| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1971 |
| Production Years: | 1974 - 1977 discontinued in 1977 |
The Toyota Carina TA1, produced between 1974 and 1977, represents the first generation of the Toyota Carina model line introduced in 1971. This sedan marked Toyota’s entry into the compact sedan segment during the mid-1970s, offering reliability and efficiency in a practical size tailored for everyday use. The Carina TA1 was designed to appeal to customers looking for a compact but comfortable sedan option. Although exact dimensions vary slightly by market, the Carina TA1 sedan’s length typically hovered around 4 meters (approximately 157 inches), with a width roughly near 1.6 meters (63 inches), and a height in the range of 1.35 meters (53 inches). These dimensions placed it comfortably in the compact car class, providing a good balance of maneuverability and interior space. The vehicle’s design emphasized a straightforward, functional aesthetic common in the era’s Japanese sedans, combined with Toyota’s hallmark build quality. Weight and engine specifications reflected its role as a practical family or commuter car, focusing on fuel economy and ease of maintenance. The Carina TA1 offered a sensible choice for drivers wanting a straightforward sedan that could handle daily drives with dependable performance. This generation set the groundwork for the Carina’s evolution into a more refined and diversified model line in later years, influencing Toyota’s strategy on compact sedans in global markets. Today, the Carina TA1 is appreciated by enthusiasts for its classic styling and its place in Toyota’s automotive history as part of the early 1970s shift toward practical, reliable cars.
Discover the standout features that make the 1971 Toyota Carina a leader in its class
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The Toyota Carina (TA1) sedan produced from 1974 to 1977 measures approximately 4,225 millimeters (166.3 inches) in length. This length places it comfortably in the compact car segment of the 1970s. Its design provided a good balance between interior space and urban maneuverability, catering well to drivers who needed a practical yet reasonably sized vehicle.
The width of the Toyota Carina (TA1) sedan stands at around 1,610 millimeters (63.4 inches). This modest width was typical for compact sedans of that era, offering adequate interior shoulder room for passengers while maintaining ease of driving in narrower city streets and parking spaces.
The height of the Toyota Carina (TA1) sedan is approximately 1,370 millimeters (53.9 inches). This relatively low height contributes to the car's sleek profile and aerodynamics, which were advanced for simple sedans of the early to mid-1970s, while also allowing sufficient headroom inside.
The curb weight of the Toyota Carina (TA1) typically ranged around 980 kilograms (2,160 pounds), depending on market specifications and optional equipment. This weight was fairly standard for compact sedans of this period, balancing performance, fuel efficiency, and handling.
While exact interior dimensions are scarce, the Toyota Carina (TA1) sedan was designed to seat five passengers comfortably, featuring a conventional 2-row seating layout. The trunk offered adequate capacity for everyday luggage and groceries, consistent with compact sedans of the 1970s, making it practical for small families and daily commuting.
Yes, the Toyota Carina (TA1) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage with common dimensions around 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) in width and 5.5 meters (18 feet) in length. Its length of approximately 4.225 meters (13.86 feet) and width of about 1.61 meters (5.28 feet) leave enough clearance on all sides for door opening and maneuvering.
The 1974-1977 Toyota Carina (TA1) saw a slight size increase compared to its predecessor, the TA10 generation. The earlier TA10 measured slightly shorter in length, around 4,120 mm (162.2 inches), and slightly narrower at about 1,580 mm (62.2 inches). The dimensional growth of the TA1 gave passengers more interior space and enhanced comfort, reflecting Toyota’s strategy to compete better in the compact sedan market by providing more room and a more modern design.
Compared to contemporaries like the Datsun Bluebird (mid-1970s models) and the Ford Cortina, the Toyota Carina (TA1) was quite competitive in terms of size. Its length of 4,225 mm (166.3 inches) was close to the Bluebird’s approximate 4,300 mm (169.3 inches) and slightly shorter than many Cortina models, which often measured around 4,400 mm (173 inches). Width-wise, the Carina’s 1,610 mm (63.4 inches) was similar or a bit narrower, making it easier to maneuver. Overall, the Carina balanced compact exterior dimensions with sufficient interior space, offering a compelling alternative in the compact segment.
The Toyota Carina (TA1) was typically equipped with inline four-cylinder engines, ranging from 1.6 to 1.8 liters, depending on the market. These engines delivered reliable fuel economy and adequate power for daily driving. The car featured rear-wheel drive and a simple yet durable suspension setup. Performance emphasized practicality and comfort rather than outright speed, making it a sensible choice for consumers seeking dependable transportation during the 1970s.
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