The early models, known as the Zenki (前期) in Japan, had a much less powerful engine, with the NA version making only 120PS and 14.5 kg⋅m of torque and the supercharged 4A-GZE making 145PS and 19.0 kg⋅m only. There were two major changes that happened to the car during its lifespan from 1987 to 1992.
All cars came with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, and as a factory option, a digital cluster was offered, similar to the one found in the AE86. The trim comes equipped with Toyota's supercharged rendition of their 4A-GE engine, the 4A-GZE, now capable of producing 165PS (163HP) at 6400 RPM and 21.4 kg⋅m (210 Newton-meter) of torque at 4400RPM in its final iterations. Also unique with the coupe was the "GT-Z" trim, which was the highest and fastest trim model for the AE92 at the time.
The "Trueno" model had a much more slanted front fascia with retractable pop-up headlights, the "Levin" model on the other hand, had a much more level hood line, and lacked he pop-ups in replacement of fixed rectangular headlights. Similar to the AE86 generation, two different front end styles was offered.
Also gone were the previous generations' 3-door hatchback body style, now only offered with either a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, 3-door hatchback, or a 5-door liftback body, each with different designations respectively. When the AE92 Corolla was introduced in 1987, gone were the previous models' FR (front engined, rear wheel drive) layout and in its replacement was a more conventional FF (front engined, front wheel drive) system instead.