So impressed with the reliability and cost-effectiveness
Broken door handle.
Stuck hood release hatch.
I bought this a year ago for 500 bucks. I've been commuting headache-free for a year now and so now I know why the Corolla has its reputation.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th August, 2016
The most boring car that I've ever loved!
Loose brake caliper ~ replaced for $30.
Interior driver's door handle broke ~ easily replaced for free, new spares were included with the car from the previous owner.
The styling is a bit bland, but the reliability is outstanding! I've bought and sold a number of vehicles over the years, and wasn't sure if I was going to keep this Corolla at first or if I was going to flip it for a profit. But I really wanted a car that got great fuel economy as I live about 90 miles from Las Vegas and drive there semi-frequently to buy and sell stuff. This car gets 36 MPG on the highway so it was hard to beat when gas prices were so high. The air conditioning is the coldest I've ever had on any car, which is a must have in the desert... it's 38 degrees at the vent even when it's 100+ outside!
As far as the blandness, I installed an in-dash DVD player, new speakers and an alarm with remote start as well as new rims so that made the car more appealing to me. I also installed a trailer hitch so I can pull a small trailer and I don't have to use my gas thirsty truck as often. The Corolla has an amazing tow rating of 1500 pounds!
Two-and-a-half years later, I've thought about getting something else, as I get bored with cars, but this car is just hard to beat and it's got everything I want so I changed my mind. This is the LE model and is factory equipped with all power options as well as cruise control.
Common with many cars -- including this Corolla -- is oil consumption... I usually have to add a half a quart after 2,000 miles so be sure to check your dipstick every 1500 miles or thereabout and add oil accordingly.
If you're considering buying one of these Corollas, go for it! It's a great deal for the money!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st June, 2016
Reliable
Alternator.
Fuel tank door stuck.
Starter.
Every knob, piece of plastic, and interior door handle broke at some point.
Piston ring blow by.
Head gasket failure; between this and the piston ring blow by, a whole new engine was needed at 225,000 miles.
Overall this is a good commuter car.
The automatic transmission is sluggish, and the car is a bit underpowered. It doesn't have the get up and go of American cars in its class. It also doesn't have the reliability issues of those American cars. The engine ran for 90,000 miles with 3 oil changes; the transmission was original to the car and ran great until the engine died.
The interior plastic was not good. I replaced all 4 door handles, had to get a new radio when all of the knobs broke or fell off, the glove box door handle broke off, the pulls for the trunk and gas tank... you guessed it, they broke off too.
If you need something to get you from A to B without spending money on anything but brakes and tires, it's a good choice. If you're looking for something fun, or to impress the ladies, I'd look elsewhere.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th December, 2014
24th Dec 2022, 17:58
Still driving my Corolla and appreciating her more and more, especially when the cost of vehicles skyrocketed in the last couple years. Six-and-a-half years after my initial review and it's now got 132k miles as I don't drive to Vegas much anymore. I do end up off on some very treacherous, rocky and hilly unpaved roads in the desert to buy stuff or take consignments from people living in the rural areas, and this car handles them like a champ.
No problems to report, replaced another interior door handle which cost me less than $5 and is easy to replace. And that's it! It doesn't get garaged and sits out in the desert sun everyday, so it's getting a little tired looking, but I'll be doing some polishing and paintwork to the hood and other touch-ups soon to freshen it up. The interior looks great, the (velour, I think?) seat fabric is very good quality on the LE and holds up well.
After 9 years, this car has cost me virtually nothing to own and I love her for that! And my bank account is looking quite nice too, I might add...