The 1987 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 1987 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 / DOHC 16-valve
Horsepower
74 hp (SOHC), 120 hp (GT-S DOHC)
Torque
~84 lb-ft (SOHC), ~97 lb-ft (GT-S)
Engine Layout
Front-engine
Drivetrain
FWD (sedan/liftback), RWD (GT-S/SR5 coupe)
Performance
Specification
Details
Transmission (Standard)
5-speed manual overdrive
Optional Transmission
3-speed automatic / 4-speed automatic (LE)
Steering
Rack & pinion
GT-S Performance
Close-ratio 5-speed, 7500 rpm redline
Brakes
Front disc (standard), 4-wheel disc (GT-S)
Differential
Optional limited-slip (GT-S)
Fuel Economy
Specification
Details
MPG (Estimated)
~30 city / 37 highway
Fuel Tank Capacity
~13 gallons
Efficiency Features
Aerodynamic design, EFI (GT-S)
Maintenance
Extended service intervals
Safety Features
Specification
Details
Brakes
Front disc / rear drum
GT-S Safety
4-wheel disc brakes
Body Structure
Unitized body
Child Safety
Rear door child-protector locks
Seat Safety
Child seat tether anchor
Lighting
Halogen headlights (retractable on GT-S)
Interior Features
Feature
Details
Seating
Reclining front bucket seats
Upholstery
Cloth / optional upgraded fabric
Driver Seat
Adjustable (6-way on some trims)
Rear Seats
Split fold-down (sedan & liftback)
Instrumentation
Full cluster (tachometer, gauges in GT-S)
Audio
AM/FM/MPX stereo
Comfort
Thick carpeting, padded doors
Storage
Console with cassette holder
Exterior Features
Feature
Details
Headlights
Halogen / retractable (GT-S)
Mirrors
Dual remote mirrors
Wheels
Steel wheels / optional alloy
Paint
Solid & two-tone
Aerodynamics
Streamlined design
Trim
Chrome (LE), sport styling (SR5/GT-S)
Dimensions
Specification
Details
Length
~168 inches
Width
~64 inches
Wheelbase
~95 inches
Seating Capacity
5 passengers
Trims & Variants
Variant
Description
Base Sedan
Entry-level model
Deluxe Sedan
Mid-level comfort
LE Sedan
Luxury trim
Deluxe Liftback
Practical hatchback
SR5 Sport Coupe
Affordable sporty model
GT-S Sport Coupe
High-performance twin-cam
FX16 Liftback
New sporty hatchback
Chassis & Suspension
Specification
Details
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension (FWD)
Independent
Rear Suspension (RWD)
4-link live axle (GT-S/SR5)
Steering
Rack & pinion
Ride Quality
Balanced comfort and sporty handling
Wheels & Tyres
Specification
Details
Tyre Type
Steel-belted radial
Standard Sizes
155SR13 / 165SR13
GT-S Tyres
185/60R14 performance tyres
Wheels
Steel / optional alloy
Standard Features
Category
Features
Mechanical
1.6L engine, 5-speed manual
Interior
Reclining seats, carpeting
Instrumentation
Basic gauges / full cluster (higher trims)
Exterior
Halogen headlights, tinted glass
Convenience
Remote mirrors, trunk/fuel release
Safety
Disc/drum brakes, child locks
Optional Features & Packages
Category
Options
Comfort
Air conditioning
Steering
Power steering
Transmission
Automatic transmission
Audio
Cassette player
Exterior
Alloy wheels, two-tone paint
Utility
Rear wiper, rear defogger
Sunroof
Power sunroof
Tech
Cruise control
Package
Convenience Package (tilt wheel, mirrors, etc.)
GT-S Options
Power windows, sport seats, LSD
Current Market Value (USA – 2026 estimate)
Condition
Price
Project Car
$2,000 – $4,000
Good Condition
$5,000 – $10,000
Excellent / Restored
$12,000 – $22,000+
GT-S / AE86
$25,000 – $45,000+
1987 Toyota Corolla FAQs
What engines are available in the 1987 Toyota Corolla?
The 1987 Corolla offered multiple engine options depending on trim and market: 1.3L / 1.5L / 1.6L inline-4 petrol engines 1.6L DOHC (4A-GE) – performance engine (GT-S) 1.8L diesel (select markets)
What body styles were offered in 1987 Toyota Corolla?
2-door coupe 4-door sedan 3-door & 5-door hatchback Wagon
What is the fuel economy of 1987 Toyota Corolla?
The 1987 Corolla is very fuel-efficient: Around 26–34 mpg (US) depending on engine and setup
What common problems should you know?
Due to age, common issues include: Rust (body and chassis) Worn suspension components Carburetor/fuel system issues Oil leaks
What should you check before buying a used 1987 Toyota Corolla?
Rust condition (very important) Engine and gearbox health Suspension and bushings Spare parts availability Service history
What makes the AE86 Corolla special?
The AE86 (GT-S / SR5) is iconic because: Rear-wheel drive layout Lightweight (~900–970 kg) High-revving 1.6L 4A-GE engine
