1988 Toyota Corolla XL 1.3

Summary:

It is going to run until its 30th birthday

Faults:

Brakes.

Suspension.

Engine rebuilt because someone drove in the winter uphill with a cold engine and full throttle.

Exhaust pipe.

Water pump.

Timing belt.

Windshield and right door because of an accident.

General Comments:

Very reliable and fun to drive. It has a great ass and handles great.

After 21 years there is still no rust.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th February, 2009

1999 Toyota Corolla Hatchback 1.6

Summary:

A pleasure to drive it

Faults:

Nothing. After 6 months I've had it, in winter, a little noise came from the brakes at the first 2-3 times I stepped on the brakes (only in the morning), but the brakes were effective. I asked the dealer about it, they checked it (for free), found nothing. The noise was gone in a few weeks, and never came back.

General Comments:

It's a great pleasure to have this car. Extremely reliable, starts immediately even if the temperature is very much below zero. I feel safe even at higher speeds, no vibrations or anything uncomfortable even at 200km/h.

Very good dealer service, quick and polite.

Only drawback is the seat-size (though I'm normal, 1.80m), you cannot push the seat back enough, so I need a small pillow to support my thighs on longer journeys.

I'd definitely go for a Toyota again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th February, 2001

24th Jul 2001, 05:50

I've noticed (although it came by no surprise to me) that all these Toyota maniacs are happy about one thing only: reliability. Despite this being a really considerable advantage, Toyota fellows seem to ignore that there are so many other characteristics cars should have to be considered "good": handling, comfort, interior space, design and so on, characteristics that unfortunately few Toyota models have in an above average degree.

So, my friends, get in your beloved and "reliable" Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki etc, try to face sharp curves of 70-80 kph or wider ones of 100-120-150 kph - as a Renault or an Alfa does - and if you manage to stay on the road safe and sound, inform me to award you a medal for bravery! As a friend once said, "Japanese make good cars for people who don't love good cars!"

Sincerely yours,

A lover of true driving.