1998 Toyota Corolla VE review from North America

Nothing serious.

Struts weakened progressively but never burst. I replaced them at 190000km.

Had to replace clutch when I bought the car, which could be considered premature, but I could easily assume the previous owner was the problem.

I have found on Hondas I've owned that the struts never seemed to get weak; however, they also went through ball joints and my Corolla doesn't.

Besides typical maintenance and old car stuff, the car has been pretty reliable and straightforward, plus there it has a timing chain that lasts the life of the car.

The car is very reliable and excellent on gas. I've tried the automatic version and I found it a little sluggish, but the manual transmission makes the car as powerful as needed, considering the gas mileage.

The interior, although plain, feels like higher quality. The seats are a little uncomfortable and it feels a little small. Even my 1994 Protege felt a little roomier.

On the highway, the car is a little unsettled and no matter what front end parts I change (brakes, struts, alignment, tires) there is always a slight amount of shaking. From looking at reviews around the Internet, the general idea is "that's the way it is." Besides you have to go over 110km/hr to even get a hint.

Around the city, it is pretty zippy and its turning circle is super tight for parking, etc. The A/C still works and the heater is medium to good.

The car isn't sure footed in winter so you need snow tires.