Sedans and wagons sold in Japan adopted a new front-end design in 2004, although this version did not typically reach export markets.

In other Asian markets and the Americas, the ninth generation Corolla (sedan and wagon only) had unique front and rear styling treatments with mild updates over the model's production run.

For the Japanese market, trim levels for the Corolla Sedan were X Assista Package (Base), X, G and Luxel.

The Toyota Allex is a five-door hatchback that replaced the Sprinter sedan, a badge engineered version of the Corolla RunX.

The Corolla Spacio (Verso in Europe) moved on to the new platform, with later models adding a third row of fold-down seating in the back.

The E120 Corolla sold in Australia was available as a sedan, wagon and five-door hatchback (Seca), sales began in December 2001.

The Sportivo was discontinued in Australia from 2006 due to the prohibitive costs involved in modifying the engine to comply with Euro IV emissions.

All the other models had their engine power and torque reduced with October 2005 production from 100 to 93 kW (134 to 125 hp) and from 171 to 161 N⋅m (126 to 119 lb⋅ft) to comply with Euro IV.

The GL proved most popular and differed from the GLX only by a lack of woodgrain trim, rear electric windows, passenger airbag and alloy wheels.

GLX models mostly featured tan coloured interior with woodgrain trim, front fog lights and alloy wheels as standard.

The T Sport model offered a sportier look with spoiler, side skirts, front fog lights and 15-inch alloy wheels as standard.

[17] Changes include a new grille design, a sleeker front bumper, redesigned fog lamps, new LED tail lights, different alloy wheels and minor interior updates (auto climate control became a standard feature in lower end variants).

It is offered a total of three grades (J, E and G), paired with either 1.6-litre 3ZZ-FE and 1.8-litre 1ZZ-FE engine that is standard with Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i).

Unlike the two aforementioned models, it is powered with the 1.6-litre DOHC non-VVTi 4A-FE engine paired with either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Due to being the commercial grade of the Corolla lineup, it doesn't have any power features except for steering, but it has 3-spoke PVC steering wheel, single-din AM/FM stereo with mechanical-operated cassette player, manual dial-type airconditioning system, gray Vinyl seats, 14-inch steel wheels, and doesn't includes tachometer and ABS (Anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) unlike on the regular Corolla and Corolla Altis models.

It received a new grille design, a sleeker front bumper, redesigned fog lamps, new LED tail lights, different alloy wheels and minor interior updates.

The trims remained the same as the first facelift model, but the 1.8S grade gained with Touchscreen head unit with AM/FM/CD/AUX functionality with capability of playing DVDs.

The taxi-only Limo gets the first facelift Altis grille design in October 2006, it gained some features such as power windows, door locks, single-din AM/FM radio with CD player and 14-inch alloy rims that is similar to the Corolla 1.6J model from 2001.

A new aerokit and new wing mirrors with signal indicators (similar to the 2007 Camry) is available as an optional package in Malaysia.

In late 2007, the Corolla Altis was offered in a limited run where the 1.6 models featured interior silver panel trims, and updated double-din head unit, 15” double-spoke rims, honeycomb grille (adapted from the Corolla S) and body kit with a boot-lid spoiler with a special Limited Edition sticker at the boot.

Official Toyota accessories available through dealerships for all ninth generation Corollas include: front-end mask, gold emblem package, mudguards, 15" flared 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, wheel locks, simulated carbon fiber dash appliqué, simulated blackwood dash appliqué, auto-dimming electrochromic rearview mirror, ashtray cup, carpeted floor mats, all-weather floor mats, cargo net, cargo mat, Cargo-Logic cargo mat by Nifty Products, cargo tote, first aid kit, Toyota VIP RS3200 remote keyless security system (CE, S), Toyota VIP RS3200 Plus security system (S, LE), and a CD autochanger (6-disc).

[21] In 2004, for the 2005 model year, the exterior styling was refreshed with revised front bumper and grille, clear rear turn signal lenses, and updated wheel covers for the CE and LE trims.

Interior differences include white on black Optitron gauges for the LE trim, a rear center headrest, and an updated radio head unit.

The S trim also adds a gauge set with white numbers and red markings and needles for a sporty appearance.

North American market engines: Shown as a concept in November 2003,[22] a sporty XRS model (ZZE131), introduced in 2004 between the 2005 and 2006 model years only, featured the high-revving 127 kW (170 bhp) at 7,600 rpm, 172 N⋅m (127 lb⋅ft) at 4,400 rpm 2ZZ-GE engine and 6-speed manual from the Toyota Celica GT-S and Lotus Elise.

Other exterior differences being the key coloured grill surround (other trims have chrome), XRS badge at the back, rear discs, and a slightly lowered appearance.

This limited production and minimal exterior differences resulted in the Corolla XRS being a unique sleeper hiding among the extremely common Corolla S and is the final outright performance designed model from Toyota that was targeted towards "single male buyers"[29] before the complete switch to the Toyotas' Scion youth oriented brand.

The E140 Corolla XRS introduced for the 2009 model year as a successor used the 2.4L 2AZ-FE from the Toyota Camry and Scion tC and was available with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic.

The sedan is externally identical to both US and ASEAN (Altis) models, but the Fielder has different styling from the Japanese version.

Unlike most other flexible-fuel vehicles in Brazilian market, the Corolla Flex has the same power ratings either with ethanol or petrol.