1997 Toyota Corolla CE 1.6 from North America
Summary:
Slow, automatic piece of junk
Faults:
Sway bar bushings.
Valve cover gasket leak.
General Comments:
This is the cheapest car I have ever seen. The original owner bought the base model and spent $500 extra to get the three speed automatic.
The Transmission is the downfall of the whole car. If it had the five speed manual it would get better gas mileage and be quieter on the freeway.
If anyone is thinking about getting this car or a Toyota in general get the manual transmission.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th May, 2002
10th Apr 2006, 20:58
3 speed autos in 1997? I think they only had 4 speed autos and 5 speed sticks.
11th Apr 2006, 09:53
Toyota, Chrysler and GM must have all had warehouses full of 3-speeds on through the nineties, because that's what they foisted upon consumers of their cheapest products.
At least Toyota offered a 4-speed, in a Neon you got a 3-speed based on the one from the K-Car!!!Why, Chrysler, why?
GM finally saw fit to invent a 4-speed for it's small car line in about 2000, there was one for the 2.4 four since '97 but that was not a standard engine.
Ford, with the Mazda-based Escort series had a 4-speed auto wayyyyyy back in 94.
Don't despair, your toyota probably still gets 30mpg everywhere.
10th Jun 2008, 06:18
The comments about GM's automatic offerings for their small cars is mostly true -- except that you could upgrade to a 4-speed on Cavaliers & Sunfires as early as 1996 on LS models equipped with the base engine. Also, a 4-speed was the only auto trans available as an option with both engines in the Saturn S series cars as early as 1991. Regards...
15th Feb 2013, 08:53
Never get an auto on any engine under 2.3L unless it's a CVT, it will be mediocre to drive at best, weigh more, use more fuel, kill any kind of performance you had, and more than likely cost you more in the long run in service and repairs. CVTs however are a different kettle of fish, with their infinitely variable ratios.
10th Apr 2006, 19:25
Agreed, the manual gearbox is a must for these small engines. If you can't drive a stick, learn or else buy a v6 Camry.