1998 Toyota Corolla LE from North America - Comments

My Corolla was recently bought used with only 35007 miles on it. For an eight year old car, that's very low. Not only that, but there are no mechanical defects whatsoever to my knowledge.

However, if I let go of the wheel, the vehicle does somewhat lean to the left. It's almost negligible, but still a concern.

The automatic lights are very convenient. I never have to turn them on or off myself.

There is no legroom for passengers in the rear seat.

For a small car, the trunk is very spacious. And if I need more space, the rear seats fold down.

The engine is a bit noisy for the first minutes of running.

Every control is nicely and conveniently placed. I don't like to take my eyes off the road when adjusting the climate control or radio. In this car, I don't have to.

The sound system is above par for its class. I just ordered an after-market head-unit, though; needed a CD player.

After being spoiled by key-less entry systems with separate unlock/lock buttons, it took time to get used to the one button operation of this remote... and not having a trunk button.

However, the alarm is a great feature and I appreciate it.

I definitely appreciate the dual front and side air bags.

I wish the key-less remote got better range. It only works from 50 feet or less.

Great gas mileage.

Climate control works great even after just starting the engine.

I could fall asleep in these seats; they're very comfortable.

This is my review, and I'm updating now at 36,344 miles.

The car still leans to the left. It was suggested to have someone look at the bearings in the wheels, which I will soon. Until then, I've adapted. When I want to change lanes I just signal and let the car do so itself lol. It only works when changing to a lane to my left, of course.

I realized that the engine is only noisy when first starting because of warming up. It revs itself to about 1300 RPM, and gradually lowers speed the more the engine reaches a comfortable temperature. If the engine is already warm, or if I shift into gear, it'll idle normally and warm up while I'm driving.

Fuel usage is WONDERFUL. I make short runs constantly, drive to work everyday, and I'm constantly using climate control, but I visit gas stations only every 2-3 weeks or so. And that's to fill up from a little above a quarter tank to full (I never let my fuel level reach or pass the 1/4 mark).

The steering squeaks when I'm turning the wheel to the right. It's an external sound.

The rear left door cannot be opened from inside. I thought it was the child safety lock, but it isn't.

This is an overall beautiful car.

Same owner, with an update.

OK so I've JUST reached 52,000 miles today (at 52,004 as I type) so far I've had both of my inner tie rods replaced, under warranty. Also my rack and pinion boots were worn and cracked, the clamps were replaced and this was done because I was hearing a very disturbing knocking/clunking noise coming from my front end even when riding over even the most small of bumps.

And even though these items were replaced, there is still a bit of knocking. I don't even like the ride of the vehicle anymore so I'm thinking my struts are worn and hopefully Carmax's warranty will cover all of them being replaced along with any other relevant component because I feel like the vehicle is losing its sound integrity and that it won't even last me past 2010.

The motor is still strong as an ox, the transmission is very smooth, electronically the vehicle is fine, and I don't have any other problems whatsoever. No squeaks, no squeals, nothing. Just my steering and suspension are bothering me. I know it won't ride like a Benz but I'm not crazy, I know my vehicle isn't supposed to bother me to this degree.