1998 Toyota Corolla LE 1.8L Gas from North America

Summary:

You can rely on this car just as much as you can rely on a great price.

Faults:

My Corolla was recently bought used with only 35007 miles on it. For an eight year old car, that's very low. Not only that, but there are no mechanical defects whatsoever to my knowledge.

However, if I let go of the wheel, the vehicle does somewhat lean to the left. It's almost negligible, but still a concern.

General Comments:

The automatic lights are very convenient. I never have to turn them on or off myself.

There is no legroom for passengers in the rear seat.

For a small car, the trunk is very spacious. And if I need more space, the rear seats fold down.

The engine is a bit noisy for the first minutes of running.

Every control is nicely and conveniently placed. I don't like to take my eyes off the road when adjusting the climate control or radio. In this car, I don't have to.

The sound system is above par for its class. I just ordered an after-market head-unit, though; needed a CD player.

After being spoiled by key-less entry systems with separate unlock/lock buttons, it took time to get used to the one button operation of this remote... and not having a trunk button.

However, the alarm is a great feature and I appreciate it.

I definitely appreciate the dual front and side air bags.

I wish the key-less remote got better range. It only works from 50 feet or less.

Great gas mileage.

Climate control works great even after just starting the engine.

I could fall asleep in these seats; they're very comfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th November, 2006

22nd Dec 2006, 21:56

This is my review, and I'm updating now at 36,344 miles.

The car still leans to the left. It was suggested to have someone look at the bearings in the wheels, which I will soon. Until then, I've adapted. When I want to change lanes I just signal and let the car do so itself lol. It only works when changing to a lane to my left, of course.

I realized that the engine is only noisy when first starting because of warming up. It revs itself to about 1300 RPM, and gradually lowers speed the more the engine reaches a comfortable temperature. If the engine is already warm, or if I shift into gear, it'll idle normally and warm up while I'm driving.

Fuel usage is WONDERFUL. I make short runs constantly, drive to work everyday, and I'm constantly using climate control, but I visit gas stations only every 2-3 weeks or so. And that's to fill up from a little above a quarter tank to full (I never let my fuel level reach or pass the 1/4 mark).

The steering squeaks when I'm turning the wheel to the right. It's an external sound.

The rear left door cannot be opened from inside. I thought it was the child safety lock, but it isn't.

This is an overall beautiful car.

1998 Toyota Corolla LE 1.8L from North America

Summary:

A Camry like ride...1.8L adequate.. but USA roads demand a 2.0L

Faults:

I've only owned the car for 3 months. I inherited a couple burned out instrument panel lights.

General Comments:

Previously, I owned a 1997 Corolla, and the 1998 is a completely different model. Upholstery is much softer in this year compared to the Gulag type potato sack cloth in the 97, MUCH better performance, and amazingly better gas mileage! My 97 got 24-27mpg..this gets 30-35.. remember it has a bigger engine!

The bottom end acceleration is much better in this model, and the handling tempts you to do things you really shouldn't do in a Corolla.

These cars are known to be 'noise boxes' on the highway, so don't expect a Lexus type ride on the highway.

I just did the brake pads and rotors on this.. very easy and the parts are dirt cheap. Change the fluids regularly and keep the body in good repair, and these cars will last! Lowest cost of ownership!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th June, 2006

21st Jan 2007, 00:46

I agree with you the 1.8 litter is very peppy, but a 2.0 would help. Or a more powerful 1.8 litter engine like the 2ZZ-FE engine instead of the 1ZZ-FE engine like in the corolla.

15th Dec 2011, 03:53

Never expect much in cars under 2.0L with a standard automatic transmission. I never understand why autos seem to be the norm in the US; a manual transmission wouldn't have sucked the power, and would have improved your fuel economy.