TOYOTA Corolla Sedan 2002-2004 Photos, engines & full specs

Toyota introduced the ninth generation of the Corolla in Europe in 2002, and it tried to be the same decent car with decent running costs as before.

The Corolla was one of the best-selling cars in the world. The Japanese carmaker proved the vehicle's reliability, which helped the sales, despite its bland styling or hard plastic materials.

They say to not judge a book by its covers and the Corolla was a fine example of that. Its headlights had nothing special in their styling. A black grille adorned at the top with a chromed slat, and the manufacturer's badge was the only bright spot of the front fascia. Its straight, horizontal lines from the bumper showed no dynamism whatsoever. But the bland design went further from its profile, where the Sedan version showed that sometimes the designers should go out from their offices seeking some inspiration.

Inside, Toyota installed hard plastic materials on the door panels and dashboard for all three trim levels. The base model, Earth, featured a simple air-conditioning system, front power windows, mirrors, and locks. The middle trim level, Luna (moon), provided power windows for the rear passengers and a better sound system. For the full-options version, named Sun, the carmaker, installed leather upholstery, steering wheel, and gear-stick. All versions were good to carry four adults, with a smaller, narrower place for a child in the middle of the rear bench.

Under the hood, Toyota offered a choice of two gasoline and one turbo-diesel engine. For the 110 hp, 1.6-liter unit, the carmaker provided an option for a four-speed automatic gearbox.