The 1.6-liter Toyota 3ZZ-FE engine was assembled from 1997 to 2009 at the company’s Japanese plant, as well as in the United States. The engine was installed on front-wheel drive models such as Corolla and Avensis. The unit received a variable valve timing system at the VVT-i inlet only in 2000.
The ZZ family includes engines: 1ZZ‑FE, 1ZZ‑FED, 2ZZ‑GE, 3ZZ‑FE, 4ZZ-FE.
The engine was installed on:
- Toyota Avensis 1 (T220) in 1997 – 2002; Avensis 2 (T250) in 2003 – 2009;
- Toyota Corolla 8 (E110) in 1999 – 2002; Corolla 9 (E120) in 2000 – 2006; Corolla 10 (E150) in 2006 – 2009.
Specifications
| Production years | 1997-2009 |
| Displacement, cc | 1598 |
| Fuel system | MPI |
| Power output, hp | 110 |
| Torque output, Nm | 150 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 79 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 81.5 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | VVT-i |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.7 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2/3/4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Toyota Corolla 2004) — city — highway — combined |
9.0 5.9 7.0 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~200 000 |
| Weight, kg | 128 |
Frequent problems
- Oil consumption in excess of the norm. The problem is common on pre-2002 models and is related to the oil scraper rings. Decarbonization practically does not help.
- Extraneous noises and knocks in the motor. The timing chain loosened, which is typical after 150 thousand kilometers. Replacement required. The tensioner drive may also fail. Diagnostics and replacement required. Valves almost never knock.
- Turnovers floated. It is required to flush the throttle-damper module and the valve system at idle speed.
- Vibration. Most likely the rear cushion of the motor is to blame, if not, then this is a feature of the motor of this series.
To the above disadvantages, we can add that 3ZZ does not tolerate overheating well. It always ends with a curvature of the cylinder block, after which they just need to be changed. Sleeve and boring are not welcomed by the official manufacturer. The average service life of the unit is 200 thousand km. In general, the ZZ series is not considered particularly prestigious. However, models released after 2005 are still quite suitable for trouble-free operation.
