1990 Toyota Corolla Reviews - Page 13 of 13

1990 Toyota Corolla SR-5 Coupe 1.6 4A-FE from North America

Year of manufacture	1990
First year of ownership	2000
Most recent year of ownership	2001
Engine and transmission	1.6 4A-FE Manual
Performance marks	8 / 10
Reliability marks	10 / 10
Comfort marks	9 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	10 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	9.3 / 10
Distance when acquired	86000 miles
Most recent distance	110000 miles
Previous car	Geo Prizm

Summary:

A very low cost, economical, fun car

Faults:

The only problem I have ever had with this car, and am still having it, is that the serpentine belt "screeches" when I turn the wheel when the engine is cold. This is a big Toyota problem with older models and is very minor.

General Comments:

There is little legroom in the back, but the backseat is bucket-like, seating for two, and still comfortable.

The 4A-FE (only in SR-5, 4 door=4A-F, GTS= 4A-GE) engine is a little slow, but is pretty quick through first, second, and third gears.

Since previous owner took good care of the car and I have taken special care of the car, many people think it is only about 5-6 years old (because of the body-styling).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st November, 2001

1990 Toyota Corolla GTi 1.6 16v Twin Cam from UK and Ireland

Year of manufacture	1990
First year of ownership	2001
Most recent year of ownership	2001
Engine and transmission	1.6 16v Twin Cam Manual
Performance marks	7 / 10
Reliability marks	9 / 10
Comfort marks	9 / 10
Dealer Service marks	5 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	7 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	7.4 / 10
Distance when acquired	64000 miles
Most recent distance	66000 miles
Previous car	Peugeot 205

Summary:

Good all round performer

Faults:

No problems as yet.

General Comments:

The Corolla GTi is a very comfortable grippy car. It handles well, has plenty of electrics and a decent, reliable engine.

The car is not as quick as I thought it would be, but once you push it past 3000rpm it begins to fly. The car does need to be pushed to reach its potential.

This car is also very reliable if serviced and looked after correctly. The body and interior are spotless, just watch out for slight rust bubbles on the wheel arches and near the sunroof.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th October, 2001

1990 Toyota Corolla GTi-16 1.6 16v from UK and Ireland

Year of manufacture	1990
First year of ownership	1999
Most recent year of ownership	2001
Engine and transmission	1.6 16v Manual
Performance marks	8 / 10
Reliability marks	9 / 10
Comfort marks	8 / 10
Dealer Service marks	2 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	6 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	6.6 / 10
Distance when acquired	69000 miles
Most recent distance	99000 miles
Previous car	Citroen AX

Summary:

Underrated hot hatch with lots of electrics, comfort and speed

Faults:

Rust is the worst thing, the arches and sunroof get corroded badly.

Electric sunroof only pulls open on one side.

Otherwise very reliable.

General Comments:

Parts are extremely expensive which would put me off buying another Toyota.

Goes very nicely, keep it over 4krpm and it flies. Rev counter goes to 9krpm!

Easily gets 45 to 50mpg motorway driving. Floor it too much and the fuel just disappears.

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

Review Date: 17th August, 2001

3rd Feb 2005, 17:10

Had this car for a year now. Modifyed it. Clocked on the M6 at 153mph. New record I think. Got new gear box and rebored. 9000rpm all the way!

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1990 Toyota Corolla Deluxe Wagon 1.6 4-AFE from North America

Year of manufacture	1990
First year of ownership	1998
Engine and transmission	1.6 4-AFE Manual
Performance marks	7 / 10
Reliability marks	9 / 10
Comfort marks	8 / 10
Dealer Service marks	7 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	9 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	8.0 / 10
Distance when acquired	56000 miles
Most recent distance	127000 miles
Previous car	Toyota Truck

Summary:

Reliable and functional with a small price

Faults:

Replaced the starter.

Replaced the original clutch @ 103,000 miles.

Replaced the muffler.

General Comments:

This has been a great car. Plenty of space and great gas mileage. The 9.5 gallon gas tank delivers 310 miles, sometimes more.

Very inexpensive to run. Very reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th March, 2001

29th Sep 2001, 18:21

I have a 1991 Corolla Station Wagon which I bought new & now have 204,000 miles on this car. It just keeps going with no real significant problems, just regular maintenance.

I have replaced the clutch, water pump, & brakes. 2 years ago a deer ran into the front & totally smashed in the hood & folded the radiator. That was repaired.

I've had an ongoing jerkiness when the engine is cold & that's been the case since 10,000 miles. The dealer's service department has never been able to rectify the problem. Tom & Ray from car talk say it's a hairline crack in the distributor, but that has not been found by the mechanics.

Overall this is a great car & I will continue to drive it until it won't go anymore - so I'm hoping for 300,000 miles.

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