accelerating engine wear and increasing internal contamination. Regularly clean the crankcase. During engine operation, high-pressure unburned gases, acids, moisture, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides from the combustion chamber enter the crankcase through the gap between the piston rings and cylinder walls, mixing with metal particles from component wear to form sludge. Small amounts remain suspended in the oil, while larger amounts precipitate, clogging filters and oil passages, making engine lubrication difficult and causing wear. Regularly use a radiator cleaner to flush the radiator. Removing rust and scale not only ensures the engine operates properly but also extends the overall lifespan of the radiator and engine.
I currently drive a Corolla, which has been with me for over three years now. It works great for daily commuting. I've always been concerned about whether the engine is imported. I asked a friend at the 4S店, and they said the engines for the FAW Toyota Corolla are mostly assembled and manufactured domestically, not imported as complete units from abroad. Although some core components might be supplied from Japan, such as the ECU or sealing parts. This localization makes the price much more affordable, and maintenance costs are lower. I didn't spend much on oil changes and filter replacements myself, making it suitable for budget-conscious family users. In fact, most joint-venture cars now adopt this localization approach, which reduces taxes, fits the local market better, and minimizes transportation hassles. If they were fully imported, the price would probably double, making it unaffordable for the average person.
I've worked in an auto repair shop for over a decade and encountered many Corolla owners coming in for engine inspections. Most of their engines aren't imported but assembled on domestic production lines, including common 1.2T or hybrid versions. I've disassembled them and seen domestic markings on internal components like pistons and cylinder blocks. The advantage of this design is easier maintenance with readily available and affordable parts – replacing a sensor typically costs just a few hundred yuan. However, under globalization, some components are imported from Southeast Asia, which are manageable if they fail. For owners, what matters most isn't whether parts are imported but performing regular maintenance to prevent major issues. I recommend checking spark plugs and fuel systems every 5,000 kilometers.
As a car enthusiast, I've researched the Corolla extensively and gone through piles of materials. Its engines are basically not purely imported. FAW Toyota's factories are located in Tianjin or Guangdong, with production lines directly sourcing parts from suppliers for assembly. The localization rate of components exceeds 90%, with parts like cylinder heads and crankshafts being domestically produced, saving hefty import taxes. Globalization has lowered costs. I test-drove it and found the performance stable and fuel-efficient, with simple maintenance like changing an air filter being something I could do myself. This strategy has many benefits, reducing carbon footprints while improving reliability. Don't get hung up on the 'imported' label; focusing on the actual driving experience is the smart move.
