With the 1979 Corolla, Toyota introduced a new, more sophisticated chassis. All Corollas but the wagon got a new, more modern suspension, and the body was restyled to look boxier, which was in keeping with the fashion of the era.

The 1979 Toyota Corolla came in many body styles with several trim levels. The two- and four-door sedan came as a standard, DX or E5. The hardtop coupe came as a standard or SR5, and the sports coupe came as a SR5. The wagon came as a standard or DX. The liftback came as a standard and SR5. The Corolla got a bigger engine for 1979: a 75-horsepower, 1.8-liter four cylinder.

Drivers of the 1979 Toyota Corolla mostly like it for its reliability and the fact that it is inexpensive to maintain. Its small size makes it easy to parallel park. However, 1979 Toyota Corollas are prone to rust, and some complain that the upholstery has not held up over the years.