1997 Toyota Corolla 4 cylinder

Summary:

Good car, great first car

Faults:

Connectors for the starter got impacted at 110K miles so it wouldn't start for a few days until I had a mechanic look at it and replace them. About $80 for repairs.

The driver's side seat belt has a bad retractor, so I need to fight with it to come out. Sometimes. It would cost about $200 for parts and labor, but since it still works mostly fine, why bother?

General Comments:

This was been a very safe and reliable car through my college career, and has since become a good commuting car. It gets great gas mileage and is extremely reliable.

It doesn't handle like a sports car, obviously, because it's an economy car. I've had very, very few problems. I've probably put $500 into it and that's for the one problem and basic maintenance. Including oil changes.

Speaking of oil changes, the oil is very easy to change on your own with this car, though I'd recommend a hydraulic jack. It's a bit tough to get underneath. The filter is in a convenient and obvious place, unlike on my girlfriend's Saturn.

Performance will net you 0-60 in just under 10s and a top speed of 110. 115 going down hill. Not that you'll want to maintain that for long. On a mostly straight road, I feel perfectly safe and comfortable going 85+.

There is flaw in this car that I should be very clear about. It's got a low recommended weight limit. By low limit, I mean that the manual lists max load at 850 pounds. Now, that's not a problem in most cases. However, don't expect to carry 4 adult males in the car at once and have any sort of luggage in the trunk. If you're taking a trip you'll have to limit it to 3 people or 4 small people. If not, then the mud flaps can scrape against the ground when you're on on-ramps/off-ramps on the interstate. It's a horrifying noise.

That's the only thing I could say bad about the car though. It's treated me very well and held it's value for the last 2 years, too.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th April, 2006

1997 Toyota Corolla DX 1.8

Summary:

Mediocre

Faults:

A good little car, but with baffling check engine light problems. Diagnostics on mine show an EGR problem, although the valve and sensors have been replaced.

In a state (Missouri) where emissions are tested every two years, I wouldn't recommend owning any Toyota products.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 28th February, 2006

1997 Toyota Corolla DX 1.8L

Summary:

The Corolla is an excellent car to have if you're concerned about gas prices

Faults:

I had to replace the rear speakers due to static noise.

I had to replace the starter motor at about 135,000 miles; it took longer and longer to start as time passed.

The backseat is very small. I've gotten several complaints from passengers.

The driver's seat is very uncomfortable when used for over an hour at a time.

I've noticed the paint chipping very easily, despite a fresh coat of wax.

Very slow acceleration. Doesn't really bother me, though.

General Comments:

I've gotten up to 42 miles per gallon (highway)!

The Corolla is not a very complicated car. With routine maintenance, it will last a long time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th September, 2005

29th Dec 2006, 19:47

I'm the original poster of this review. A bit of an update: starter motor was replaced, and no problems since then. The right inner brake light works randomly due to a melted connecting point. The car "lurches" forward when put from park into drive in cold weather (my foot is on the brake, of course). Back right window squeaks like nails on a chalkboard during the last 2 inches of putting it up. The front passenger side controls for the window are next to none. The back door locks fail to work when I use the driver's master control (back left doesn't budge, back right works after several tries).

Despite these faults, I'm still overall satisfied with the vehicle. With today's gas prices and huge SUVs, I can still zip around town with only a small dent in my wallet.

15th Feb 2013, 08:50

Never expect any performance other than mediocre from any engine under 2.3L with an automatic transmission (except perhaps a CVT). With a manual transmission, these cars are quite fun and a fair bit quicker; the manual transmission is lighter and feeds you direct power rather than the usual 4 speed slusher auto they put in these. Plus you have the bonus of actually getting better fuel economy too.