The Corolla E100 is the seventh generation of cars sold by Toyota under the Corolla nameplate. This generation of Corolla is larger, heavier, and visually more aerodynamic than the model it replaced. With its 2,465 mm (97.0 in) wheelbase, the Corolla had moved into the compact size class once occupied by the Corona and Camry. The Corolla again had an equivalent model Sprinter, with the Sprinter Trueno being equivalent to the Corolla Levin and both exclusive to Toyota Vista Store Japanese dealerships.

The development of the seventh-generation Corolla was led by chief engineer Akihiko Saito. Not only was the wheelbase increased, but the new Corolla also received a wider track than did the 90-series. The solid design reflected the desire of development chief Dr. Akihiko Saito to make a 'mini-Lexus', to build on the success of Toyota's flagship range. The sedan and hatchback have drag coefficients of Cd=0.33, the liftback is Cd=0.30, and the wagon/van have Cd=0.36. The model used fewer body panels than the predecessor, for increased strength, lower cost, and fewer panel gaps (providing a cleaner appearance and lower wind resistance). The headlights were now from polycarbonate rather than glass, and almost 90 percent of the bodyshell was made from galvanized steel - compared to about 60 percent in the preceding generation.

The standard Corolla model range included the three-door hatchback Corolla FX, four-door sedan and five-door station wagon (and light van) models. Also returning in this generation was the two-door coupé Corolla Levin. A 4WD variant of the sedan and station wagon was also available with a 1.6 litre petrol or 2.0 litre diesel engine.

The four-door "pillared hardtop" Corolla Ceres and Sprinter Marino were introduced in 1992. They bore no real exterior resemblance but feature the chassis and most of the engine range of the standard Corollas, and used the Levin/Trueno dashboard. Minor facelift changes were introduced in May 1993. These included a new grille, a reconfiguration of the rear lamps and various other bits of trim and garnish.

The E100 sedan and hatchbacks introduced in June 1991 lasted until the introduction of the E110 in May 1995, while the E100 wagons and the related van continued in the Japanese market alongside the newer Corolla and Sprinter Carib models. Passenger wagons were available in 'G-Touring', 'L-Touring' and high-performance 'BZ-Touring' guises, while "Van" and "Business Wagon" models were basically stripped out wagons with leaf-sprung solid axle rear suspensions. Business Wagons typically had slightly higher equipment levels than simpler vans; this model was renamed the Corolla Assista Wagon in 2000. Toyota also offered a High-Roof version of the Corolla (and Sprinter) Van. The Corolla Touring Wagon continued until 2000, while both commercial versions continued to serve the Japanese market until July 2002, long outliving the mainstream E110 models in Japan. The Corolla/Sprinter Van was succeeded by the Probox.

In October 1994, Toyota Racing Development launched a special edition of the Corolla for the Japanese market, known as the TRD2000. These cars were based on the GT sedan and converted to replicate the 1994 Corolla JTCC race car specifications. The engine was swapped to a naturally-aspirated 2.0 L 3S-GE with 180 PS (132 kW), new 5-speed S54 manual gearbox, heavy duty clutch, mechanical LSD, quickshifter, 15-inch TRD Type-FT wheels with Yokohama Grandprix M5 tires, TRD brakes, new suspension (20 mm lower), small spoiler on the trunk, stainless steel dual exhaust, König Prinz P200 bucket seats, TRD steering wheel and only available in white. Initially, 99 cars were planned to be built, but only 10 cars were sold because of the high price, costing more than the contemporary Celica GT-Four.

Japanese market manual transaxles:

Japanese market automatic transaxles: