1998 Toyota Corolla VE 1.8L

Summary:

Reliable, good on gas, peppy but still an economy car

Faults:

Nothing serious.

Struts weakened progressively but never burst. I replaced them at 190000km.

Had to replace clutch when I bought the car, which could be considered premature, but I could easily assume the previous owner was the problem.

I have found on Hondas I've owned that the struts never seemed to get weak; however, they also went through ball joints and my Corolla doesn't.

Besides typical maintenance and old car stuff, the car has been pretty reliable and straightforward, plus it has a timing chain that lasts the life of the car.

General Comments:

The car is very reliable and excellent on gas. I've tried the automatic version and I found it a little sluggish, but the manual transmission makes the car as powerful as needed, considering the gas mileage.

The interior, although plain, feels like higher quality. The seats are a little uncomfortable and it feels a little small. Even my 1994 Protege felt a little roomier.

On the highway, the car is a little unsettled and no matter what front end parts I change (brakes, struts, alignment, tires) there is always a slight amount of shaking. From looking at reviews around the Internet, the general idea is "that's the way it is." Besides you have to go over 110km/hr to even get a hint.

Around the city, it is pretty zippy and its turning circle is super tight for parking, etc. The A/C still works and the heater is medium to good.

The car isn't sure footed in winter so you need snow tires.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th December, 2008

9th Feb 2009, 15:16

I'm the original poster. I just traded in the old corolla along with my very old Honda on a 2006 Fusion and although it's a nice car for the money, I can tell right away that my Corolla was better made.

The Fusion is smoother, quieter, and more powerful, yet I miss the Corolla just because it has that extra touch of quality. But even so it's not like a 2002+ Camry is winning any awards for quality, and I have tested the Corollas too. Reliable yes, but not comfortable and doesn't ride as well due to the downgraded suspension.

Anyways, unless you had to get an automatic for the wife as I did, keep the old Corolla. I have seen them last 500000 Km's. Oh and I traded it with 215K on it. Still drove like new.

1998 Toyota Corolla CE 1.8

Summary:

Doesn't rate all the hype

Faults:

Bearings in tensioner pulley went; it is a known problem to Toyota, they would only cover it as a warranty issue. A new pulley assembly costs between 3 to 4 hundred bucks (managed to get aftermarket pulley for 20).

Front wheel bearings failed; I'm lucky that I can do my own mechanicals.

General Comments:

This was a low mileage old lady car; bought it due to reviews saying Toyota is the best; that's crap.

The engine is long to crank, due to poor quality injector seals, and the engine has a lot of vibration, not smooth at all, good power, noisy, (I use full synthetic and change every 5000k).

Fortunately I'm not real tall, as my 6ft. brother can't fit comfortably. The armrests are useless, the rear fold down seats only go down to 45 degrees, which totally defeats the purpose and makes this car useless to me.

Any crosswinds and this thing is all over the road; had all new rims, tires, bearings installed and a four wheel alignment, didn't help a bit.

Doesn't like the snow too much either compared to any of my previous vehicles (with same tires).

Average of 40 miles/gallon hwy. handling is average.

I'm not overly impressed by this car and can't say I'd buy another Toyota; it'll be for sale when the snows gone.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th February, 2008

16th Jun 2008, 22:12

A 9 year old car with that kind of mileage on it, and judging from being owned by a little old lady, it's sat for ages and only done short trips.

For handling, look at the bushings as they're probably perished by now. A new set of sway bar bushes will do a world of good.

Vibration is a sign that the engine mounts have perished; once again normal for about a decade of use. If the vibration is when driving, look for drivetrain problems.

16th Dec 2008, 09:24

I would recommend an oil change every 3000m. Also, this car has been built for years, maybe you got not good one?

Also, as you know, people sometimes even do not know that they need to change oil... No oil change on time - seals are getting lose and some times... you know. A friend of mine was riding her car until it eventually stopped. "I did not know that oil must be changed" she said after ~1-2 years of riding it XD.