Overview & Reviews

For the 1997 Toyota Corolla, the Classic Edition (CE) debuts and the slow-selling DX Wagon gets the ax.

• Excellent build quality, reputation for bulletproof reliability

• Poor value

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 67.00

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  Best car ever. - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By kelli B. - March 23 - 7:26 pm

  I bought this car 3 years ago with 193,000 for 500 dollars. I know crazy. It has never left me walking. I have done minor repairs, new distributor cap and new plugs and wires, new tires and battery. I drive this car 120 miles a day 4 days a week sometimes more. It now has 239,500 miles and I hope it keeps on going. It truly is a gem and I got a steal. It made my 500$ back long ago! I want another one! I drive a 4 door Dodge 3/4 ton diesel so tjis car saves me so much money running back and forth to work! Sometimes Id really Rather be in my Toyota than that Dodge!

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  my car - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By gus - January 8 - 10:00 am

  the corolla is a great car for anyone. It gets from point a to b wonderfully and it is very reliable. ive had mine for a little more than a year, its got over 100000 miles, and all ive had to do besides change the oil is put in a new battery and a belt that had worn out.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Diane - November 27 - 10:16 pm

  Bought this car used from a rental agency, with 20K miles on it. It has been the sole transportation for myself and my 2 children for the last 10 years. The only repair Ive had to make was a starter replacement. Nothing else but scheduled maintenance. The car is comfortable and totally reliable, even at 210,000 miles. Has a very solid feel, handles well at all speeds, reasonable acceleration, 33-35 mpg even at interstate speeds.

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  Great Car - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By abuttimer - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I highly recommend this vehicle for anyone interested in a car that starts every time. Keep gas in it and worry about more important things in life than your car.

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  The perfect car... - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By nphillippe - July 20 - 7:30 am

  I absolutely love my Corolla DX. Its the perfect small car. Its reliable, comfortable, easy to drive, and handles great. So far it has about 98000 miles and Ive never had any problems. Unfortunately, my car was recently struck on the passangers side at about 70-80 mph, so I can also say that its reliable in a collision. The unibody absorbed the damage. Sadly, the body is unrepairable, although mechanically the car is still in perfect condition.

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  Luv it more every day - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By jhub - June 15 - 6:33 pm

  Only owned car for 3 months. The more I drive it the more I love it. Have had to replace a couple of engine mounts to take care of vibrations. Has 105000 miles so we have alot of life. The clear coat is coming off some parts but its a 97. Gas mileage is consistantly 31 mpg (auto trans). That is great with gas at $4.10 per gallon. My kids find the back seat very comfortable. Only complaint is it needs usable cup holders front and back. Over all great little car. But it is little. Trunk is large for such a small car. We installed window tint on back windows which really helps keep heat down inside car. A/C works great, very cold. Handles very well in all conditions. Love it.

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  Great car to own - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Rima - August 4 - 10:00 am

  The car is very reliable. I bought it new and in the 7 years I owned it, it only broke once (minor repair - starter cable wore off). It gets great mileage, both in the city and on the highway. It is comfortable to drive, and spacious enough for 5 people. Good investment if you ask me.

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  Love this car - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By kathy Shaver - June 3 - 9:00 am

  I have had this Corolla for two years now. It was going to be a temporary car until I found something fancier. Well, Im still driving it and loving it. I have had expensive cars for 38 years, Mercedes, BMW Jags, and they have all been expensive to maintain. This is the most basic one I have ever owned but its one of the most reliable and least expensive one to run especially with the new gas prices. It has enough get up and go for heavy traffic and I never feel like I will be stranded like I did when I was driving a Jag. There is nothing I dont like about this car.

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  Reliable despite very basic maintenance. - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Amit M. - March 26 - 8:46 am

  I bought the car new - 5 sp. manual transmission. The car now has over 130K miles on it. Never performed any of the manufacturer-recommended scheduled maintenance. Change oil every 7000 miles (need to add a quart every 2000 miles or so). Havent yet changed the timing belt. Original battery died after 10.5 years. Replaced front brakes and spark plugs at 100K miles (neither was probably necessary). Ive been commuting 120 miles each day for over an year now - get 37-40 mpg on highway during winter (Connecticut), 42-45 mpg on highway during summer! I do keep my speed in check. Used to get lower mpg when they used to add MTBE instead of ethanol in the fuel.

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  AWESOME! - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Fatina - March 19 - 12:13 pm

  Ive had this car for 11 years and the only major work done is timing belt, water pump and starter. I have a little over 218,000 miles and it just keeps on ticking.