What year was the purely imported Corolla produced?
4 Answers
Corolla purely imported was produced in 2016. Differences between domestic and imported models: The domestic Corolla is equipped with two types of transmissions: a 6-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. In contrast, the Japanese-produced Corolla comes with a Super CVT-i transmission, which can simulate a 7-speed manual mode. This continuously variable transmission provides smooth acceleration and fuel-efficient performance, representing a hallmark transmission for Toyota vehicles. Corolla: The Corolla is a compact car under FAW Toyota. It measures 4635 mm in length, 1780 mm in width, and 1455 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2700 mm. The body type is a 4-door, 5-seater sedan, and it features a CVT transmission (simulating 10 gears). The Corolla is equipped with a brake force distribution system, brake assist system, vehicle stability control system, lane departure warning system, lane keeping assist system, and active safety system.
Speaking of the pure imported versions of the Corolla, I mainly remember the early models. Before localization in 2004, the ninth and tenth generations of Corolla (called Corona in China at that time) were imported directly from Japan, with production years roughly between 1997 and 2004. Back then, the imported versions indeed had solid build quality, with many components made in Japan. I once drove a friend’s 2002 imported Corona, and its chassis tuning was firmer compared to the later domestic versions. You can still occasionally find them in the used car market today, though they’re all over 20 years old now. After 2004, FAW Toyota began domestic production of the eleventh generation, and pure imports basically disappeared. Later, only special models like hybrid versions or GR sport editions were imported in small quantities.
The production years of the purely imported Corolla were mainly concentrated in the early 2000s, specifically the ninth and tenth generations (between 1997 and 2004). These vehicles were imported into the country through official channels at the time and sold at 4S dealerships. I've worked on a few of them during repairs, and the wiring craftsmanship in the engine bay was noticeably more refined compared to the domestic versions. After localization at the end of 2004, although some components were still imported for assembly, purely imported complete vehicles became virtually extinct. Nowadays, you might occasionally spot well-maintained 2003 imported Corollas at classic car shows, with their old-school orange backlit instrument panels that really evoke a sense of nostalgia. If you're looking to buy a purely imported Corolla now, you'll basically have to hunt for used vintage models.
The purely imported Corolla was mainly produced before 2004, covering the ninth generation (1997-2002) and the early tenth generation (2000-2004). At that time, those introduced to the domestic market all bore the Corolla badge and were entirely made in Japan. My neighbor has a 2001 imported version that has driven 300,000 kilometers without any major engine repairs. The characteristics of these cars are strong durability, but their configurations are much lower than current Corollas, lacking even ESP. After the Tianjin factory started production in 2004, the tenth generation began domestic production, and the import channel was discontinued. Nowadays, purely imported Corollas are virtually impossible to find in the new car market; if any, they would be special versions imported through parallel channels, such as the European-spec station wagon.
