1989 Toyota Corolla All-Trac

Summary:

A great car, if you can find one

Faults:

Rear window wiper motor recently died. Very expensive to replace...$225/part.

Burning a little oil... blue smoke on start-up; stops in less than a minute.

General Comments:

This has been, absolutely, THE best car I have ever owned. At 12 years old, it is still in immaculate shape. No rust, a few small dents or scratches, interior is very clean. No one believes it's an '89.

The car just blows through the snow, and the All-Trac (Locking Center Differential) is really great. I'm spoiled and won't go back to FWD or RWD, ever. I only wish it had a little higher ground clearance.

Missing item: cup holders!

One doesn't see many of these vehicles on the road, so it really stands out. Although, I noticed more of them in Ithaca, NY than anywhere else I've lived or traveled. Don't know why.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th June, 2001

9th Apr 2003, 10:50

I have an 89 All Trac sedan... No sign of dying!!...original clutch... rally on!!!

Nick.

12th Aug 2007, 09:39

I also notice more of them in Berkeley, San Franciso, and Walnut Creek, California. On my block, there are three All-tracs, all the same color!

8th Feb 2009, 09:27

My Corolla All-Trac's clutch finally died at more than 201,000 miles. I debated as to whether or not to put the money into a new clutch (the All-Tracs take a more substantial clutch with a thicker flywheel), or a different car. I opted for the latter, since this is still the most reliable car I've ever owned. I've driven it through 120 F weather in Arizona, on dirt roads, etc. Yes, I wish it had higher ground clearance, but there are ways to achieve that.

1989 Toyota Corolla SR5 1.6 Litre 16v

Summary:

Very good reliable car

Faults:

Nothing at all, a very good car.

The only thing I find is that the body panels are not very strong on all Toyota`s in the older years. The body on my Corolla is in good shape due to a repaint.

There is a hole in the driver's side floor that I will have to take care of.

General Comments:

When I was looking for a car to purchase I came across the Corolla, I saw it for sale in a parking lot and I took it for a road test and I was sold. It drives like it just come out the showroom. It has a lot of mileage, but that`s OK, it`s a Toyota.

The only downfall is that I find it lacks in interior space.

Headlight motors are weak on all Toyota`s.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th May, 2001

1989 Toyota Corolla GTS 1.6L 16v DOHC

Summary:

A great performance car

Faults:

The A/C does not work very well, it has a blockage in the system.

General Comments:

This car is very quick on take off and excellent at the top end. The fastest that I have gone is 135mph with the currently stock motor.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd May, 2001

19th Sep 2007, 13:47

Nice comments... I agree, except that mine is slower than molasses in January. Anything I can do to get more power out of it?

19th Oct 2007, 17:49

My ac don't work either, but I can't complain I have 289000 miles and nothing wrong with engine and it has nothing, but power thank you toyota.

1989 Toyota Corolla GT-S 1.6 4A-GE

Summary:

Toyota's best kept secret

Faults:

When I got it in 1992, I got a new clutch, new belts, brakes, and tires.

Needed altenator and switches for the climate controls around 115000.

New belts just added at 126000.

General Comments:

I paid $6400 for it and it has been worth every penny.

It still looks brand new, inside and out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd March, 2001

28th Sep 2005, 00:23

Keep up the good work! Not many left here, save em and love em.

1989 Toyota Corolla SR5 1.6

Summary:

Love it, but needs better after-market parts

Faults:

So far 3 alternators in 3 years. I am running amps and speakers.

Air conditioning went.

General Comments:

This car is the most reliable car I have bought. I will never get rid of it, even when the motor goes I'm putting another one in. There is something about the car I can't explain. The downfall is I can't find performance parts anywhere.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th February, 2001

18th Mar 2004, 15:16

I agree with this review. I bought this same vehicle five years ago from the original owner when it had 140,000 miles on it. Now it has 217,000 miles and still runs perfectly. I have never replaced anything, except the tires and timing belt per manufacturer recommendations. It even has the original drive belts! It still averages 40 mpg on 87 octane gas, provided I keep it at 60 mph on the freeways. It even got 50.6 mpg on the 500-mile run down highway 395 from Carson City to San Bernardino last June! I too am going to drive this car until it dies, and then I'm going to rebuild the motor and drive it some more. Most reliable and economical car I've ever owned.

13th Jan 2009, 21:44

If you keep blowing alternators, you are probably over heating them by not using capacitors for your sound system. It is a cheap way to store the power used for your amp/amps. Maybe a thing to think about, when you're driving down the street and the alternator goes, and you have to pay for a towing fee and ANOTHER new alternator.