Toyota Sold Its 50 Millionth Corolla This Summer After 12 Generations And 55 Years

First introduced in 1966, the 50 millionth Toyota Corolla rolled off the production line this July. To honor the achievement, Toyota has taken a look back at the history of the nameplate.

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Now in its 12th generation, the Corolla is easily the best-selling vehicle of all time. In its run, Volkswagen managed to sell 21 million original Beetles, and Business Insider reports that that number only rises to 23 million if you count the New Beetle and its follow-up. Ford, meanwhile, only ever managed to sell 16.5 million Model Ts.

When it first arrived in the U.S. as a 1969 model, it cost just $1,700 ($13,336 accounting for inflation) and median household income was $7,700 ($60,405) per year. Today the Corolla starts at $20,075.

1st Generation: 1969-1970

The first-generation car offered a 1,077 cc overhead-valve four-cylinder engine that used aluminum cylinder heads, intake manifolds, valve covers, and clutch housing. All in, it made 60 hp (or 51 hp if you measure it by today’s standards) and took around 17 seconds to get to 60 mph. Fuel economy, though, was estimated to be in the high 20s and the car lasted until 1971, when it was replaced by the car below.

2nd Generation: 1971-1974

The Corolla’s sales really took off with the second generation when, in late 1973, the oil embargo made small, fuel-efficient vehicles more popular with Americans. Slightly longer than its predecessor, the new car was introduced with 73 hp and offered with a two-speed automatic transmission. In 1972, the SR-5 coupe made a whopping 88 hp thanks to a 1.6-liter engine with a five-speed manual transmission. By just its second generation, it had become the second-best-selling car of all time.

3rd Generation: 1975-1979

In 1975, Toyota introduced the third-generation Corolla, which came with 1.2-, 1.3-, and 1.6-liter engines. This generation also added coupe and Liftback models in 1976, which added more rear-seat headroom.

4th Generation: 1980-1984

In 1980, the fourth-generation Corolla (above) introduced a more angular design that was roomier and quieter than its predecessors. Power still started at just 75 horses with a 1.8-liter engine but the 4A-C overhead cam 1.6-liter engine offered up to 90 hp.

5th Generation: 1985-1988

In 1985, Toyota introduced the fifth-generation Corolla, which, for the first time, was front-wheel drive. Of course, not all fifth-gen Corollas were FWD. The AE86 models, offered in coupe and hatchback styles, sent their power to the rear wheels and would eventually come to be known as drift legends.

6th Generation: 1989-1992

By 1989, the sixth-generation Corolla dropped the RWD option and all models were powered by a 16-valve double overhead cam engine. They also got four-wheel independent suspension and the Corolla All-Trac wagon added AWD to the lineup. The sportiest GT-S model (above) featured pop-up headlights and the 4A-GE engine that made 135 hp.

7th Generation: 1993-1997

Featuring both 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter DOHC engines, the seventh-gen Corolla got rid of all the whacky body styles, opting only for sedan and wagon styles. Bigger than previous generations, it’s the car that tipped the car over the edge and earned the Corolla the title of the best-selling car of all time. It ran from 1993 to 1997.

8th Generation: 1998-2002

The eighth-generation grew again and introduced side airbags while an aluminum 1.8-liter engine with variable valve timing made 120 hp.

9th Generation: 2003-2008

In 2003, it was replaced by the ninth-gen car, which was bigger and more fuel-efficient than ever. The XRS model made 164 hp from its 1.8-liter engine and six-speed manual transmission.

10th Generation: 2009-2013

In 2009 it was replaced by the 10th-generation, which borrowed the Camry’s 2.4-liter engine for the XRS model and introduced new tech like iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, and steering-wheel-mounted controls.

11th Generation: 2014-2018

From 2014-2018 the 11th-gen car introduced new advanced safety technology like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure alerts, and steering assist.

12th Generation: 2019-present

Now in its 12th generation, the hatch has returned and the XRS now makes 169 hp from its 2.0-liter engine. In 2022, the Corolla will grow again thanks to the Corolla Cross, the first crossover ever to bear the name and it’s sure to continue the car’s legacy of enormous sales.