The 1986 Toyota Corolla specs include a Inline 4-cylinder SOHC/DOHC (GT-S) engine, front-wheel drive system, RWD (GT-S coupe) and 5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic. This guide covers engine performance, MPG, price, and key features of the 1986 Corolla.
1986 Toyota Corolla Engine Specifications
Specification
Details
Engine Type
4-cylinder SOHC / DOHC (GT-S)
Displacement
1.6L (1587 cc)
Fuel System
Carburetor (standard) / EFI (GT-S)
Valve Train
SOHC (standard), DOHC 16-valve (GT-S)
Horsepower
74 hp (SOHC), 112 hp (GT-S)
Torque
~84 lb-ft (SOHC), ~97 lb-ft (GT-S)
Engine Layout
Front-engine
Drivetrain
FWD (sedan/liftback), RWD (GT-S coupe)
Performance
Transmission (Standard)
5-speed manual overdrive
Optional Transmission
4-speed automatic overdrive / 3-speed automatic
Steering
Rack & pinion
Performance Variant
GT-S with close-ratio 5-speed
Brakes
Front ventilated discs (GT-S 4-wheel disc)
Driving Character
Economy + sporty performance
Fuel Economy
Specification
Details
MPG (Estimated)
~31 city / 37 highway (brochure reference)
Fuel Tank Capacity
~13 gallons
Efficiency Features
Overdrive transmission, aerodynamic design
Drag Coefficient
~0.34 (aerodynamic body)
Safety Features
Specification
Details
Brakes
Front disc / rear drum (standard)
GT-S Brakes
4-wheel disc brakes
Body Structure
Unitized body
Child Safety
Rear door child-protector locks
Seat Safety
Child seat tether anchor
Lighting
Halogen headlights
1986 Toyota Corolla Interior Features
Feature
Details
Seating
Reclining front bucket seats
Upholstery
Cloth / velour (LE models)
Driver Seat
6-way adjustable with lumbar support
Rear Seats
Split fold-down (liftback & sedan)
Instrumentation
Full gauges (tachometer, oil pressure, temp)
Audio
AM/FM/MPX stereo (4 speakers in LE)
Steering
Tilt steering wheel
Storage
Center console with cassette holder
Comfort
Thick carpeting, padded doors
Exterior Features
Feature
Details
Headlights
Halogen (retractable on GT-S)
Mirrors
Dual remote mirrors
Wheels
Styled steel / alloy wheels
Paint
Single & two-tone
Trim
Chrome accents (LE), sport trim (SR5/GT-S)
Aerodynamics
Streamlined body design
Dimensions
Specification
Details
Length
~168 inches
Width
~64 inches
Wheelbase
~95 inches
Seating Capacity
5 passengers
Turning Circle
Power-assisted steering (varies by trim)
Trims & Variants
Variant
Description
Base / Deluxe Sedan
Economy-focused
LE Sedan
Luxury trim
LE Limited Sedan
Premium features
Deluxe Liftback
Practical hatchback
SR5 Sport Coupe
Sporty FWD model
GT-S Sport Coupe / Liftback
High-performance RWD
Chassis & Suspension
Specification
Details
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension (FWD)
Independent / torsion beam
Rear Suspension (RWD GT-S)
4-link live axle
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
Ride Quality
Balanced comfort & handling
Wheels & Tyres
Specification
Details
Tyre Type
Steel-belted radial
Standard Sizes
155SR13 / 165SR13
GT-S Tyres
195/60R14 performance tyres
Wheels
Steel / alloy (optional)
Standard Features
Category
Features
Mechanical
1.6L engine, 5-speed manual
Interior
Reclining seats, carpeting
Instrumentation
Full gauges (higher trims)
Exterior
Halogen headlights, tinted glass
Convenience
Remote mirrors, trunk access
Safety
Disc/drum brakes, child locks
Optional Features & Packages
Category
Options
Comfort
Air conditioning
Steering
Power steering
Transmission
Automatic transmission
Audio
Cassette player upgrade
Exterior
Alloy wheels, two-tone paint
Utility
Rear wiper, rear defogger
Sunroof
Power sunroof
Tech
Cruise control
Package
Convenience Package
Current Market Value (USA – 2026 estimate)
Condition
Price
Project Car
$2,000 – $4,000
Good Condition
$5,000 – $10,000
Excellent / Restored
$12,000 – $20,000+
GT-S (AE86)
$25,000 – $45,000+
1986 Toyota Corolla FAQs
What engines are available in the 1986 Toyota Corolla?
The 1986 Corolla offered several engines depending on market and trim: 1.3L inline-4 1.6L inline-4 (most common) 1.6L DOHC (4A-GE) performance engine (GT-S) 1.8L diesel engine (select markets)
What trim levels were available in 1986 Toyota Corolla?
Standard / DX / LE SR5 (sport-oriented) GT-S (performance model)
What common problems should you know?
Due to age, common issues include: Rust (body and chassis) Worn suspension parts Carburetor or fuel system issues Oil leaks
What should you check before buying a used 1986 Toyota Corolla?
Rust condition (very important) Engine and gearbox health Suspension and bushings Spare parts availability Service history
