[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”24″ el_class=”used-value-text”]Not as refined as it could be, the Corolla nevertheless offers fine value for the money. Toyota’s reputation for reliability qualifies this sedan for Recommended status. Honda Civic, Ford Focus, and Volkswagen Jetta sedans promise more driving spice, but no more utility.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-overview-text” title=”Overview”]
Toyota redesigned its long-lived front-drive subcompact sedan for 2003, continuing its tradition as a conservative four-door, versus the company’s new-age Echo and hybrid-powered Prius. Fresh styling for 2003 was accompanied by an increase of 5.4 inches in wheelbase, and 4.3 inches in overall length, compared to the 1998-2002 version.
Corolla lent its underskin platform to the Toyota Matrix, a new wagon that also aimed toward younger buyers. Toyota first introduced a Corolla way back in the late 1960s.
A 1.8-liter four-cylinder returned as the sole Corolla engine, having gained 5 horsepower. Either a manual transmission or a four-speed automatic could be installed. Antilock braking and front side airbags were optional. Curtain side airbags were unavailable.
Air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, and a CD player were standard. CE, S, and top-rung LE trim levels were offered. The sportier S sedan had aero body trim, fog lamps, and a leather-covered steering wheel and shift knob. Exclusive to the LE was optional leather upholstery.
Rivals included the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Volkswagen Jetta. Chevrolet halted production of its Corolla clone, the Prizm, which did not carry over into the 2003 design.
2004 Corolla
Following its 2003 redesign, the Corolla was virtually unchanged for 2004.
2005 Corolla
Curtain side airbags joined the options list for 2005. A high-performance XRS sedan joined the lineup, with a 170-horsepower engine and six-speed manual transmission. The XRS also featured a sport suspension, unique exterior and interior trim, and 16-inch wheels. Modest facelifting for 2005 gave both the front and rear ends a slightly different look.
2006 Corolla
The Corolla was unchanged for 2006.
2007 Corolla
The larger of Toyota’s compact sedans dropped its sporty model for 2007. Leather upholstery was no longer available.
2008 Corolla
The 2008 Toyota Corolla carried over unchanged, pending a redesign due in calendar 2008 as a 2009 model.
[/mk_table][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Engines”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text title=”Engines” disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”12″ el_class=”used-engine-section-head”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”12″ el_class=”used-powertrains”]transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”24″ el_class=”used-powertrain-text”]Most Corollas have the same engine: a 1.8-liter dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder, rated at 130 horsepower. Either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission may be installed. For 2005, the new XRS sedan got a 170-horsepower version of the Corolla engine and a six-speed manual transmission.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][mk_table style=”style2″ el_class=”used-engine-specs”]
Acceleration is not a Corolla high point, though it’s roughly class-average. A test automatic-transmission LE accelerated to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds. Manual-transmission models aren’t that much quicker. Therefore, passing on two-lane roads requires caution and planning. The XRS delivers more zest to pass and merge, but feels lethargic when taking off from a stop.
Fuel economy scores high. Test LE sedans with automatic have averaged an appealing 28.5 mpg in a city/highway mix. A manual-shift S model hit an impressive 34.1 mpg with mainly highway driving, versus 30.3 mpg for a Corolla XRS, which requires premium-grade gasoline.
Ride quality is satisfying, too. The Corolla’s solid structure helps its suspension absorb most rough pavement with ease. Body motions are quelled nicely over bumps and dips.
Safe and predictable front-drive moves are matched by accurate, nicely weighted steering and good straightline stability. Cornering prowess, however, is limited by the comfort-biased suspension and what some test-drivers have considered to be undue body lean. Despite its sportier pretensions, the S is no better. All models have adequate routine-braking power and good pedal modulation, but ABS is a must.
Corollas are disappointingly noisy. Raucous during hard acceleration, the engine is none too quiet in gentle cruising. Wind and road noise are also significant above 60 mph.
Easy-to-read gauges and logical switchgear are appealing. Audio and climate controls are adequately-sized, but some drivers have to stretch to reach radio buttons. Interior materials won’t disappoint at the Corolla’s price level, but they’re not on par with class-leading Volkswagens. Some test Corollas, when nearly new, have suffered slight rattles and buzzes from interior panels.
Comfortable front seats are nicely padded. Head room is ample, but leg space snug for occupants over six-feet. The excellent driving position is enhanced by standard tilt steering. Outward visibility may be compromised by the Corolla’s headrests.
Although the backseat doesn’t qualify as a penalty box, adults are cramped if front seats are more than halfway back. Seats are supportive and nicely contoured. Doors open wide for easy access.
Trunk space is subcompact-typical. Rear seatbacks fold nearly flat, to boost storage capacity. Front-seat interior storage space beats the class average, but rear door and seatback pockets are absent.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][mk_content_box icon=”icon-road” heading=”Ratings” el_class=”ratings-box”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″]Model Tested: 2004 Corolla LE w/auto.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″ el_class=”review-slideshow-caption”]Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-performance-ratings” title=”Performance”][mk_skill_meter title=”Acceleration – 4″ percent=”40″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Fuel Economy – 7″ percent=”70″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Ride Quality – 5″ percent=”50″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Steering/Handling – 5″ percent=”50″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Quietness – 5″ percent=”50″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Accommodations” el_class=”used-accomodations-ratings”][mk_skill_meter title=”Controls/Materials – 6″ percent=”60″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Room/Comfort Front – 5″ percent=”50″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Room/Comfort Rear – 3″ percent=”30″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Cargo Room – 3″ percent=”30″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Other” el_class=”used-other-ratings”][mk_skill_meter title=”Value – 8″ percent=”80″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-ratings-total”]
Air conditioner
Description: The A/C warning light may flash and the compressor clutch may fail to engage due to a faulty clutch relay. (2002-04)
Automatic transmission
Description: The automatic transmission may shift harshly and the check engine light may illuminate requiring a replacement powertrain control module. (2005-07)
Brakes
Description: Front brakes make rattling or squeaking noises due to excessive clearance at the caliper mounting. (2003-08)
Coolant leak
Description: Coolant leaks from the rear of the 2AZFE 2.4L engine because two rear head bolts stretch. (2003-06)
Engine knock
Description: A squealing or knocking sound from the engine compartment due to bad accessory belt tensioner. (2003-07)
Suspension noise
Description: A tapping noise that seems to be coming from the dash is actually from the upper suspension mount for the spring on which insulating material must be applied. (2003)
Battery
Description: The battery dies because a faulty headlight switch is unable to turn the lights off and an updated switch is available. (2003)
Battery
Description: Whenever the battery is too low to start the vehicle, the relay for the daytime running lights (DRL) becomes damaged and a revised relay must be installed. (2003)
Check-engine light
Description: Excessive sulfur odor on cars with a 1ZZ-FE engine, usually accompanied by a check engine light (and trouble code P0420) must have the PCM (engine computer) reprogrammed or replaced. (2003-04)
Check-engine light
Description: The check engine light may come on because of a very small leak in the evaporative emissions system charcoal canister. (2005)
Check-engine light
Description: The check engine light may illuminate due to a faulty air/fuel ratio sensor. (2005-06)
2003-04 Corolla equipped with power windows
Description: The bolts that hold the driver- and front-passenger-door glass may loosen and come off, causing the glass to separate from the window regulator. This may cause the glass to bind and shatter. Dealers will replace the bolts with newly designed bolts.
2003-2004 Corolla
Description: Passenger-side frontal airbag inflator may rupture upon deployment and spray metal fragments at the passenger.
2003-2004 Corolla
Description: Supplemental restraint system (SRS) is susceptible to shorting, creating an abnormal current and heat that can damage the circuits. Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may deploy inadvertently.
2005-08
Description: The engine control module (ECM) for the subject models equipped with the 1ZZ-FE engine and two-wheel drive may have been improperly manufactured. There is a possibility that a crack may develop at certain solder points or on varistors on the circuit board. There are a variety of warnings and consequences associated with the defect. The engine-warning lamp could be illuminated, harsh shifting could result, the engine may not start, or the engine could shut off while the vehicle is being driven. An engine shutoff while the vehicle is being driven increases the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the production number of the ECM and replace the ECM if necessary.
2007-2008 Corolla
Description: Power window master switch assemblies may malfunction and overheat due to irregularities in the lubrication process during assembly.
[/mk_table][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Equipment” visibility=”hidden-sm”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_accordions style=”fancy-style” action_style=”accordion-action” open_toggle=”0″ container_bg_color=”#fff”][vc_accordion_tab title=”Equipment Lists”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Click on year to see equipment lists for all models offered for that model year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”2003″][mk_table style=”style1″ el_class=”used-equipment-table”]
2003 Toyota Corolla
Pricing Effective: 10/01/2002
Model Pricing
Retail Price
Dealer Price
Destination
CE 4-door sedan, manual
$ 13,570
$ 12,550
$ 485
CE 4-door sedan, automatic
14,370
13,290
485
S 4-door sedan, manual
14,515
13,135
485
S 4-door sedan, automatic
15,315
13,859
485
LE 4-door sedan, manual
14,680
13,283
485
LE 4-door sedan, automatic
15,480
14,007
485
Price Note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors.
Standard Equipment
CE : 1.8-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunk release, air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, visor mirrors, remote fuel-door and decklid release, automatic headlights, 185/65R15 tires, wheel covers
S adds: leather-wrapped steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat, power door locks, map lights, fog lights, 195/65R15 tires
LE adds to CE: height-adjustable driver seat, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, map lights, 195/65R15 tires
Optional Equipment
Option Note:
Major Packages
Option
Avail.
Retail
Dealer
Sport Plus Pkg.
S
$825
$660
Rear spoiler, alloy wheels.
Power Pkg.
S
605
484
Power windows, remote keyless entry.
Leather Pkg.
LE
1050
840
Leather Pkg.
LE ordered w/power sunroof
900
720
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, automatic day/night rearview mirror (deleted by power sunroof).
Price Note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors. XRS price and equipment not available at time of publication.
Standard Equipment
CE : 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunk release, air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, remote fuel-door and decklid release, 185/65R15 tires, wheel covers
S adds: leather-wrapped steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat, power door locks, map lights, fog lights, 195/65R15 tires
LE adds to CE: height-adjustable driver seat, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, 195/65R15 tires
Optional Equipment
Option Note:
Major Packages
Option
Avail.
Retail
Dealer
Sport Plus Pkg.
S
$825
$660
Rear spoiler, alloy wheels.
Power Pkg.
S
605
484
Power windows, remote keyless entry.
Leather Pkg.
LE
1050
840
Leather Pkg.
LE ordered w/power sunroof
900
720
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, automatic day/night rearview mirror (deleted by power sunroof).
Price Note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors.
Standard Equipment
CE : 1.8-liter 130-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunk release, air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, 185/65R15 tires, wheel covers
LE adds: tire-pressure monitor, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, 195/65R15 tires
S adds to CE: leather-wrapped steering wheel, power door locks, map lights, fog lights, 195/65R15 tires
Price Note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors.
Standard Equipment
CE : 1.8-liter 126-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release, air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, theft-deterrent system, 185/65R15 tires, wheel covers
LE adds: power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, 195/65R15 tires
S adds to CE: leather-wrapped steering wheel, power door locks, map lights, fog lights, 195/65R15 tires
Price Note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors.
Standard Equipment
CE : 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release, air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, theft-deterrent system, 185/65R15 tires, wheel covers
LE adds: power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, 195/65R15 tires
S adds to CE: leather-wrapped steering wheel, power door locks, map lights, fog lights, 195/65R15 tires
Optional Equipment
Option Note: Postproduction options also available.
Major Packages
Option
Avail.
Retail
Dealer
Convenience Pkg.
CE manual
$545
$436
Convenience Pkg.
CE automatic
575
460
Cruise control, power door locks.
Upgrade Pkg.
CE manual
470
423
Upgrade Pkg.
CE automatic
500
450
Power windows and door locks.
Enhanced Power Pkg.
S
500
450
Cruise control, power windows, remote keyless entry.
Price Note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors.
Standard Equipment
CE : 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, daytime running lights, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release, air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, 185/65R15 tires, wheel covers
S adds: leather-wrapped steering wheel, power door locks, fog lights, 195/65R15 tires
LE adds: power windows, remote keyless entry, variable-intermittent wipers, (Deletes leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights)
Optional Equipment
Option Note: Postproduction options also available.
Major Packages
Option
Avail.
Retail
Dealer
Convenience Pkg.
CE manual
$545
$436
Convenience Pkg.
CE automatic
575
460
Cruise control, power door locks.
Upgrade Pkg.
CE manual
470
423
Upgrade Pkg.
CE automatic
500
450
Power windows and door locks.
Enhanced Power Pkg.
S
500
450
Cruise control, power windows, remote keyless entry.
Cruise control, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
JBL Value Pkg.
LE
590
531
Cruise control, JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Moon Roof/Side Airbags Pkg.
S, LE
1400
1159
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, power sunroof.
All Weather Guard Pkg.
70
59
Heavy-duty heater, rear-seat heat ducts.
Safety
Option
Avail.
Retail
Dealer
Front side airbags
655
563
Includes curtain side airbags. NA w/power sunroof.
Antilock brakes
300
258
Antiskid system
S, LE
650
559
Includes traction control. Requires automatic transmission, antilock brakes.
Comfort & Convenience Features
Option
Avail.
Retail
Dealer
Power sunroof
S, LE
750
600
Cruise control
CE
250
200
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
S
200
150
JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
S
590
443
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Option
Avail.
Retail
Dealer
Alloy wheels
LE
390
312
16-inch alloy wheels
S
510
408
Includes 195/55R16 tires.
[/mk_table][/vc_accordion_tab][/vc_accordions][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Equipment” visibility=”visible-sm”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Equipment Lists”]Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Pricing”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-pricing-text” title=”Pricing”]Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/mk_page_section]
