Toyota Corolla

alpha01

No offense, but I dont think that any of the irresponsibility lies in Toyota's hands. Although you and I both know that when used properly, ABS has the ability to allow a driver to maintain control and stop more safely than a non-ABS vehicle, there is no statistical evidence that suggests that ABS is a safety feature that be required (either through consumer demand or by the Federal Govt), and as such, it is not (required) because there are consumers who are not willing to pay for it and/or do not care how to unlearn brake pumping. Many cars at the Corolla's price point do not come standard with ABS, and many competitors ONLY offer ABS on the highest trim model (think Honda Civic). It was your choice to take a Corolla without ABS, which is more or less your fault.
~alpha

vic19

Each safety advance adds cost to the vehicle and both manufacturers and the government must balance safety with cost. Those who say a human life is invaluable really haven't thought the problem through. There must be some balance. Some safety equipment will save lives but the cost is just too much. Manufacturers have developed technology that will apply the brakes if the driver approaches another vehicle too quickly but it's too expensive at the moment for average vehicles.

I have no statistical evidence, you may be right, but common sense says that a device that will prevent slids in hard braking will save many lives.

coolguyky7

Has anyone had a 93-97 generation Corolla and also a 98-02 generation? I have a 96 and I drove a 98-00 model today in my driving lessons. The car felt much heavier in terms of braking. It felt like it took more strength to stop the car. The steering felt kind of stiff too. Any reason why that is like that or am I just being crazy? Could the braking be the difference because of antilock brakes? I was driving a CE I believe so it's likely it didn't have them, but I don't know if my car has them or not. The past owner said it did, but the dash light doesn't indicate it.

jrct9454

Without trying to pretend that there aren't differences between the two generations, I would suggest that the characteristics you describe could easily be attributable to nothing more complicated than the tires on the car[s] you drove. Both braking and steering feel are heavily influenced by the tires, pressures, tread design, size and aspect ratio.

Jumping from one car to another like this can be revealing, but it doesn't reveal much if there are significant differences in the tire quality and pressures between the two cars. The presence or absence of ABS is meaningless in the context you describe - it has no effect on overall brake feel at anything but panic pressure on the pedal.

914

According to my 2003 Corolla owner's manual (Page 144), Toyota recommends to "Drive gently" - not over 55 mph for the first 1000 miles. So far, I'm following this procedure - are any of you?

jrct9454

The 55 mph suggestion is close to nonsense...OK, it IS nonsense. Everything else makes sense, and my regimen [for our '03] emphasizes engine rpm and load, not road speed. In other words, avoid full throttle, keep engine speeds below 4000 rpm for the first 1000 miles, and try to vary engine speeds when highway cruising, i.e. move up and down the speedo a few miles per hour and a couple of hundred rpm every few minutes. The latter helps seat the rings a bit sooner, and is also the most demanding in terms of discipline.

You can gradually increase engine speed as the miles pile up, though I hold it to 5000 rpm max until 2000 miles, and rev it as high as necessary after that.

3000 rpm gets you close to 80 mph on the automatic - we took several extended trips during the first 2000 miles and I would have gone crazy trying to keep it at 55 mph. Toyota continues to repeat this in all of their breakin instructions, and it is simply a waste of print. Pay attention to engine speed, not road speed.

Incidentally, ours is making noticeably more power and is a tad quieter at the 2500 mile mark - it used less than 1/8 of a quart of oil during the first 1000 miles, and none since, indicating that all is well and right on the money.

shipo

I am more used to instructions like, "Up to 1,200 miles: Drive at varing engine speeds and road speeds, but do not exceed 4,500 rpm and 105 mph during this initial period."

How does anybody manage to drive 1,000 miles without exceeding 55 mph?

Best Regards,
Shipo

corollarocks

I have about 500 miles on mine so far and
try to do 55 on the expressway..haven't exceeded 60.

My salesperson said it's more about the
RPM's..best to keep them low..certainly
below 4000 rpm. I haven't exceeded 3000
RPM's yet. With the 5 speed, at
55 mph..it's less than 2500 rpms in 5th gear.
Also..try to vary the speeds that you drive
:-)

jrct9454

Sounds like you got your answer, and it's a consistent one, for a change....

914

Wow - Thank you all for the responses. That's the FASTEST responses I have ever seen on this website. Regards.

bxkid

Yicetea, Check out my message # 1842 if you have not already! Taking to Dealer next week because they think it is not normal. Also have that dashboard noise(s) also!!!!!!!

grandtotal

All my cars come with ABS now, I told my 16 years old daughter to watch where she is going when she drives. I hope she will not have to brake hard, but if she needs to brake hard just hold the steering wheel tight and slam the brake as hard as she can and hope she will not hit anything. (Cross my fingers)

My advice for your daughter would not be to grip the steering wheel tight. Rather she should look where she wants to go, which is not into whatever is obstructing her path, and to steer in that direction. There is no point in having ABS if you are not going to use the advantage it gives you. In this case it allows you to retain some degree of steering control while braking as hard as road conditions allow.

terceltom1

I have a "01" Corolla with a four speed automatic which has less horsepower then the "03" and I could do 0 to 60 mph. in a little less then 10 seconds. COME ON VIC PUT THE PEDAL TO THE METAL AND HAVE SOME FUN !!

petl

It's amazing; everyone is an expert on this subject. Never mind what the manufacturer recommends "in print". Actually, it's your money, it's your car... do as you wish. It is not easy to do, but I would prefer to error on the side of caution. I have and will continue to follow the recommended break-in procedures that the manufacturer recommends in the manual. Incidentally, the next time a salesperson suggests any information that is contrary to what is stated in the manual, ask them to put it in writing along with their signature. Some have a habit of telling people what they think they want to hear.

shipo

FWIW, the quote that I posted in #1859 was copied directly from the owner's manual from my new car (not a Toyota). I too advocate following the owners manual for break-in procedures (along with everything else), that said, I cannot understand Toyota's logic behind asking their customers to drive a car for 1,000 miles without going over the 55 limit. I am also having a hard time understanding just how the drivers of the new Corolla are going to be able to adhere to that policy. After all, my mother-in-law (who I am about to buy a Corolla for) will find it almost impossible to stay below 55, and she is 70 years old (and like her daughter, she drives a 5-Speed too ;-)).

Best Regards,
Shipo

jjpcat

I tested 93 Corolla (base), 2001 CE, 2001 LE and felt the same as you did. The brake in the 2 2k1 models is way much heavier and doesn't feel like any other Toyota. That's one of the main reasons I bought Civic instead.

9051336

How much is that usually? My car is 98 corolla.
I am wondering whether the dealer is the best place for it or doesn't matter at all?

Any input is appreciated!

coolguyky7

Thanks for your information. Now I'm glad I have the older Corolla!

patches69

Two days ago I bought the 2003 Corolla. I love the car, but today driving to work I heard that rattle sound that I read about in other messages. I was, to put it mildly, extremely upset. At lunch, I took the car out for a ride with my friend to let him hear the noise, but it was not there any more. I had also empied the entire car so no other thing could rattle. It also did not rattle again on my way home from work although I may have heard a little something. But I am now super sensitive about the sound.

Now I am just nervous that I am going to hear it again. Has anyone taken his or her car to the dealer to see what the noise is all about. Is there a remedy??? Would love to hear from someone. Thanks, Patches

corollarocks

Go to the top of the page and click on
scroll up 20 messages..do it like twice
and look for the message by richardworth.

I asked the same thing a few days ago.
I have the rattle in my car too, but
I'm not taking it in until i get my
first oil change in a couple of weeks.

Try driving with the windows up, A/C
and stereo off so you can hear. Mine
rattles mostly on bumps at low speed.
If yours is the same thing you may
not hear it on the expressway.

patches69

Thanks for response. I looked up that message, and it is very helpful. At lease I will be able to suggest something if I have to take my car to the dealer. My special problem is the dealership where I bought my car is a distance away, but it is worth the trip to get rid of rattle.

As I said, it seems to have subsided, and I hope to never hear it again. Does yours stop happening and then come back again or do you hear it each time you drive your car. It sounds like you only hear it at certain times. My noise kept up even when I was on the highway going to work, but coming home, I only heard a little bit of it when I went over bumps.

I did find another message on another board that mentioned their repair people installed foam to silence rattle.
It was #52 on the Corolla Matrix group (I think).

Again thanks. I will keep looking on this board and will let you know if I find out anything else.

corollarocks

It's pretty consistent, but
if I am driving with the windows down
and the cd player on it drowns it out.

I'll be posting what happens after I take
it in..probably in a couple of weeks.

jrct9454

I appreciate the point that the "manufacturer knows best", but as one who has bought in the last 40 years from everyone German and Japanese, Toyota is the only one who makes this ludicrous suggestion that you not exceed 55 mph during the first 1000 miles. This is about 2200 rpm, and the engine isn't going to get much breakin at 2200 rpm. NO ONE ELSE in the car business thinks this is the way to break in a new engine, so pardon me if, when asked for advice on this topic, we "experts" beg to differ.

I have never even pretended to follow this guideline from Toyota, and have never had anything but sterling service from all of our Toyota products, going back to 1981. None have ever used any oil, had any internal engine problems before 130,000 miles, or otherwise shown any signs of abuse.

The Germans emphasize not exceeding 4000 rpm during the first 1000 miles, and varying engine speed and load, and using those guidelines have given outstanding results.

Since the question was specific to the point about 55 mph, I'll repeat: if that's what you want to do, fine...but it has nothing to do with the breakin of the engine or its eventual long, trouble-free life. For that, the main thing is to keep engine speed at a reasonable limit until the rings get seated.

laksj

I don't see the point of contesting what a manufacturer wrote in their manual, whether in regards to the break-in period or any thing else. It's ridiculous to say that since other German/Japanese cars don't stipulate the 55 mph speed limit during break-in, then Toyota shouldn't need it either! Granted, religiously adhering to break-in instructions isn't as crucial in today's engines as it was a decade or two ago, but it DOES benefit the engine. Toyota built it and Toyota should know better than ANYONE what would be good for it!! It's no rocket science..

So, if jrct previously owned Toyotas that did 130k miles with no engine problems without following the break-in instructions, he probably could've done 200k if he did follow them! A moot point to say the least...

backy

If not exceeding 55 mph for the first 1000 miles is so important for proper break-in of new Toyotas, then I wonder: do the owner's manuals for Toyotas sold in other countries say, "Do not exceed 88.5 kilometers per hour for the first 1609 kilometers?"

archie1281

When at the dealership buying my new 2003 Corolla I asked the dealer about breaking the car in. I know that what they tell you is never 100% true, but what he did say is that before any Toyota leaves the factory they run the engine for several hours to make sure that everything is seated properly.

corollarocks

ok..but the poster i was referring to
said that they replaced the crash panel insulation.
That may or may not be the same as the foam
you read about.

lfan

I posted the rattle fix message #52 back in the Corolla/Matrix problems post. My specific problem was in the instrument panel overhang where the dealer placed foam to silence the rattle/buzz. Not a peep from the dash since the fix.

My car's rattle had been sensitive to the temperature, cooler = louder; warmer = less. So, patches69, that may explain the difference between your car's morning and lunchtime change. I am wary of when the cold weather returns its effect on developing any new rattles.

I would also suggest to try going to a closer dealer to fix your problems. At first I was driving 25 miles to the selling dealer for fixes. By the time I needed to fix my instrument panel rattle I just went to a local (2 miles) dealer/service. They fixed it just the same. Afterall, each dealer wants to establish customer loyalty for their service dept which is where they make most of their money anyway.

patches69

Corollarocks - I meant in addition to the one you referred me to who talked about the crash panel insulation as the cure. I am going to take copies of these messages with me when I go just in case I need to show them what has been done.

Ifan - I just discussed the possibility of going to Toyota in town here because it is so much closer and less work and time. I have to take half days off from work to go to where I bought it. I had a Corolla previously and used the service people here for that one when I needed it - like for a timing belt and tires. And I did not get that one here either because each time they did not have a manual (clutch) here, and I got a much better deal at these other places.

So, I really appreciate your advice. I just feel a little uncomfortable because I did not buy the care here. But you are right. They would want my business, and maybe they make money even when it is under warranty.

Your idea about the temperature does make sense. I did not hear that noise at all today, but I didn't go out until about 4:00 pm, and it was quite warm out. I work tomorrow, so I'll see what happens early in the morning when it will be cooler.

Thank you both very much for your responses!! I feel better than I did last Friday!

lily888

Hi, It is my first time to buy a car. So a little scared.
I live in Detroit. I am I'm interested in 2002 Honda Civic EX and 2003 Toyoda Corolla CE. Which one will be fit for the snow weather in Detroit? I usually use my car to commute to work and occasionally drive 4 hours to Chicago on holiday. Could anybody recommend me which one I should buy?
BTW, some people told me that it is a better deal to buying a one or two years used car still within warranty than buying a new car? Could anyone also tell me your opinion on it?

maxamillion1

Isn't the LE a better trim-level to be comparing the Civic EX to? I'd personally go for the Corolla. I love those little cars, they look great now too. I think the Civic will really refreshen itself by 2004. It will have to.

ultrarunner

Update, It's been 18 months since we took delivery of our special order NUMMI 2001 Corrola 'S'. (Special order because of side airbags and sun roof and spoiler)

So far the car has been a joy to drive and we have not had a single problem. 33 mpg around town and 39+ highway with the automatic.

Thanks to everyone who helped us make our decision 19 1/2 months ago. (Especially Britton)

britton2

I've had my '01 LE for 15 months (also trouble free) I too am very happy with my car - the best MPG I have gotten (city driving) is 34 MPG and the worst was 28.5 MPG - I usually get 30-32 on average - I'm looking forward to driving it at least 7 more years - continued success with your "S"!

coolguyky7

Go for the Corolla. Had it been this time last year, I would have said Civic, but the new Corolla tops Civic. Max is right, the Corolla LE competes with the Civic EX.

ammar

I am a 1st time car buyer and up to yesterday had only been looking at used corollas. However, I found a used Echo too. I personally liked the body style so putting that aside which of the following would you pick and why?:
1. 2000 Echo 27,000 miles manual A/C
OR
2. 1999 Corolla 39,000 miles Manual A/C

The Echo sticker (over)price is about 10K and the corollas is about 11K( too much for both but that just where barganing comes in).

Anyway, excluding looks, what do you all think?

Thanks,
A

coolguyky7

Which interior do yo ulike better?

ammar

The corolla has better quality interior but it is very very generic. The Echo interior is cheaper but more unique and spacious. So I lean towards the Echo's interior (you can call me weird... i know)

britton2

that's a tough one - both made by Toyota so both should last a long while if properly maintained - it sounds to me like you are leaning towards the Echo - people who own them seem very satisfied overall -

coolguyky7

I agree with you on the interiors. I like the ECHO's over the Corolla's. Go with the ECHO! If you're like almost all of the ECHO's owners, you'll love it.

canc

Like Britton and Coolguy said, a lot of Echo owners seem to be very happy with their car. One thing though: if you plan on doing a lot of highway miles with your car, I'd go for the Corolla. When it's very windy, the flat side panels and weight of the Echo make it sway much more than the Corolla.

canc

Are any of the new Corolla owners tall? (6'1" and above) If so, how well do you fit into the Corolla?

ammar

Thanks for all your help. I am going to the dealer again and test drive both cars again. I will focous on trying to make the echo sway on the highway and really look at all the negatives. I refuse to pay more than 9K either car. Priceline said i can get a new echo for 11.4K MSRP. Plus another dealer in the area is selling a 2001 Corolla with under 30K miles for 10.5K sticker. Wish me luck.

Thanks
A

eagin

I've got a 2003 Corolla and was looking to get some wheel locks for my tires. How useful are those in preventing theft? What are some of the better brands to look for? Any idea what size/shape lug nuts I need to look for? Any information/feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

corollarocks

I'm 5'11" and I have no problem fitting in.
I don't drive with the seat pushed the whole
way back. Some taller drivers have indicated
that they have difficulty getting a comfortable
driving position. I think the reason for this is that when the driver's seat is all the way back,
the steering wheel is a bit of a reach.

All of the models come with tilt-wheel
and tilting it down seems to help some.
You really need to just take it for a drive
and see how it feels for you though.

914

eagin - I purchased the wheel locks for my 2003 Corolla S from Toyota. They were easy to install and the quality appears good.

canc

I was wondering if taller drivers liked the new Corolla more than the previous generation because of how they can fit.

backy

Be sure to take a long test drive before buying. Several posters here and some mags, like CR, have reported an uncomfortable driving position for some drivers. I'm not tall, just 5'10", but I found the driving position uncomfortable. It was partly the seat/wheel relationship, but more the position of the dead pedal, which I felt was too far back, raising my left leg off the seat while my right leg was comfortable. Other than that and the shifter angle, I really liked the Corolla LE.

lily888

Now another question: The ABS system is optional of Toyota Corolla CE. So could anyone tell me if it worth to add ABS? Thanks.

canc

Some posters here will say that you don't need it, and if you don't drive frequently on either slick or icy roads, then I don't think you'd need it either. ABS on icy roads is amazing, and because I live in Canada, I wouldn't have a car without it.

corollarocks

I have read that the ABS is difficult to get on
the CE, and might require a factory order.
The CE's I have seen at local dealers have
the weather package..maybe power door locks.
Don't know if that has changed at
all. I have the CE without ABS and the
brakes are very good.