2008 Toyota Corolla CE 1.8

Summary:

I recommand this car, though the build quality isn't perfect

Faults:

Sometimes the engine is hard to turn on (starter takes more time).

During cold temperatures, my check engine light comes on for no reason (but goes back to normal after 2-3 days).

General Comments:

This is my third car and I love it. It's been a year that I've owned it, and so far I've only experienced small hiccups. My Corolla handles well and is fairly comfortable. Though next time I may consider buying a brand new car, because all the cars I've owned so far were used, and all had their glitches when acquired, which annoys me a bit.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd March, 2014

2008 Toyota Corolla LE 1.8L

Summary:

Excellent, efficient compact sedan with some luxury features

Faults:

No problems since purchase.

General Comments:

Efficient, comfortable, classy small sedan.

Quiet interior with lots of amenities.

Quick, powerful engine.

Stable, comfortable ride.

I've recently purchased this car after shopping for an efficient used commuter vehicle, and am very impressed. I'm still regularly surprised at how quick the car is. I cannot imagine needing any more power from a commuter vehicle.

It rides firmly but comfortably, and corners well. I'm very impressed with the quietness of the interior. I've recently driven larger, more expensive vehicles with more road noise than this car. Gas mileage is good, as I'm averaging 28 city and 35 highway.

The JBS stereo lacks an AUX input, but has a 6-disc CD changer and sounds very good.

Interior build quality is very high. Great seat fabric and soft touch surfaces. Switches have a quality feel, and I love the high class dash lighting.

A telescoping wheel would make for a more comfortable driving position, but I've adapted.

The car has several safety options that have since become standard on the newer models, such as side curtain airbags, traction control, stability control and anti-lock brakes.

I test drove this car as well as a 2012 Honda Civic, and chose this car for its excellent seating position (high and easy to see out), its quieter ride, more upscale interior, quicker acceleration, and lower price.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th October, 2012

11th Oct 2012, 12:51

I believe the Corolla to be an excellent choice for a nice, comfortable, reliable & economical car. It makes for a great little commuter car, and they are certainly built to last.

I never considered them very luxurious nor powerful however, but that would not stop me from owning one.

Back in the day I owned the GEO equivalent (the Prizm) with a manual transmission, and even though it was equipped with the "inconvenience package" (manual locks & roll up windows on a 4 door sedan), it did have ice-cold AC and a nice stereo (which kept me happy).

It was a fantastic little car that I used to commute into Boston with every day (while I saved my new Wrangler Sahara for "top down days"). In fact had an 18 wheeler not totalled it, who knows, I might still be driving it - it was that nice a little car, and was still going strong at 14 years old.

Again, I think you've made an excellent choice.

Best of luck with it!

2008 Toyota Corolla CE 1.8 gas

Summary:

I call Corolla the biggest common mistake

Faults:

Fixed under warranty:

Transmission started lagging after around 16000, and finally replaced at 19800kms.

Rack and pinion replaced at 23500.

Not covered/mentioned normal by Toyota:

Rattling at dash and windows and bumper and back seat; some of them fixed by dealer, but they return sometimes!

Frame squeaks when there are four passengers or some load in the trunk.

Engine vibrates at different speeds.

Very loud wind noise at highway speeds.

General Comments:

The car has a very poor ride. Specially on the highway, you feel you're driving a 70's truck in the mud.

Overall, don't buy the car if you go out of downtown or drive faster than 40mph at all!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th April, 2010

8th Apr 2010, 20:51

What frame? The Corolla doesn't have a frame. So it can't be squeaking. Perhaps you mean suspension?

In reply to 8th Apr 2010, 20:51

15th Apr 2011, 08:08

I am also disappointed with my 2008 Corolla; the dash squeaks, there is a lot of wind noise, especially if there is a cross wind, and the ride is not the greatest. The fuel economy is nowhere near advertised. I hope it lasts as long as my Tercel.. but somehow I doubt it.

In reply to 15th Apr 2011, 08:08

15th Apr 2011, 11:29

Your comments sum up what a lot of people are going through with newer cars... they just can't match the old cars they have had or have... but with manufacturer's costs going through the roof... safety and smog regulations that seem to have no end and a world market that is rapidly changing... it's a miracle that they even stay in business...

15th Apr 2011, 12:38

I just took a 2009 Corolla in to have the alignment checked a couple of months ago. We were told the rear sub-frame assembly had sagged just from the weight of the car and special shims would be required to align it. Pretty poor build quality if you ask me.

6th Jun 2011, 19:58

I have a 2008 Corolla and have problems with the rear dash panel squeaking when the temperature rises. It's OK in winter but summer or high temperatures beyond say 70 degrees F brings out the squeaks.

This is my second Corolla, my 98 Corolla got better gas mileage and was of better quality. The windows on my 08 are slightly thinner glass, the doors are thinner, the seats more cheaply made.

Overall, I think the quality is cut back significantly. I usually keep my cars ten years, but I'm thinking five years max.