Corolla (1966 to Present)

The Toyota Corolla, manufactured globally from 1966 until the present day, is the undisputed titan of the automotive world, having surpassed the Volkswagen Beetle in 1997 to become the best-selling nameplate in history. While it has spanned twelve generations, the Australian enthusiast scene in 2026 is particularly enamoured with the rear-wheel-drive second-gen (E20, 1970–1978) and the legendary fifth-gen (E80, 1983–1988), specifically the AE86 "Hachi-Roku" which remains a global cultural icon of drift and touge culture. In the current 2026 Australian market, the Corolla serves a dual purpose: the latest hybrid-only models (including the SX and ZR) dominate as the premier choice for fuel-efficient commuting, while older generations like the E120/E130 (2000–2007) have become the ultimate "first car" or budget-track project for a high-energy buyer pool of young drivers and grassroots racers. Desirability has reached a new peak in 2026 as news of a radical, "hammerhead-styled" next-generation Corolla (due locally in 2027) has made the current final-run petrol-electric models highly sought-after for their proven reliability and low ownership costs. This hype has also trickled down to the sixth-gen (E90) and seventh-gen (E100), which are now being celebrated as "modern classics" at local all-Japanese car meets and roll racing events across the country. Consequently, the market value for the Corolla in Australia remains remarkably resilient; while the high-performance GR Corolla (2023–present) sits in its own elite pricing bracket, well-maintained examples of the early 1970s and 80s variants have ascended into the realm of blue-chip collectibles, with pristine AE86s and KE20s now commanding premium prices that reflect their status as the foundation of Toyota's global legacy.

The Toyota Corolla, manufactured globally from 1966 until the present day, is the undisputed titan of the automotive world, having surpassed the Volkswagen Beetle in 1997 to become the best-selling nameplate in history. While it has spanned twelve generations, the Australian enthusiast scene in 2026 is particularly enamoured with the rear-wheel-drive second-gen (E20, 1970–1978) and the legendary fifth-gen (E80, 1983–1988), specifically the AE86 "Hachi-Roku" which remains a global cultural icon o… Read more