2003 Toyota Corolla LE 1.8 DOHC

Summary:

There's no better automatic-equipped small car anywhere for any price!

Faults:

Weatherstripping around driver's door starting to wear from entry and exit...no way to avoid rubbing against it! Headlights could be better, but re-aiming them should help.

General Comments:

This is, without question, the finest small car on the market and arguably one of the world's finest cars, period. Fit and finish on this California-built car are up to Lexus standards. Even the interior oozes quality, with a cavernous back seat to boot. The new-for-2003 version doesn't leave you feeling like you've just bought a rental car. In fact, it looks and drives much like my dad's 2000 Avalon. Viewed head-on, it's a dead ringer for an Avalon. Those looking for a seat-of-your-pants driving experience are better off looking at a Focus SVT, Jetta or Neon R/T. As nice as this car is, the driving experience is a bit sterile, substituting quick reflexes for a more neutral, user-friendly feel. The Chrysler K-car-style rear axle beam certainly doesn't cry "performance." But for longevity, quality and resale value, the Corolla simply cannot be beat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd February, 2004

19th May 2004, 08:08

The floor in the back has the hump. With the Honda civic you get a flat floor in the back and roomier feel.

4th Nov 2004, 17:25

I have an 03 Corolla, no hump. There are however a nice set of rear cupholders. Best car ever, 43,000 miles in 4 years and not a single problem.

27th Jul 2011, 03:49

The best thing of these Corollas is the suspension. The bad thing is the engine noise. The worst thing is the automatic transmission. I have never found such an unpleasant transmission. It's old for the 90's! In acceleration, the car is extremely noisy, but very sluggish.

2003 Toyota Corolla

Summary:

An OK car, but not great

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong, but I am concerned that something will.

General Comments:

The car is a little scary in winter or icy conditions. Very poor tires come with new car.

The engine noise at about 3000 RPM is very loud and annoying. It makes the car feel cheap. This is a real design issue that I am sure Toyota knows about. I bought a Corolla for quality, not a Ford Escort, but this is very disappointing.

Interior noises crop up from time to time, like dashboard vibrations, or window/door vibrations.

Visibility is somewhat obstructed by the windshield frame that protrudes so far forward. I have been surprised by cars that appeared out of no where blocked by these.

I can't get the radio/CD adjusted for quality sound. It seems to have too much bass, or becomes very tinny.

Car is efficient, and if it has the longevity that I am accustomed to I'll probably have it for ten years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 5th January, 2004

3rd Jun 2004, 05:50

In regards to the scary winter conditions, I had my 2004 Corolla S skid off of the road in the snow last winter. Probably could blame the tires and a little too much speed, however it happened without any warning.

6th Aug 2004, 14:50

I have a hard working 2003 Corolla LE driven 60,000 miles in 23 months. The car is well maintained by the dealer. Life time oil change service cover the every 3000 miles oil change. The rattle noises from the dash and windows is true. I have the same problem. But one problem I have is that when I am driving at 2,000 RPM, about 50 - 55 MPH. There is a humming noise coming from the transmission. It is annoying. The car was took back to the dealer, but the dealer claim they cannot duplicate the noise. For this matter, I have emailed TOYOTA. The result is pending. Does any one have the same problem? I also have a 1999 Corolla CE. It runs great no problem.

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2003 Toyota Corolla LE 1.8

Summary:

Beautiful, reliable and quick!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I am very happy with my Corolla LE. It's good car: quick, reliable, comfortable & beautiful, very easy to handle...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st December, 2003