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The Toyota Corolla is one of the most popular compact cars available. Even with its small size, the Toyota Corolla offers plenty of space and surprising performance. While it is no drag racer, most drivers will be more than happy with what this compact sedan provides in terms of driving. If you are looking for one of these models and would like to enjoy driving more, what are the fastest models available?

1987 Toyota Corolla FX16 GT-S (3-Door): 9.5 seconds

The 1987 Toyota Corolla FX16 GT-S is a unique hatchback that was a fun-to-drive model with a peppy powertrain. With a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, this car is best experienced with your foot on the floor. This engine has a high-redline that makes 108 horsepower, but because of the small size and smooth five-speed manual transmission, you can get up to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds.

1993 Toyota Corolla DX: 9.2 seconds

a white 1993 toyota corolla dx, one of the faster models available
1993 Toyota Corolla DX | Toyota

If you are looking for just a bit more performance, the 1993 Toyota Corolla DX is a bit more of an exciting option. Using an updated 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine will churn out 115 horsepower. The small size helped to make it more enjoyable to drive, and when performing at its peak, it could get you to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds.

2001 Toyota Corolla S: 8.8 seconds

a blue 2001 toyota corolla, a faster and more enjoyable compact sedan
2001 Toyota Corolla | Toyota

As the 1990s progressed, the compact sedan grew and, in turn, got a little more fun to drive. One example is the 2001 Toyota Corolla S, which uses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that will create 130 horsepower. This engine is a practical option because of its efficiency and peppiness. With this engine, you can get to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds.

2003 Toyota Corolla S: 8.0 seconds

a 2003 toyota corolla s, a sporty compact car that garnered plenty of praise
2003 Toyota Corolla S | Toyota

The Toyota Corolla continued to get more impressive every year, and by 2003, this sedan was getting more enjoyable to drive. Utilizing the same 1.8-liter engine as the model above, performance was in many ways the same. But, because of a few tweaks internally, this compact sedan could get up to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds.

2009 Toyota Corolla XRS: 7.8 seconds

The Toyota Corolla XRS was the sportiest model in the line-up for a few years. Powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 158 horsepower, this compact sedan offered a much peppier drive. This sedan added a sportier suspension set-up, which added a bit of excitement. Altogether, this sedan could get to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds.

2022 Toyota Corolla SE Apex Edition: 7.3 seconds

a 2022 toyota corolla apex, one of the fastest corolla models available
2022 Toyota Corolla Apex Edition| Toyota

As the years have passed, this compact sedan has never become the performance-focused option many drivers have wanted. But, the 2022 Toyota Corolla SE Apex Edition is approaching that realm. Furthermore, this sedan uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, this sedan will use 169 horsepower and reach 60 mph in 7.3 seconds.

2005 Toyota Corolla XRS: 7.1 seconds

the 2005 toyota corolla xrs, the fastest model in the line-up thus far
2005 Toyota Corolla XRS | Toyota

At the top of the list stands the 2005 Toyota Corolla XRS and its 170-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Thanks to the 1.8-liter four-cylinder 2ZZ engine, you are going to enjoy a high-revving drive that can be surprisingly exciting. With everything this compact sedan offers, Car and Driver found that this sedan could reach 60 mph in 7.1 seconds.

Enthusiasts rejoice; a faster model is on the way

At this point, it is no secret that there is a faster and more exciting mode in the form of the Toyota GR Corolla on the way. This exciting hot hatch is ready to produce 300 horsepower thanks to a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, this hatchback will reach 60 mph much quicker than any of the models above.

The Toyota Corolla is one impressive compact sedan with a history of being a comfortable and popular model for all drivers. Get ready to find the fastest mode and enjoy a more exciting drive.

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