Second Generation (1970-1974)
As good a car as the first Corolla was, it was really too small and underpowered for North American tastes. The second Corolla showed up for the 1970 model year with a wheelbase stretched to 91.9 inches and power coming from a new 1.2-liter version of the OHV four making 73 horsepower. The strut front and leaf spring rear suspension carried forward.
Slight though the nearly two-inch wheelbase stretch may seem, and with minimal styling changes, the 1970 Corolla was a significantly more comfortable and confident machine than the '69 version, and an automatic transmission was now offered to widen its appeal. It quickly became the second best-selling car on the planet.
The Corolla got even better during the 1971 model year as the engine grew to 1.6 liters and output expanded to 102 horsepower. The grille was redesigned for the 1972 model year, becoming fussier to no great aesthetic advantage. There were few changes for either 1973 or 1974 other than larger bumpers to accommodate federal regulations and the introduction of sporty SR5 models with five-speed manual transmissions.