2009 Toyota Corolla 1.6

Summary:

It really takes the fun out of driving

Faults:

I just bought a Toyota Corolla made in South Africa. I believe they should recall this model or fix this problem.

Because when it is in automatic and when the engine shifts from 1st to 2nd, the engine chocks up for a while and then it is released (every time). I spoke to Toyota engineers and they informed me that this problem is common in the 2009 model, and that they are waiting for instructions from Japan.

I have driven BMW, VW Mazda and Honda and never have I seen such a problem. And never would I have believed that Toyota with the reputation of high quality performance would release such a problem, even if it is made in South Africa.

I will be filling a complaint with the consumer protection agency. If anyone wants to ask me anything my e-mail is noble_varieties@yahoo.com. My mobile number is +20122150578, my name is Tamer Mesharafa.

Best Regards.

General Comments:

I have no problem with the interior, it is very spacious. But the color of the seats is very boring.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th March, 2009

28th Apr 2009, 07:38

Dear Tamer,

Like Ali pointed out, the gearbox's idea is new in Egypt, so we get a bit confused. I have the car BTW with the MMT, & I have to tell you that I ENJOY driving. As a Mechatronics engineer, I read A LOT about the car before buying it, and I was also comparing it to the Honda Civic (if I went back in time, I would buy the Corolla again).

Believe me Mr. Tamer, the car has nothing wrong.

I have had the car since July, and I have done 7000 Kms with (not much because I have another car).

To ALI, the braking system is made by BOSCH as you can see on the master when you open the hood or when you remove the front tire. http://www.4shared.com/file/102201335/f8747a01/IMG_1782.html (this is MY car & I removed the tire to check on the brakes & see how much was left)

The brakes are EXTREMELY powerful, but what confuses people is the BA (Brake Assist system).

You guys need to understand that you should remove your foot from the gas pedal when the car is shifting (because you cannot press the gas pedal while shifting in a MANUAL car), so it's the same concept.

BTW ya Ali, the Corolla has a much powerful engine than the Mazda (122 hp vs 108 hp), but the Mazda has a better chassis.

If you guys need any help with the car, I would be glad to offer my help and meet any of you if you want. My name is Chadi Mamdouh & my number is 0125827412.

Sincerely.

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2004 Toyota Corolla XLI 1.3 VVTI

Summary:

The Corolla is the car of the century!

Faults:

Nothing wrong has ever occurred to this car.

General Comments:

I love my Toyota Corolla. This my second Corolla and my third Toyota (my wife's car is a 2000 Echo), and my fourth car will be probably a Toyota (still considering between the new Toyota Avanza or the new Yaris).

Why do I love my Corolla? Because:

1. It is a very reliable car, built with excellent quality, never let me down.

2. The car performance is great and it is fun to drive, although it is only 1.3, but the VVTI technology is really a break through; it is making the car alive.

3. It is ride is very comfortable. I drive it for about 500 km continuously (about 5 hours).

4. The car is very roomy for its outside dimensions. It has enough room for me and 4 more passengers with all our luggage.

5. I love the car's image, Toyota really scores with its new car designs. My Corolla feels like a Mercedes without being a mirror image of a Mercedes (know what I mean?!).

6. This model in Egypt is one of the most sold cars, about 50,000 units have bean sold since 2002. This is a very good number considering that the overall cars sold in Egypt are about 120,000 units per year.

7. The advantage of the 1.3 VVTI engine is not only its great performance, but also its very low gasoline consumption, which is about 6.25 liters for 100 km.

8. Toyota Egypt is one of the best (if not the best!) car agents in Egypt.

Need to say more?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th March, 2007

3rd Aug 2007, 07:48

I agree that In Egypt Corollas are the safest choice in their price bracket due to their reliability and excellent dealer, I used to run a 2002 model and replaced it only 4 months ago, the 1.3 VVTI engine is exceptionally smooth and quiet for its size, the build quality is top notch nothing ever rattled or buzzed just typical Toyota... the negative thing about it was some cheap plastics on the dash-albeit well screwed together- and the handling which can be described as safe and soul-less in fact it applies to the whole car, for all its strong points I never connected with the Corolla and never loved it, it was just an appliance to me and a very good one at that.

21st Mar 2009, 10:09

I'm the Corolla owner, now the car has made 87000 km, it is still as good as new, I did not face any problem of any kind (minor or major) with the Corolla, the only maintenance I do is oil and oil filter change every 10000 km and the 40000 km maintenance at the dealer.

I know that if I want to sell it I will get the highest price, so although all these great things about the Corolla (most of which are absent from many other cars) still I hear the comment that the Corolla is soul-less or other frustrating comments that has no proof, I don't understand what people want with a car?? Or what is so cool about other cars that they consider more fun, but have many problems by their confession?? Will anyone tell me!

In reply to 21st Mar 2009, 10:09

18th May 2011, 16:40

Original reviewer:

My Corolla now has made 140 000 km on the clock, and the car is still as good as new. Nothing has gone wrong with the car.

Also I had several road tests with some cars recently like the Kia Carens 1.6 petrol and found that my Corolla is a much better car in every aspect like performance, comfort, engine noise. I also tested a Skoda Octavia Fantasia 1.6 petrol and I found nothing more than my Corolla the performance is the same as my car but with less economy, and personally I don't care about the extra options.