Faults:

Best ever - keeps going and won’t quit.

Had the original shocks replaced after 310000 km.

Engine and transmission would have kept going another 2-3 years at least - got rear ended unfortunately and will miss that beauty forever.

As for “performance”, it is a Corolla for crying out, what “performance?”

It starts right away in -20C and goes when it needs to go.

Best ever.

Faults:

Replaced front stabilizer links, 2 interior door handles, serpentine belt.

General Comments:

The Corolla is anonymous, immensely practical, and totally awesome. I average 35 absolutely worry-free miles per gallon. Cheap and easy to maintain, roomy and comfortable for such a small and inexpensive car (power windows & locks, cruise control, lighted trunk, etc.), and looks respectable.

The only downside I have found (besides the usual Toyota door handles that always seem to be made out of recycled, low-grade plastic milk jugs) is that it is practically undriveable in snow accumulations of 1/16" or more. Really. I have great tires, as does my brother, who has the same model year Corolla. We have both had the same experience -- very little traction, extremely light front end -- kind of terrifying. That said, those limitations affect it only a few days a year, and it excels everywhere else.

Faults:

The hardware has issues.

The door handles have been replaced more than once.

The interior is plastic, and after 13 years, it's in need of repairs.

I drive really hard, and the car can take it, but the ride is bumpy.

General Comments:

The car is excellent and runs great. They sure don't make them like this anymore. I still drive it on a daily basis after 13 years, and it is more dependable and worry free than my 2004 model.

I replaced the starter a few months ago after 13 long years, and the original battery lasted 7 years.

I did put in a short ram cold air intake to boost the pick up and performance, and I have outran newer Civics.

The car is now riding rough, but I do push it to the limit. It is vibrating and burning gas like crazy. I plan to replace the oxygen sensors, flush the fluids and replace them, and have it realigned.

It needs a paint job and the interior needs to be redone, but the engine is whisper quiet and super dependable with low maintenance.

I would restore her to her former glory if I won the lottery, because the new cars are built to break, and don't last.

Faults:

All I have had to replace in 20k miles are:

The high pressure steering hose, $49.

TPS sensor, $45.

Front brake pads, $25.

Air filter, $20.

Tires balanced, $16.

I have also changed the oil every 3k miles.

I also change the ATF fluid and filter each year.

General Comments:

This vehicle has exceeded my reliability expectations.

I also perform all my own maintenance, saving myself a wad of cash.

It may not be the most exciting car to drive, but I feel sure it will not break down.

It also returns around 28 miles to the gallon.

Insurance is also cheap.

In my opinion, this car makes a good purchase.