Toyota's model codes follow a logical convention that allows one to determine information about a car and its position in the Toyota lineup based purely on its model code.
Model codes consist of 2 letters followed by 2 or (in the case of some more recent models) 3 numbers.
The first of these letters designates the engine series. Thus, a KE71 Corolla, and an AE71 Corolla are identical in almost all other ways, but one has a K series engine, and the other has an A series engine. For more information on these codes, see 'Toyota Engine Codes'
The second letter tells you the chassis family. Family codes include:
- A - RWD Carina, Celica, Celica Supra, Supra
- E - Corolla
- F - Celsior (Lexus LS)
- J - Toyota Land Cruiser
- L - Tercel
- P - Starlet
- S - Crown, Aristo (Lexus GS)
- T - Corona, FWD/4WD Toyota Celica|Celica, FWD Carina
- V - Camry, Vienta Vista (Lexus ES)
- W - MR2
- X - Cressida, Mark II, Chaser, Cresta
- Z - Soarer (Lexus SC)
Any additions to this list, please /msg me.
The first (and second, if there is a total of 3) number stands for the model revision, and the last number will specify more accurately the options level and
exact engine type.
Because Toyota have named some of their cars differently in different countries, there can be some confusion as to which car is under discussion (see: AE86) so these model codes make it very easy for one to understand exactly which year/model is being discussed.