2006 Toyota Corolla CE 1.8L

Summary:

I think Toyota still makes good cars, but I just got one of the few that was poorly built

Faults:

The car had rattling noise at 3000 miles caused by bolt that came loose in door panel. Air fuel sensor seized into exhaust manifold at 5397 miles. Air fuel sensor seized into exhaust manifold at 5419 miles. During test drive check engine light re-lit again for another malfunctioning sensor.

General Comments:

This was an OK car until recently. But it seems as though it was poorly built as things are beginning to fall apart and malfunction on it. Since everything is still under warranty, it hasn't cost me anything extra yet. Beyond that it still does get excellent gas mileage and the dealer has definitely tried to get the car back working again. However, after I got my first check engine light at 5397 miles, it hasn't gone off. Everytime they fix something, something else breaks. So, it has been in the shop for the past week as new things break or break again. This is definitely something that I didn't expect from Toyota as my old Ford never had any of these issues.

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

Review Date: 11th April, 2007

12th Apr 2007, 08:36

Isn't brand perception powerful?

Had these problems occurred on a Chevy, the title would read:

"GM cars are junk. I'm going back to Toyota/Honda."

But since we all perceive Toyotas/Hondas to be perfect, when these problems occur on a Toyota, we just assume it's a fluke.

12th Apr 2007, 17:28

Yes, why judge GM on forty years of horrible cars when you can judge the ones that are made now or in the future. After all, that elusive quality must be there somewhere, sometime, right?

Please. There is a reason Toyota is soon to become the #1 automaker on the planet.

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2006 Toyota Corolla CE 5-speed 1.8L VVT

Summary:

38 MPG, most reliable, least owner $

Faults:

No Problems. This car was PERFECT until the transporter from port to dealer dinged the edge of the hood chipping the paint to the metal. Made by the UAW in California like ALL US Corollas, this car has a high-tech metallic paint job with free clear coat (don't pay the dealer for it, the factory does them all except white cars which get extra coats). It replaces a big Chrysler LHS and I'm 6'1" 250LB, but very comfortable in my Corolla. This small car has grown up, comparable to an older Camry. The CE 5-speed is the HIGHEST MILEAGE non-hybrid, gas car sold in 2006 at 41 HWY. I've averaged 37-38 in easy suburban driving during first 2,500 miles. I expect to own this car for over a decade and not have to repair anything. New for 2006 are roller bearing shifter, rear shelf integrated brake light, and other minor improvements to the 2003 redesign.

General Comments:

I researched my next car purchase carefully in Fall 2005 as US gas prices headed toward $3/gallon. My 1994 Chrysler LHS cost me $6,000 in repairs over 15,000 miles. Corollas are the most common car model in the world (parts will be plentiful and cheap) with one of the best repair records ever. Simple, reliable, economical and fully equipped base CE for under $15,000 it was my top choice based on total expected cost of ownership. If you can afford the gas, a base Mazda 3i manual sits and drives exactly like my 3-Series BMW... a real hoot to drive for about the same price. Otherwise, the sloppy handling, but nicer looking Corolla is hard to beat. For $1,000 less you can get a Kia copy with PW & locks. Or just add the CE upgrade kit for $550. No other options are worthwhile. Order yours, don't accept a dealer configured one with useless extras.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2007

2006 Toyota Corolla LE

Summary:

Overall the car is okay

Faults:

Since I purchased the car, the brakes squeak / squeal whenever I put the car in reverse and backup. Time is not a factor. It happens after an overnight sit, after 20 minutes, after 5 minutes. The dealership tells me all Toyotas have squeaking brakes. My mom has a Camry and her brakes have never squeaked. The last time the car was in the shop, two weeks ago, the dealership said they refaced them. Now two weeks later the brakes are sqeaking again.

General Comments:

It is the perfect size for my needs. Gas mileage is good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th January, 2007

13th Sep 2007, 09:43

I have squeaky breaks on my Toyota Corolla too. I took it into the dealership, they cleaned them and they stopped squeaking. Now they squeak again. I still like the car.

8th Jun 2008, 19:18

Brakes squeak.

I have a 1999 Mazda 626 with new brake pads and rotors, and they squeak. Even the old ones squeaked.

4th Dec 2008, 10:33

Usually cheap metallic brakes squeak, put descent quality ceramic pads on and they should stop. The squeaking isn’t a safety issue anyways so you may as well wait until you need new pads. The squeaking is a buildup caused by the pads. That’s why when you clean them they’re OK for a while. You can get Japanese pads like “sumitomo” for a reasonable price. If cost is an issue PBR makes acceptable ceramic pads for cheap.