Overview & Reviews

A sporty new XRS model debuts boasting a 170-horsepower engine and a sport-tuned suspension. Additionally, all Corollas receive a restyled front fascia and rear taillights. The LE model now has Lexus-like Optitron instrumentation, along with a cloth-trimmed center console and sun visors. Side curtain airbags, stability control and a JBL audio system are all new options.

• Refined and roomy interior, excellent gas mileage and crash test scores, long list of safety features, spunky XRS model, illustrious reliability record.

• Awkward driver-seat position, bland personality, gets pricey when even basic features are desired, sedan body style only.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 340.00

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  Great-More Than an Econo Car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By jbal - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Although I have only had this great vehicle for 2 weeks, I bought it for the better that 17-18mpg I get on my Explorer. My commute is 70 miles 1 way including the Washington Beltway and stop and go, bumper to bumper driving over 2-2 1/2hrs is common. I have been getting about 33mpg with all that and the car handles so well. The seats do get a bit hard after 2 hours in traffic but it is so much fun to drive you can forget that. There is also more back seat room than in my Explorer so that is also much appreciated. Toyota has done an excellent engineering job with this vehicle.

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  Piratical A-to-B car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By praticalowner - September 18 - 3:33 am

  Understand this review is based 100% on the amount of money I paid for it in comparison to others cars at the time. Havening owned the Toyota Corolla LE Automatic for a little over 6 years now I’m glad I bought it. This car is exactly what you would expect for about the 15.5k or so I got mine brand new. I’m 5’11” barefoot, 220lb and I can make peace with the seating and steering orientation. The only negative thing about it is the fact that’s it’s a little under powered for my tastes, but then again I have a 530 HP(give or take) truck I play in. Also a lot of people say that it makes a lot of road noise. Let me ask you a question, how often have you heard a 2800 lb or so car not make road noise??? I also have a 97 Continental that is just as every bit noisy when you put in on the firm ride setting. And the engine in a 4 banger, this one and about every other I’ve driven does too. The fact on gas milage are this, the thing get about 95% of the rated 34/MPG highway (that’s about 32/MPG) that the EPA says it should. And yes 34/MPG is the correct MPG for this model, the 06 is the one with the 40 or whatever mpg. I know because I saw it on the chemical back in February 05!!! Not to mention the fact if you multiply the 13.2 gallon tank buy 34 you get about 450 miles. I averaged about 390~420 miles to a tank on the highway so that’s all the confirmation I ever needed. I will admit the city mileage took a pretty steep nose dive to around the 25-27/MPG mark. It seemed to fluctuate from 290/tank to 320/tank. Then again the way I’m used to driving my truck that probably has a lot to do with it LOL!!! IT does not get stuck easy with good all terrain tires (trust me I’ve got it stuck doing dumb stuff in it). The paint job is a little iffy on the lower parts of the unibody, but overall it’s very smooth and even with the clear coat. The fold-down seats, don’t fold all the way down per say, but it makes plenty of room for an 8’ Christmas tree or a few 10 foot fly rods. If you really REALLy want to decide for yourself if this is a car worth buying, see if you can work a deal out somehow to drive one around for a weekend. I test drove several cars several times before I chose this one, it was the right price for what I was getting. I did not buy this car because “it was the car for me” I bought it as a practical, reliable to way get to around and not completely bite it at the pump. I mean why do you think I got in in automatic???

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  This car saved my life! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By explorersaurus - August 1 - 5:21 am

  I was in a crash fast enough to set the airbags off. The car looked horrible, but I walked away with only a twisted ankle. In a frontal crash, this is definitely a class leader in the used car market. And before I crashed it, it was a decent little car. It had plenty of power, and the transmission was geared perfectly. The outside was a little bland, but that didnt really matter. The interior was not cramped, but cozy. Im about 53" and the seat was at the perfect height for good visibility. The backseat was also rather large for a car its size, accommodating two small adults comfortably.

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  Nice for the price - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By BAE - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car for the price. Plenty of room inside. Handles nicely and good exceleration. Not getting the MPG as advertised. Overall good car to drive.

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  my corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Danielle - May 27 - 3:10 pm

  I love toyota they are the only cars I will buy. My last one had 250,000 miles and it was still going when i traded it in. The only thing I dont is the velour interior it attracts alot of lint.

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  MPG great - Suspension BAD - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By mrwrangler - May 6 - 11:36 am

  Typical toyota suspension whats up with these cars and trucks. Wanders all over the road on highway 17 in Awatukee AZ. Best engine, tranny combo, whips stock civics gear stronger.

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  Big guy little car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Tom - December 19 - 2:03 pm

  My favorite aspect of the Corolla is that I sense a total quality throughout the car. Its peppy and reliable as a watch and no wind noise, interior is not cheap looking, I call it my little Lexus. People laugh at the comparison but for $14K new, and fantastic resale value, it is great.

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  Corolla XRS - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Pointman7 - November 24 - 8:40 am

  I had the car for 3000 miles now and over all its been a great car. The other car I was considering other than the XRS was the Nissan Sentra SE-R Vspec. I have to admit the Sentra was more performance oriented but I checked out the cars reliability within the past few years and Im not that impressed with it. Also I dont like the interior with the Sentra too so pretty much I ended up choosing the Corolla XRS.

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  High maintenance - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Stephanie - November 4 - 4:00 pm

  I purchased this car new. I have had the oil changed every 5,000 miles and it sits in my garage when not being driven. At 34,000 miles the car started making a screeching sound like a belt was bad and it began shifting roughly. The dealer said I needed the transmission fluid changed and a new belt. $312.00 later my car seems to be ok. I have had a Ford and Pontiac in the past and never had to make these types of services until 100,000. I am disappointed with this car and feel that the quality that Toyota is known for is slipping. Will never buy another Corolla.

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  I love my Corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Thebearluvr - September 19 - 7:43 am

  This is my second Corolla and it is proving to be just as reliable as the last one. Drove my last one for 11 years and had zero problems with it. The 05 Corolla is just as reliable. Its comfortable to drive, handles well in all types of weather and looks good. A very good value for the dollar.