Overview & Reviews

Well into its fourth decade of production, the compact Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car in automotive history, and for good reason. Small, inexpensive, fuel-efficient and as reliable as the day is long, the Corolla is the quintessential economy car. As long as you change the oil on time and don't hit a tree, any Corolla should provide dependable transportation well past the 100,000-mile mark. That's why so many shoppers keep buying Corollas year after year.

Since its 1968 introduction in the U.S., the Toyota Corolla has come in a variety of body styles, including a sedan, coupe, hatchback and wagon. More recently, however, it has only been available as a sedan. Today's Corolla has almost as much rear passenger space as a midsize sedan and its fuel economy is impressive. Although rivals boast sportier designs and more entertaining driving dynamics, a Corolla is nonetheless an excellent choice for smart consumers on a budget.

User Reviews:

• 

  Oil Burner - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Larry Bowman - January 22 - 3:06 am

  Purchased car with 93K on it. Had owned five previous Toyotas and ran most of them past 200K. This one is an oil burner - uses 1 quart per 400 miles. Toyota does not recognize that it is a design defect although it seems to be very prevalent in these cars (98-2002 Corollas). If you are looking to purchase one - be sure to check the exhaust pipe for excessive black soot and look in the oil filler cap for oil sludge (check underside of cap for black crumbly deposits and look inside oil filler for brown coating - if it has these features I recommend to stay away from it). Also the engine light just came on - not sure yet what this problem is. Struts are worn out as well.

• 

  Worst Corolla ever. What was Toyota thinking. - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By sajsan - January 22 - 1:44 am

  Test drove 2011 corolla (manual); this would have been my 5th corolla in 20yrs. As a die hard Toyota fan, Toyota has disappointed me beyond belief regarding the steering. It is a major issue; it feels like flexible rubber; it does NOT tighten as expected in any power assisted steering and dangerous at high speeds. It will be more serious with highway winds. There is pronounced body roll. In short, it is NOT safe. I walked away from a great deal because 2007/8 model was superior in safety and handling. I will send back a feedback letter to the president of toyota; they have lost a loyal Corolla customer – 5 corollas in 20 years of drive. Sales person thought i was joking about the car.

• 

  Best overall value hands down! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Corolla lover - January 20 - 5:53 am

  I bought my 2009 Toyota Corolla LE just two days ago after test driving other subcompact names on my list such as the Honda Civic, the Mazda3 and the Hyundai Elantra. The Toyota delivered everything I expect in a sub-compact and more. I definitely got my moneys worth!

• 

  Mostly Sensible, Little Flair - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By bustabust359 - January 19 - 9:23 am

  I drive the S, so it has a sportier look, but nothing sportier under the hood. I dont like that this model is larger than previous generations. At times my compact parks like a small bus. OK gas mileage, though I admit my mileage is 90% city (averaging around 27-30 mpg, 34-37 when I do drive highway).

• 

  I LOVE My Toyota - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Arlene - January 17 - 1:40 pm

  The fabulous thing about the Corolla is that although there have been exterior design changes the manufacturer had the great sense never to change the interior layout. There isnt that fumbling around trying to locate thing on the dash board and controls, everything is right where it was on your last Corolla. All you have to do is drive and enjoy!

• 

  I LOVE My Corolla! - 2012 Toyota Corolla
  By wolf_buck - January 16 - 4:10 pm

  For someone on a budget that wanted a "new" car, the Corolla fit the bill perfectly. The cost of ownership is extremely low. Almost zero maintenance required throughout its life. The interior is relatively spacious for such a small car. I dont find anything to feel "cheap" though almost everything is plastic. My interior is black so maybe that helps make it look more classy. The ride quality is superb. The cabin is QUIET and the car soaks up most large bumps. Mine is a 5-speed so maybe that helps with the fun factor. I also have the S model (black exterior) which really improves the cars appearance. Im VERY happy with my purchase! Dont let these bad reviews put you off!!

• 

  Great package - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Minou - January 13 - 11:46 pm

  I have a 2005 manual CE with C Package (canadian model). Comes with AC, power package, cruise and remote door locks. Roomy for its size, large doors and high seats and driving position are a plus. Feels solid on the road and the body is tight. This is important, since montreal and quebec probably have the worst roads and climate in north america. The engine is peppy and willing, even at low revs, while delivering superior fuel economy. Steering and suspension are both firm, but not overly so, and offer good control. The interior is well designed with very good controls. Radio/CD is big and simple to operate. Indigo blue ext. with grey int. is a good mix. Great package for the price

• 

  Great and fun car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By apaske - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The toyota corolla is a great car. Its fun to drive and I have had nothing but good experiences with it. It drives smoothly and its alot of fun to drive.

• 

  Love it - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Betsey - January 10 - 10:06 pm

  Having been an owner of a 97 Camry, I love this car. Its not much smaller inside, but rides better. Very comfortable.

• 

  The best economical option out there - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By rsucre - January 10 - 6:10 pm

  My first car was a 2007 Toyota Camry XLE V6 3.5L automatic. After driving it I fell in love with the Toyota brand. However, as a college student, owning a Camry got very expensive in regards to gasoline and maintenance. Therefore I decided to go with a more economic option and trade-in for a 2008 Corolla CE. I felt like it was the best decision possible. I needed a car that was both reliable and efficient with fuel, and the Corolla exceeds both of these requirements.