Faults:

A solenoid caused the radiator fan to remain on for a prolonged period of time after the engine was turned off. This was repaired.

The door hinges started to squeak badly after 50,000 miles, but I had them lubed.

The glove box latch is broken, so I can't get into my glove box for my owner's manual. I have yet to get this fixed.

The metal trim surrounding the right rear window has started to shed it's flat black paint.

The emergency brake fell out of proper adjustment twice. I had this repaired as well.

General Comments:

This is my second Corolla, my previous one being a 1986 DX model.

Let me start off by saying that this car is quite comfortable. The velour seats are very stain resistant and the seats are firm enough to hug your body, but soft and supple enough to cushion you from bumps in the roadway. The climate control works well, and the A/C blows cold. If the vents were a bit larger, the ventilation in this car would be even better.

The performance of the 120 horsepower 1.8 liter engine is adequate, and gives decent fuel economy (22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway). The transmission in this car is the real icing on the cake. This has to be one of the best four speed automatics on the planet. The transmission runs through the gears so smoothly that you can barely feel it engage.

Even though the Corolla LE has front and rear stabilizer bars and the wider P185 tires, the handling is less than impressive. In emergency handling maneuvers (I have come across a couple deer on the roads around my house), the four spoke steering wheel design prevented me from turning the car quickly and it squirmed all over the road. For everyday driving, however, the handling is bearable and the suspension provides a supple ride.

Overall, my Corolla has been very reliable. I don't think that is any surprise, considering Toyota's reputation for reliability. The only serious problem has been the solenoid.

One thing I can say is that my 1986 Corolla was a lot more fun to drive. It was a lot smaller and seemed to be more nimble in the bends. My 1999 Corolla feels very heavy and bloated by comparison. Sure, it is more comfortable, but I just don't enjoy driving it as much as my '86. I think my next car will be a Mazda 3 because I want that fun to drive factor.

That said, the Corolla is a very good compact at a decent price. Just don't expect great performance.

Faults:

Chronic front end maintenance

Bounce on highway and need constant driver input. Suspension weaknesses similar to the one it clones: Jetta

Boring and A to B commuter.

General Comments:

Enough minimal to be trouble free.

Faults:

Car sways in just moderate side wind.

Transmission linkage switch broke.

General Comments:

Thieves ignore this car. Car probably best on gas for its size over any competitor. Accelleration better than anyone would expect (real sleeper).

Faults:

NONE besides regular maintenance.

General Comments:

This car is unbelievably reliable. I have put over 112,000 miles on it myself in the 6 years I've owned it. It starts every time the key is turned. It handles great for a small car and is really comfortable. It has great "pick-up" for a 4cyl and the engine is very smooth and quiet.

Faults:

Someone crashed into to my baby and killed her! She was totaled on the driver's side and passenger side's rear axle was crunched inward, but you know what? She still kept tugging along, she just couldn't back up!

General Comments:

What a great car, and I came out of the crash alive and with minor injuries! The corolla had 83,000 miles, I was the original owner for 4 1/2 years. No problems ever and I only had 2 tune-ups, one new set of breaks and drove the heck outta that car!