1989 Toyota Corolla GTS 4a-ge

Summary:

The best car I ever owned

Faults:

My fenders rusted on me very fast. Had to remove the spoiler to repaint the trunk lid because of rust.

Had to replace the clutch at 107,898.

General Comments:

A lot of power for not a lot of money.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th February, 2001

1989 Toyota Corolla All-Trac Wagon 1.6 gas

Summary:

An overall reliable and dependable car

Faults:

There is plenty of rust along the bottom body panels and doors. I try to remove it every year, but it keeps coming back.

Exhuast system components only last 2 to 4 years. They have been expensive to replace, except for the muffler due to its warranty.

Gas tank/fuel pump braket rusted out when the car was 10 years old and had 150,000 miles. Repairs cost 500 dollars (all new parts, cheap labor).

The alternator finally went at 170,000 miles and cost 300 dollars to replace (new parts, cheap labor).

General Comments:

Even with its rust problems, this car is very good. It does not burn oil. The motor has never had any major service done to it (no headgasket replacements, rebuilds, etc.)

The radiator is the original.

The power steering, axles, CV joints, and UV joints are the originals.

The transmission is the original.

The clutch is the original!!!

It still gets decent gas mileage (30 miles per gallon).

The car has never left me stranded, even when the alternator was going. It would still start, eventually.

The all wheel drive system (with locking center differential) is handy in the snow or on muddy dirt roads.

The rust problems are probably partially due to it being a Maine car, and a lot of salt goes on the roads in the winter.

I think it is too bad that Toyota stopped selling all wheel drive and station wagon Corollas in the U.S.

I would buy a new one if they were still made. Instead, I have to settle for a Subaru.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th January, 2001

2nd Apr 2001, 18:25

Trying to find information on a 89 Toyota Corolla SR5 All Track Wagon. If anyone can help e-mail me at legoland_bomber@yahoo.ca thanks.

28th Aug 2002, 07:13

I'll add my opinion here about the 1989 Toyota Corolla All-Trac. My experience is similar to the one in the review: a persistent rust problem the past few years, but engine is going strong at 188K miles, original radiator, original clutch. Only things I've replaced are starter; timing belt (at 150K, I followed the maintenance schedule... never had a problem with it) ; and exhaust system components about 4 times (but paid only the first time for a Toyota warrantied replacement). Plus routine brake and other maintenance. A/C ran out of freon this year so no longer works. I'm really sad that this car was in an accident last week and is being totaled by the insurance company!

1989 Toyota Corolla SR5

Summary:

Quality and value in a sporty econobox

Faults:

Bad exhaust - have had to replace parts that were already replaced - have to replace them again soon.

RUST - passenger side rusted sooner than the driver's side; Toyotas from that generation have rust problems around the wheel wells.

Currently have an oil leak - will fix when the car is ready for new timing belt.

Fading in the rear window area from UV rays - caused speakers to dry out.

Channel blew in the stereo.

Replaced typical stuff - brakes, starter, etc.

General Comments:

The SR5 is a terrific car. When I was looking for my car, I found SR5 owners tend to take better care of their cars than sedan owners and it really shows. People are always amazed when I tell them what year the car is.

My car is in brilliant condition. The paint has held up well except for spots of rust. The car idles quietly - you can't really hear it. Fuel economy is impressive. The car always starts. It handles well in snow especially with snow tires.

A great all around car. Buy Toyota!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th December, 2000

7th Jan 2001, 17:40

I have an '89 SR5. It's black, but I put rims and tinted windows on it. It's a really nice car, everything you said sounds right about it.

15th Sep 2002, 18:59

I just bought one earlier today! I'm really excited! It has no rust and is super clean inside. I plan to tint the windows, and I already have a CD player and boom box!