1999 Toyota Corolla from North America

Summary:

Unbreakable

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th October, 2023

1999 Toyota Corolla CE 1.8 gas from North America

Summary:

Won't attract any cat calls, but super-practical and ever-reliable

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th January, 2016

13th Nov 2018, 13:18

I am now up to 250,000, and it's still running like a champ. It is however a good idea to buy replacement interior door handles in bulk if you plan on driving this model Corolla for a while.

21st Mar 2020, 14:01

I finally sold the ol' Corolla at just over 280,000 miles. I sold it to the junkyard--not because it wasn't running--but because I drove it out-of-state to buy a replacement Corolla, and selling it to the junkyard was more convenient than towing a car back home. By the time I sold it, the driver's side door mechanism was pretty much shot, and oil consumption had increased to just over 1 liter/800 miles, and the starter was starting to go, but still... a great car. Total cost of ownership per mile was ridiculously low, and even its growing faults didn't indicate unreliability so much as quirkiness. Not only WOULD I get another Corolla in a heartbeat, I DID get another Corolla.

1999 Toyota Corolla VE from North America

Summary:

Best car I ever owned!

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th October, 2012

1999 Toyota Corolla CE 1.8 from North America

Summary:

Reliability is almost guaranteed

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th May, 2011