AutoWorld Media Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE 1997 TOYOTA COROLLA:

A WORLD FAVORITE AND AN AMERICAN CLASSIC

In the 30 years since its introduction in 1966, the Toyota Corolla has sold more cars worldwide than any other nameplate. The longest running passenger car model offered in the Toyota line-up, Corolla has become synonymous with quality, reliability, durability and value.

True to its heritage, the entry-level Corolla will offer a special Classic Edition (CE) package for 1997. The CE will feature many of Corolla's most popular equipment options at a special reduced price. Power windows and door locks, previously unavailable on base model Corollas, will be included in the Classic Edition. Other CE features include air conditioning, power steering, AM/FM four-speaker stereo, manual remote mirrors, special embroidered floor mats and exterior badging -- all at a reduced MSRP.

For 1997, all U.S: market Corollas will be North American sourced from New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) facility in Fremont, Calif. and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada (TMMC), in Ontario, Canada. In its 1996 Initial Quality Awards, J.D. Power and Associates awarded TMMC the Gold Plant award for the fewest defects per vehicle produced, and NUMMI received the Bronze Plant award.

New for this year, all Corollas receive revised door trim and enhanced side-impact protection, which meets Government 1997 dynamic side-impact safety standards. Other safety features include driver and passenger Supplemental Restraint System, available anti-lock brakes, front passenger and rear outboard passenger ALR / ELR seatbelts, front and rear crumple zones and energy absorbing steering wheel and column. Family friendly, standard child-protector rear door locks and an available rear, integrated child restraint seat provide parent's both convenience and peace of mind.

Corolla's styling is clean and contemporary. Aerodynamic headlamps, color keyed grille and bumpers, and black-out molding accentuate the vehicle's elegant look and sleek design. At the rear, DX models receive a full wrap-around taillight assembly with a center reflector panel, while Standard grade models are fitted with gray center cladding. Both models prominently display the Corolla logo in the center.

The Standard grade Corolla is powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder, twin-cam,16-valve engine producing 100 hp at 5,600 rpm and 100 Ib.lft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. Corollas estimated EPA citylhighway gas mileage is 31l35 for the five-speed manual overdrive transmission and 25l29 for the three-speed automatic transmission.

DX models are equipped with a 1.8-liter, four cylinder, twin-cam,16-valve engine. Delivering 105 hp at 5,200 rpm and 117 Ib./ft. of torque at a low 2,800 rpm, Corolla accelerates quickly and sips fuel sparingly. The estimated EPA citylhighway gas mileage for DX models is 29 / 35 for the five-speed manual overdrive transmission and 27 / 34 for the electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. Both of the Corolla engines are 50-state emissions legal and fully OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostic, Phase II) compliant.

Standard grade Corollas are available with the choice of an efficient three-speed automatic or a five-speed manual, while DX models may be equipped with the five-speed manual or a four-speed electronically controlled automatic.

Behind the wheel, Corolla offers nimble handling. Thanks to a relatively long wheelbase, fully independent MacPherson struts on all four wheels and a rear stabilizer, Corolla gracefully maneuvers in the city or on the highway. DX models also feature a front stabilizer bar.

The Corolla's roomy passenger compartment is a welcoming, harmonious blend of comfort and convenience. Interior appointments include reclining front bucket seats with full upholstery and lumbar support, simple, natural to operate controls, backlit gauges that are easily identified and plenty of storage for the necessities of life. All Corollas offer full carpeting, fabric headliner, dual cupholders, remote hood and door releases, tripmeter, coinholder and center console box.

DX models add to Corolla's long list of standard equipment, including power steering, bodyside molding, full wheel covers, dual remote outside mirrors, 60 / 40 split rear seat with security locks, upgraded fabric seats and door trim, fabric sun visors, passenger-side mirror, rear headrests, fully lined trunk, intermittent windshield wipers, digital clock and rear cargo lamp.

Several options are available on the 1997 Corolla, including air conditioning, power sunroof, upgraded sound systems, tilt wheel, cruise control and power windows and doorlocks. Adding popular comfort and convenience features is even easier with Toyota's "Value Package" option combinations.

Corolla offers value-minded customers a surprising level of comfort, refinement and performance. Its sophisticated styling and hushed, quiet ride turns drive time into "quality time."

For 1997, Corolla is available in nine exterior paint colors and two interior colors. Bright Ivy Pearl (with Gray or Oak interior) and Misty Plum Pearl (with Gray interior) are new for 1997.

Limited Warranty

Toyota's 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month limited warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles

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