This new engine uses a timing chain instead of a timing belt.
A new all-aluminum 1ZZ-FE engine powered all Corollas, making this generation lighter than its predecessor. Unlike the Japanese counterparts, the North American Corolla at this time was only offered as a four-door compact sedan. Introduced in 1997 (1998 model year), all Corollas for the North American market were built in Fremont, California (by NUMMI) or Cambridge, Ontario (by TMMC).