D4D (2004)

The ninth-generation Corolla (NZE120/ZZE120) appeared in August 2000 with edgier styling and a longer 102.4 in (2600 mm) wheelbase. It is built on a shortened Toyota Vista platform—the Vista being a mid-sized, rather than compact car. Like the Vista, the Corolla's width is limited to 67 in (1700 mm), to avoid being in a higher tax bracket in Japan, although most of its European rivals are now wider. The North American model is longer and the same as Corolla Altis. It came to the United States in Spring 2002 as model year 2003. Initially trim levels are CE, S, and LE.

The torsion bar suspension and drum brakes in the rear are anachronisms, however. The sporty XRS model, introduced for 2004, features the high-revving 170 hp (127 kW) 127 ft·lbf (172 N•m) 2ZZ-GE engine and 6 speed manual from the Toyota Celica GT-S and Lotus Elise.

The station wagon model is called the Toyota Corolla Fielder in Japan, and the five-door the Toyota Corolla Runx and Toyota Allex, launching in 2001.

The Corolla Spacio (Verso in Europe) moved on to the new platform, with later models adding a third row of fold-down seating in the back. The Corolla has also spawned another multi-purpose vehicle, the Matrix, sold in Canada and the United States, and forms the basis of the Pontiac Vibe. The Vibe, in turn, is sold with a different grille in Japan and is called the Toyota Voltz.

In Brazil, the Corolla sedan and the Corolla Fielder are built locally. It is available with the 1.6 3ZZ-FE engine (sedan only) and the 1ZZ-FE. The sedan is externally identical to the US model, but the Fielder has a different styling from the Japanese version.

In few Asian countries (excluding Hong Kong, Japan & India), an offshoot of the Corolla model, called the Corolla Altis is also sold there alongside the Corolla. The Altis is targeted at consumers who prefer more comfort than the current Corolla but do not wish to buy the more luxurious Toyota Camry. Two versions of engine are available, the 108 bhp 1.6 and the 134 bhp 1.8. The Altis range of the Corolla is manufactured in Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. For 2004 model year, the Altis received VVT-i on its 1ZZ-FE engine. The grille, tail lights, and alloys were also new. In Thailand, the Toyota Corolla is also branded as the Toyota Limo for lower spec for taxi business, not to be confused with the taxi version of Toyota Vios which also called Toyota Limo in Indonesia