Reliable, fun and comfortable car
Nothing has gone wrong with the car for now.
The pick-up speed of the car is quick and suitable for easy driving. Car is also silent when travelling in high speed.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 25th March, 2005
A quick, reliable and durable sedan
Front electric window (Driver's side) failed at 88000km.
Door switch on the B pillar failed at 75000km.
Front brake pads have started to squaek (98000km). I reckon this means it's time for me to renew the pads.
My family got this car on Christmas eve 1999.
Since then it's provided us with a honest to goodness form of transport.
It's very reliable and the built quality is really second to none.
In the 4.5 years we had had this Toyota, only the above faults were experienced.
Other than which, consumables such as engine oil, oil filter, manual transmision oil, coolant, tires, brake fluid etc were replaced as per manufacturer's recommendation.
The car still has the original shocks, clutch and brake disc.
The 1.6L engine is quick, refined and quiet and at the same time responsible for it's fuel usage. 0-100Km/hr timings were given as 10s flat in a local motoring magazine and fuel consumption's at 12.5-13 km/L of petrol.
Front seats are comfortable though space at the rear is a little limited. This can be a little irritating on long trips to neighboring Malaysia. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than for performance so expect severe body roll when executing hard cornering.
The steering is light and the the 5 speed manual gearbox is a breeze to use.
On the whole, there can be no doubt that Toyota makes some of the most reliable cars in the world though for design wise, the Europeans and the Americans such as Volks and Ford would beat the Japanese hands down. Toyota cars are indeed made to last and I would recommend it to anyone who wants reliability and durability at a decent price.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 4th June, 2004
Reliable, good looking and a financial windfall
Engine idle speed set too low on delivery, causing engine to stall when steering was on full lock. Quickly rectified while I waited.
Coming after a nice to drive, but rather jinxed used 1985 E36 BMW 320i, the Corolla was sporty looking in its dark green metallic finish set off by polished Fondmetal 14" alloys.
Grey tweed interior was the pinnacle of luxury for the class in its day and was supplemented by a top notch Blaupunkt stereo with snake head equaliser.
The car was reliable in the extreme and I managed to chalk up 21,000 km within the seven months of ownership, with no trouble, apart from the engine idle speed listed, above.
What's more, as the car was hot and in short supply, I sold it for what I bought it for, less the cost of the alloys and stereo. This came about owing to the provision of a company car in my next job.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th March, 2003
A good family sedan
Knocking sound from within the car barely 2 weeks upon collection. Disappeared after a few weeks.
Currently, there is some ticking sound coming from the front of the car especially when I am braking. I think it's the thermostat switch. Might have to send it in for a closer inspection.
Poor cornering performance.
It's pretty quick off the line at the traffic lights. Beats the taxis easily.
High seating position for the rear passengers is good.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th February, 2003
Jack of all Trades, Master of None
I play a fair bit of golf and usually leave my clubs in the car. However, in less than 6 months, the knocking around of the golf bag in the boot has cause the tail headlight cover in the boot space to come off. It could be better design.
Both Rear windows failed in less than a year. Fortunately it was under warranty.
The VVTi engine and gear change is delightful and gives a smooth seamless ride.
But it would do better if Toyota could only make it more more fun to drive by including an optional manual shift like the Hyundai H-matic.
Definitely the most spacious car in its category.
However, the suspension is too soft to take the load that the space offers.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 13th December, 2002
7th Mar 2003, 12:14
You simply cannot go far wrong with an Old Japanese Beater car as a day to day workhorse hack. I myself am busy running a 1984 Nissan Sentra into the ground, can still see it being alive in 5 years time.