1988 Toyota Corolla DLX from North America - Comments

There are only two notable malfunctions with the car, and they are both minor and circumstancial.

The first problem is the exhaust system. We replaced most of the exhaust system at least once a year, but because of a lifetime warrenty on the muffler, we hardly ever had to pay for it. The car never left our small town unless my father or I were traveling out of town in it. Therefore it never got went over 30-40mph and allowed water to condense in the exhaust pipes. A "User Malfunction".

The second problem did not occur until this year (2000) right as it turned 100K miles, it started to lose coolant rapidly causing a lot of heat build up but never a break-down (even at over 100 mph for an hour or so, it ran like a champ). All I needed was the radiator flushed out (which should normally be done yearly anyhow). Yet another "User Malfunction".

The 1988 Toyota Corolla is a remarkable car in almost every aspect. Absolute reliability, and more bang for the buck than your average automobile.

I have driven 5 speed versions and found their performance (acceleration, top end speed and sound) to be very similiar.

To help express my admiration for this car, I must tell you this: When I was 16 or so I was late coming home from out of town. I admit it was foolish to speed so excessively, especially in deer territory, but I had hit a deer who had jumped in front of the car at almost 110mph and the car didn't even stop moving. The headlights worked fine, one pointed to one side, the other stayed on target. $1800 body damage (fender, hood and rear passenger door), that's all.

This car has been abused by my father and I for 12 years now, and it purrs like a kitten, runs like a champion, and still looks good in the sun with its (mostly) factory white paint. I plan on passing this little piece of family history down to my children.

I agree wholeheartedly with this article. I also own a 1988 Corolla Deluxe, and in 12 years this car has not left me stranded by the side of the road.

The only significant problem I've experienced is the battery and muffler.

Now over 120,000 miles on the clock, it continues to run very smoothly. While rather plain looking, I love the simplicity and feel of this car and bumps on the road are smoothed out evenly.

While my other car (an 89 Supra) is stored for the winter, me and the Corolla will blast through snowdrift after snowdrift this winter!

I totally agree with you guys and am glad to have read this article. I found a Toyota Corolla Delux 1988 with only 40,000 original miles, garage kept. The car runs well and I will soon be purchasing it for $2,000! I have had a 1994 Corolla in the past and it never broke down on me either. The Corolla is truly a very reliable car.

I own a Toyota corolla deluxe. I bought it brand new on March of 1988 and after all these years it still runs great.

I won't be surprise if this car runs another 100,000 miles.

I do an oil change regularly and replace timing and all the drive belts every 60,000 miles. I've replace the alternator,

muffler and the radiator. Other than that most of the parts are still original. I'm very fortunate to have a dependable car like this. I even got rid of my BMW which was my dream car then.

I have also one of those Corrola's...

Actually it is my 3rd Corrola...

These cars are so tough and reliable...

My current one is getting close to 300,000 km.

And I plan to take it to the 500,000 km mark.

One word to describe this car... reliable.

This is probably the most reliable & economic car that was ever built. My car has done close to 170,000kms & I think I can do another 170,000kms without a problem. As long as you do your regular servicing & not beat up the car too much, she will take you to the moon & back!