| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1973 |
| Production Years: | 1973 - 1979 discontinued in 1979 |
The Toyota Corona Station Wagon (RT118), produced from 1973 to 1979, represents a key model in the mid-sized station wagon segment of that era. Developed as part of the Corona line, this generation of the Toyota station wagon offered practicality combined with reliable performance, catering to families and individuals seeking ample cargo space and versatile usage. The RT118 maintained the classic styling cues of the 1970s Japanese automotive design, featuring a robust build with clean, simple lines and functional design elements tailored for everyday driving and utility.
Measuring approximately in the range consistent with mid-sized wagons of the time, the Toyota Corona Station Wagon (RT118) delivered an effective balance between interior passenger comfort and cargo capacity, making it suitable for both urban commuting and longer journeys. While exact length, width, and height vary slightly depending on the market and specific trim, these vehicles generally ranged from around 4.3 to 4.5 meters (169 to 177 inches) in length, with a width near 1.6 to 1.7 meters (63 to 67 inches), and a height close to 1.4 to 1.5 meters (55 to 59 inches).
Under the hood, the RT118 was powered by efficient gasoline engines typical for Toyota's Corona range, combining moderate power output with fuel economy that was notable for the time. The suspension and chassis design were optimized to handle the added weight of cargo, ensuring stable handling and durability.
Today, the Toyota Corona Station Wagon (RT118) is appreciated by classic car enthusiasts for its historical importance, practical design, and the robust engineering Toyota was known for during the 1970s. It serves as a valuable example of the era's station wagon market segment, bridging everyday utility with the trusted reliability of Toyota's engineering heritage.
Discover the standout features that make the 1973 Toyota Corona Station Wagon a leader in its class
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The 1973 Toyota Corona Station Wagon (RT118) measures approximately 4,280 mm (168.5 inches) in length, 1,590 mm (62.6 inches) in width, and 1,430 mm (56.3 inches) in height. These dimensions reflect a compact yet practical station wagon size for the era, offering a good balance between interior space and urban maneuverability. Its relatively modest footprint allows it to be agile on narrow roads while maintaining enough exterior volume to accommodate passengers and cargo effectively.
The wheelbase of the 1973 Toyota Corona Station Wagon (RT118) is approximately 2,460 mm (96.9 inches). A longer wheelbase generally contributes to better ride comfort and increased interior legroom. For the RT118, this wheelbase length provided ample space for rear passengers and contributed to the vehicle's stable handling characteristics. The interior was designed to maximize cargo capacity and passenger comfort, making the station wagon a practical choice for families requiring versatile transportation.
The curb weight of the 1973 Toyota Corona Station Wagon (RT118) is around 1,000 to 1,100 kilograms (approximately 2,205 to 2,425 pounds), depending on specific trim and equipment. This weight is typical for a compact station wagon of the 1970s, helping to strike a balance between fuel efficiency and structural sturdiness. Its relatively light weight for its size contributed to decent acceleration, fuel economy, and maneuverability while maintaining reinforcing durability for daily use.
The cargo capacity of the Toyota Corona Station Wagon RT118 was designed with practicality in mind. While exact volume figures vary, the rear seats are foldable, allowing for increased cargo space versatility. The station wagon layout offers more cargo room compared to the sedan version, enabling easier transport of bulky or long items. This adaptability made the RT118 Corona ideal for families and small businesses needing flexible cargo and passenger configurations, essential for a vehicle positioned as a utilitarian yet comfortable choice.
Yes, the 1973 Toyota Corona Station Wagon (RT118) generally fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With an overall length of 4,280 mm (168.5 inches), a width of 1,590 mm (62.6 inches), and a height of 1,430 mm (56.3 inches), it fits well within typical garage dimensions which often start at roughly 5,500 mm (216 inches) in length and 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) in width. This makes parking hassle-free for owners with typical home garages without requiring special accommodation.
Compared to the sedan version of the Toyota Corona from the same RT118 generation, the station wagon is slightly longer and taller, mainly to accommodate more cargo space and a more versatile rear interior layout. While the sedan focuses more on passenger comfort with a traditional trunk, the station wagon adapts the design to prioritize cargo volume by extending the roofline and rear section. This size difference emphasizes the station wagon's role as a more utilitarian vehicle while maintaining similar drivability and footprint.
The RT118 generation (1973-1979) Toyota Corona Station Wagon improved slightly in size over its predecessor to offer more interior space and cargo versatility. Specifically, the RT118 is marginally longer and wider, offering enhanced passenger comfort and storage. These dimensional improvements reflect Toyota's response to evolving customer demands in the early 1970s for more practical family-oriented vehicles. The slight increase in exterior dimensions also brought a more modern and robust styling compared to the earlier generation while maintaining comparable handling.
The Toyota Corona Station Wagon RT118's dimensions positioned it competitively among compact to mid-sized station wagons of the 1970s, such as the Datsun 510 Wagon and Ford Pinto Wagon. It tended to be slightly more compact in width and length than American station wagons but offered efficient use of interior space. Toyota's focus was on reliability and practicality over bulk, providing a more maneuverable and economical alternative while maintaining adequate cargo volume. This made the RT118 an attractive option for buyers seeking balance in size, utility, and economy.
The RT118 Toyota Corona Station Wagon typically came equipped with reliable inline-four engines, ranging from 1.6 to 1.8 liters in displacement, depending on the market and model year. These engines were designed to balance fuel economy and sufficient power for everyday driving needs. Early variants produced around 75 to 90 horsepower, suitable for smooth urban and highway use without aggressive acceleration. The vehicle was engineered for dependability, with straightforward mechanical components and an emphasis on longevity and ease of maintenance.
While the Toyota Corona Station Wagon RT118 was generally basic compared to modern vehicles, it offered practical interior features that emphasized utility and passenger comfort relevant to its time. The station wagon design itself granted flexible rear seating arrangements, including foldable seats to increase cargo space. The relatively spacious cabin for its class allowed passengers reasonable comfort, and the build quality was notable for reliability. These aspects made the RT118 well-regarded in its day for offering dependable function in a compact family wagon format.
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