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:

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  Have I bought a lemon? - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By 2009 "Lemon" - October 10 - 9:13 pm

  We purchased a 2009 Toyota Corolla LE May 31, 2008. At about 2000 miles the VSC Light came on flashing. Took it back to dealer and they could not find anything wrong. The light came back on and it started to spit and sputter and die for no reason around 3000 miles. Took it back to dealer and they replaced the Mass Air Flow Sensor and cleared the codes again. Was driving it again and slowed down to turn a corner and it died for no reason. It currently has 4500 miles on it and the dealer has had it for a week. They called and said they are ordering a new wiring harness which is supposed to fix the problem. Im now wondering what will be next.

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  Be very careful when buying a corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By jimsh - August 29 - 5:20 am

  After owning for 40 days, the fuel pump died in my corolla with 67,000 miles. The big problem is that mine was made in Japan. Because of that the fuel pump will cost over $800. If my corolla had been made in North America the fuel pump would cost $130-250. Why on earth would Toyota want to do that to their customers? Right now my car is still in the shop because I dont know what to do and neither does my mechanic. If the VIN starts with J that means it was made in Japan and you should not buy it!

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  Long life - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By rothkclark - August 27 - 7:33 am

  Great car. Sold it in June of 2010 in order to buy an SUV. Great MPG and lasted! There was nothing wrong with it when I sold it. Had 194,000 miles and ran almost perfect. Sold it for $1,800 even though KBB listing was $2,200. Overall, it was great.

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  Just ok - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Johan - August 4 - 9:15 am

  I didnt exactly buy a Toyota for performance, but for a cheap car with great reliability. My cars been fairly reliable, at least compared to German cars, but i was disappointed that ive already had to replace the alternator and water pump at 60,000+ and 76,000 miles respectively. Another thing that bugs me is that the front seat is not comfortable and makes my back ache. If i have enough resources in the future, i would avoid buying a toyota corolla.

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  The worst driving position - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Gnep - July 25 - 12:32 pm

  Good fuel economy on highway. Round trip from San Jose to San Diego at ~70 mph, gets ~37 mpg. At ~60 mph, mpg gets even better. Just average fuel economy in city. ~23.5 mpg. Much reduced body roll than previous model, now takes corners confidently. Doesnt float on highway, as previous model did. Acceleration from stop is not fast but acceptable. Adequate acceleration on highway. Con: First thing I noticed was distorted reflection in rear mirror. Made me dizzy. Luckily dealer could replace a rear mirror, its reflection was still distorted but less noticeable. Where is Toyota Quality Control? I have driven Camry, Altima, Mazda 3, Forte, Fusion, Focus, Sonata, Sentra, Elantra, & Accent. The 2016 Corolla LE has the worst front seat, virtually no lower back support. Third day into driving this car gave me back ache. I had to stuff a small pillow behind my back. Previous model does not have this problem. Cost cutting, thinner seat? The steering wheel is off-center, more towards the right. My left hand needs to reach further. After long hour of driving, your body posture becomes asymmetric. Just plain poor ergonomics. The steering wheels hard plastic cuts into the joints of my fingers. The center consoles hard plastic cut into the side of my right knee. I have since taped a soft pad there as cushion. After the San Jose - San Diego round trip, its roof started rattling. It was just one month of driving. Where is Toyotas reliability?

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  hope it will last many years - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By cdivers - July 12 - 11:43 pm

  noise in front suspension,dealer replaced both front struts and housing at 4500 miles. gas mileage great,steering is odd.I have owned 15 Toyotas before this one,car was too pricing for what you got on the vehicle,interior fabric and plastic could be better. Just hope this corolla last.

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  Eh. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Kathleen - July 5 - 12:06 am

  I bought the Corolla in April of 2003 to replace my 1997 Geo Prizm. Mechanically, you cant complain about the Corolla. It is a sold contruction and quality materials. As a Toyota, you know it will run forever. And the gas mileage is unbeatable. On the flip side, though, this car is way too tall for its wheelbase. The first time I drove it on a windy day I was unable to stay in my lane. I did not feel safe in the car, which ultimately led me to get rid of it. The engine is kind of pokey, too. I had to floor it getting on the highway. Toyota would be wise to give a bigger engine option and stabilize the car.

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  Uncomfortable seats - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By Kim - May 31 - 6:09 am

  I traded in my 2003 Subaru Outback for a 2015 Toyota Corolla. I initially wanted another Subaru, but had to watch my budget. This is a cute little car - sleek and sporty looking. I test drove it once during the day for a short ride. I couldnt pass up the value so I bought it that day. After driving it for two weeks and adjusting the seat and steering wheel in every way possible, I couldnt prevent my back from hurting. When I called the dealer to complain, they said the seats are made more rigid now for safety to prevent whiplash. Then he offered to install lumbar support for about $400!!! That should be standard, especially if they know the seats are uncomfortable. I bought a lumbar pillow but its bulky and uncomfortable. Also, the floor is raised where your left foot goes so it feels cramped. I also agree with others about the line of sight for the headlights. High beams work good but you cant drive around with those on.

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  Should have stuck with Civic - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By berkshirebabe - April 15 - 1:50 pm

  I had a 2008 Civic sedan and was getting itchy for a new car. I looked at the 2013 Civics first and almost bought one, but had trouble with the dealership. So Toyota had 0% financing and I went to look at Corollas. I loved the new red SE--cute and more stylish than the 2013 Civic. I test drove it and it was smaller than the Civic and rode OK, but the controls seemed a little "cheap" and there was not much in-dash storage for things like CDs. I ended up buying the car because I made a great deal on it. Well, 2 weeks later--I miss my Civic like CRAZY! I really feel like I took step down in quality and space. The car is super-tiny inside (and I am only 5 feet tall).

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  First, last and only. - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By jehu - March 15 - 12:03 am

  What can I say, you get what you pay for. While the car is very dependable and gets good mileage why do the windshield washers freeze, even with good quality washer fluid? Why do the rain gutters insist on failing to do there job? Why does it take so long to heat the cabin in winter? Why Toyota, why, this is supposed to be the magic carpet ride of automobiles, the unfailing Toyota Motor Co. The title of my review says it all.