Faults:

There is a need for alignment, due to pothole, not to car defect.

Drivers side seat had cushion loss at entry exit point (I believe this may be due to a very large previous owner, however), but the upolstry itself is still perfect.

General Comments:

This car runs like a dream and has good pickup for a 4 cyl. engine.

For a vehicle of this age, it is in beautiful shape (due, I am sure to previous owner care by 2 owners)

Within 3 months of purchase, the car made a 2000 mile trip with ease and netted 38 MPG!

I found the front passenger side room better than our 2005 Corolla, which has a different dash area.

Normal summer in-city driving was about 32 MPG & highway about 36-38. Winter mileage has been around 27 city and have not tested highway driving, which I do not do much of in winter.

There is some discomfort with the worn drivers seat, but that was easily remedied with a pillow, and considering the vehicle is 11 years old, this is not a major complaint.

Faults:

Just the started blew on me once with ample warning signs. It has been an angel otherwise.

General Comments:

Extremely rugged and well built in its class for the year 1997. good paint job and strong suspension. I have had it for 2 years now and have absoltely no complains - handles all seasons well and has a sober appeal! Well Done ToYoTa!!

Faults:

Had to replace headlights & tail lights.

The light in the dashboard has gone out.

Nothing beyond the norm!

General Comments:

Absolutely love this car. My only issue is the growing family doesn't all fit anymore.

I am looking forward to giving this car to my daughter when she gets her license, knowing she won't have a piece of crap on her hands!

Faults:

I still have trouble with the water pump (but not a big deal, I can survive... I don't change it, no need).

I changed the washer pump (20$) and I fixed it myself.

General Comments:

It's an excellent car, I never had the problems with the cars like Toyota (my first car in Canada - I'm European - was a Dodge Caravan... a lemon, after I bought a Toyota Tercel, not only one problem and I used it one year).

With my Corolla, I know that I have to put the gas and do not forget to change the oil. It have a standard transmission... it's not a very strong car, it's a little and inexpensive car.

Two words for you, if you prefer the reliability to the comfort : TRY IT!

Faults:

Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with this car.

General Comments:

If you are looking for a car that will get you from A to B, stop looking. The older Corolla's (pre-1998) are the absolute most reliable cars you will ever find.

We bought my mom's 97 Corolla a couple years ago and it has been nothing but great. The car is solid like a tank (no rattles, play in the suspension, etc.), super reliable and cheap to run.

The 1.6liter engine mated to the 3speed automatic transmission is pretty slow, but extremely reliable and shifts amazingly smooth. So far I have only done basic maintenance on this car (changed spark plugs and oil & filter and air filter). The engine does not burn or leak one drop of oil.

Personally I would recommend buying a 5 speed model though since the gas mileage is drastically better, and it has a lot more pep than the automatic. I've owned a couple Toyota's already and I will never ever buy anything else... ever.