The first generation was a new design direction, emphasizing styling and comfort over practicality and economy. The Carina ED was introduced in May 1985.^[1] The Celica platform was used and attention was placed on handling and performance. The initial lineup offered two 1.8-litre engines and one twin cam 16-valve 2.0. The 1S-iLU had single-point injection while the 1S-ELU used multi-point injection, as did the top of the line 3S-GELU. Power outputs were initially in JIS Gross, and the three engines were rated at 105, 115 and 160 PS (77, 85 and 118 kW).^[2] With the later net rating, power figures drop down to 89, 98 and 140 PS (65, 72 and 103 kW) respectively.^[1][3] Fog lamps were made standard August 1987, and the 1S-ELU engine was replaced by the 2.0-litre 3S-FE, producing 120 PS (88 kW) JIS net.^[3] In May 1988 the 1S-iLU was replaced by the 1.8-litre 4S-Fi, with 105 PS (77 kW) JIS net; this meant that the engine lineup now consisted entirely twin cams.

When the first Carina was introduced in 1970, it was identified as a four-door Celica, but sold at a different Toyota Japan dealership called Toyota Store as a Corona-sized sedan with the performance-enhanced image of the Celica. The Corona was exclusive to Toyopet Store, and the Celica was exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store. The introduction of the Carina ED represented a reintroduction of the performance reputation of the Celica, once again as a four-door version.

The hardtop approach was also used on the yet smaller Corolla/Sprinter platform, called the Corolla Ceres and the Sprinter Marino; these cars were offered for consumers who wanted the luxurious approach offered by the Toyota Crown hardtop and sedan, as well as the Mark II (four-door hardtop and sedan), Cresta (4-door sedan) and Chaser (four-door hardtop) but at a lower price and reduced tax liability based on the vehicles size and engine displacement.

The restyled second generation was introduced 1989 and luxury equipment content increased. Four-wheel steering appeared on the top level offerings and styling was updated more closely resemble the twin introduction of the Toyota Corona EXiV, and shared it appearance with the Toyota Corona and Toyota Carina. Along with some minor changes in August 1988, electronic fuel injection was made standard on all engines offered as the 4S-FE replaced the 4S-Fi. The output of the lesser, narrow-valve 2.0-litre 3S-FE was also increased at the same time, from 125 to 140 PS (92 to 103 kW). This generation was the last true hardtop as the next generation had a complete B-pillar extending all the way to the roof.

The four wheel drive system introduced on this generation was borrowed from the Toyota Celica GT-Four. Four wheel steering was available. The trim level designations were 1800V, 2000X, 2000GT and 2000GT-4WD. As a result of styling changes, sales improved in comparison to the second generation. A driver side airbag appeared September 1995, as well as speed sensitive door locks and climate control air conditioning. A passenger side airbag appeared June 1996. Production ended due to economic conditions April 1998.

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  Toyota Carina ED (pre-facelift, Japan)
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  Toyota Carina ED (facelift, Japan)
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  Toyota Carina ED (facelift, Japan)

• Carina ED（First） - Toyota Official Website
• Carina ED（Second）
• Carina ED（Third）