Toyota Corolla

sunsoko · October 2002

Does anyone knows if Toyota is going to put four wheel disc brakes on the Corolla?

friendly_jacek · October 2002

Thanks for your input. For your information, my 2003 4-speed auto corolla revs at 2000 RPM while cruising at 55 MPH (88 km/h). So, the brake in speed limit has nothing to do with the RPM limit (stated as 4000 RPM).

Anybody else would like to comment on the engine noise?
The more I drive, the more I hear it. I do not think I am going nuts. Today, the glass in the side windows vibrated (resonated) while the engine was going through the 2800 RPM mark. If you read 2003 corollas reviews on the epinions.com, you will find someone describing something similar in 2 different corollas. I will definitively take this car back to the dealership. The only problem is, I am going to be told that this is perfectly normal.
That is why I try to research this a little bit more.
Thanks.

lovetosavegas · October 2002

The Matrix/Vibe are based on corolla platform, not the other way around. They are all sharing the same powertrain. I am also looking for econo car to buy and narrowed it to 2 choices:
Corolla vs Elantra.
Corolla pros: reliability, resale value.
Cons: price, standard equipment
Elantra pros: price, standard equipment, warranty.
cons: resale value, lots of people think about hyundai as a low quality manufacturer.
Arguably, there is no such thing as a sportiness in this category of cars.
If you want to keep your car for more then 5 years, then Elantra is a better choice.
If you think that paying $3-3.5K more for a comparably equipped Corolla is not a problem, there will be 3-4K difference in prices of these cars before they become 5 years old.

PS. I think that a statement 'Civic(DX-EX) is a sporty car' sounds like 'turtle is pretty fast'.

tundradude · October 2002

I have 4 wheel disc brakes on my Corolla. (GT-S)

gman40 · October 2002

Toyota always provides the drivetrain on NUMMI cars (VIBE, MATRIX, NOW DEFUNCT NOVA AND PRIZM).
for obvious reasons, like GM is not known for
the refinement of smaller engines like Toyota is.
Can you imagine a Matrix with a Cavalier engine.
Interesting tid bit, Toyota marketed Cavaliers
with Toyota badges on them in Japan. It was a
dismal failure.

johnclineii · October 2002

Imagine Yummi Nummi's shock when he finds out that NUMMI built vehicles are being sold in Japan as the Toyota Voltz. Underneath? Not a Matrix but a Vibe!

canc · October 2002

I would agree that the new Corolla would be harder to control on the highway than the previous gen. Corolla, or the current Honda Civic. The two latter cars don't have the high and narrow concept introduced with the ECHO and now the Corolla. The door panels on the current Corolla are also flatter, which makes it even easier to be hit by a crosswind. One of my friends has a Ford Focus and also complained about crosswinds, since it also has flat door panels and a moderately high seating position.

So would the Civic be the better choice for someone that does mostly highway driving?

8u6hfd · October 2002

johnclineii:
Underneath is a Corolla Fielder, as the Matrix/Vibe is on the "E" platform. It's really a Corolla Fielder in different clothes and interior.

rear discs:
Axed after 1997 (Corollas with ABS).

jjpcat · October 2002

Civic is not short either. It grew 2" in 2001 to a height of 56.7". Plus, Civic is lighter than Corolla. So, I don't know if Civic would perform (much) better in crosswinds. Sadly, for people who worry about crosswinds like me, more suffering is on the way since cars are getting taller and taller. All car companies think everybody like SUV-style height.

strager · October 2002

Try driving the Matrix XR with the seat position at its highest setting. I found the Matrix to be fun to drive, and the seat height is just perfect. You don't sit down on the seat, but just kind of slide over. That makes it a pleasure to get in/out of the car. SUV seating on the other hand can be much higher.

Now only if Toyota got rid of those absurd looking ground effects on the Matrix XR! Incidentally, the Matrix is almost 3 inches wider than the Corolla - that may help against crosswinds. For me, the Matrix XR, sans ground effects, wins hands down over the Corolla and Civic. The Corolla has very light (numb) steering, Civic steering is typical Honda precise, and Matrix steering is almost as good as Civic but the best overall (car) package.

pepsione1 · October 2002

I ordered my 2003 Corolla S (indigo ink) 5 weeks ago and I was told at the time that it was suppose to be here 5-6 weeks after ordered. Since I haven't heard from them yet, i decided to give them a call today. Well, I found out that there's been yet another delay in delivery from the factory.

I was told that I have to wait another 6 weeks for my car to come!!! THAT IS RIDICULOUS!!! This means I have to wait a total of 12 weeks or 3 month for a new car that I paid MSRP for.

Is everyone experiencing this kind of wait for their new corolla? I am from South Western Ontario. I went to Toronto the week before I ordered my car and the wait is about the same for every dealer up there.

I am kind of thinking that they messed up somehow and forgot to order or messed my order. How can I find out if there is really a delay?

pepsione1 · October 2002

How come I don't see a lot of people mentioning or driving the Indigo Ink Corolla? Do you guys not like that color or is it because they didn't have them at the dealer for you to choose from so you didn't buy it.

I personally think its pretty good with the tinted windows because its not easy to get dirty and it goes well with the car.

crazygrrrl · October 2002

All west coast docks have been shut down and there is a huge labor dispute. Dockworkers have been locked out and basically all those cargo ships from all over the world are sitting and waiting to be unloaded.

NUMMI is waiting for car parts to be delivered, but until the union and the shippers reach an agreement, all cargo will have to sit untouched.

NUMMI basically ran out of car parts due to the port shutdown and they can't build cars without the parts. So expect to wait for your Corolla for a long time. I hope the government steps in and force both sides to cooperate.

johnclineii · October 2002

And before someone points out that some Corollas are built in Canada, I imagine the West Coast dock strike will soon affect the Canadian plant as well. It only takes ONE critical part to be missing to stop production.

jrct9454 · October 2002

The inside rear view mirror is hinged in two places - where it attaches to the windshield, and where it attaches to the mirror. Start by moving it as far to the right as possible with the windshield mount as the base; then adjust as necessary with the mirror mount as the base.

It sounds tricky but is really easy, and it took care of our similar problem in about 30 seconds.

jeprox · October 2002

i love the indigo ink but i have to wait 2 months for the car if i want that color! i waited about 2 weeks for my silver 03 corolla. i needed a car right away so i had to go with a silver one.
yes, it's normal to wait up to 2 months for a corolla. as far as i know the cambridge plant in ontario supplies corolla for all of canada as well as united states. i also heard that toyota canada have placed a limit on how many cars a dealer can order!

indigo ink is gorgeous but you have to keep it clean all the time and it shows every single scratch you get! silver color hides scratches really well and it doesn't look dirty even if it's dirty!

pepsione1 · October 2002

When is the 2004 Corolla going to come out?

johnclineii · October 2002

Probably about September 2003, why do you ask?

pepsione1 · October 2002

I am asking because I just found out that I have to wait another 5-6 weeks for my car to arrive.

I don't want to spend two months waiting for a new car and find out the next model is coming in another 3 months.

I don't like this at all, having to wait for over two months for a new car. The dealer didn't notify me of the delay until i called them after the 5th week I placed my order.

jeprox · October 2002

even if your car comes out in december, you will still have the whole year of 2003 to drive the car and tell people you have a 2003 model. there's nothing much you can do if they decide to release the 2004 models in feb. of 2003! this is not possible at all in the case of the new corolla but if they do it, nothing you can do.

buying a car is like buying a computer/electronics. you can never catch up with the technology. once you buy one, don't look back! coz if you do, you will surely be disappointed. disappointed coz you didnt wait another year for better standard equipment, etc. etc. etc. when you buy a car, drive it off the lot and just keep on driving.

just my opinion.

coolguyky7 · October 2002

This reminds me of the person on another message board who complained that she bought a 2002 Corolla in November of 2001, only for the 2003 to come out two months later. She wanted to sue Toyota! hahaha

pepsione1 · October 2002

Which month did the 2003 Corolla came out this year? Was it the beginning of this summer?

I am just thinking that its almost time for the new 2004 Corolla to come out after being on the market for almost half a year. I don't want to buy a car that I "paid full MSRP" and have it to depriciate greatly shortly after because a new model comes on to the market. Beside, the first year of any generation usually have a lower resale value and i hope they will correct all the problems they have been having in the 2004.

Correct me if my logic is wrong. I will go see my dealer again on Thursday to get a refund for my deposit. Unless he is willing to take couple hundred dollars off the invoice for having me to waiting another 5 weeks.

coolguyky7 · October 2002

The 2003 Corolla came out in January, but were much more available in February.

johnclineii · October 2002

Again, the 2004 Corolla will NOT come out before about September, about 11 months from now.

What you do is up to you, but there is no reason to expect the new model before then.

And Toyota's philosophy is one of continuous improvement. Changes are made during the model year, when appropriate and necessary. I would not expect a bundle of changes for the 2004's.

jeprox · October 2002

the corolla started arriving in feb. of this year. chances of 2004 arriving again in feb of 2003 is not gonna happen. only reason 2003 arrived so early is coz it's a completely new model. i agree with "johnclineii", what you do is up to you. 2004 will not be released until late summer of next year.

you can go back to the dealer and ask for a refund and wait until early next year to buy a corolla. when you do go back next year, they will tell same story - 2004 will not be available until late august/september. so you have the choice of ordering a 2003 or wait a few more months to get your 2004, which will take you back again to the point of waiting for few months for a new model! when this happens, you will start to think again as to when the 2005 model will come out and on and on and on. you will basically be waiting forever to get a new model corolla!
in my opinion, you are better off waiting for your current order. be patient and things will fall into place for you.

as far as i can remember, toyota never releases new models in feb. or march. its always late in the year. they only release early in the year if the model is a completely re-designed model. for example, toyota released the all-new matrix/corolla and camry during the year. they will be doing this again for the 2004 sienna. 2003 sienna have been on sale since early summer this year will be all gone by early next year, around feb. or march. 2004 all-new sienna will be released around this time. again, they are doing this coz the 2004 sienna will be a completely re-designed vehicle.

when i ordered my 03 corolla, i was told at least one month. my car was built on the 2nd week of august. i got the car end of august. total of 2.5 wks. it was well worth the wait.

bottom line - decision is yours. goodluck.

Kirstie_H · October 2002

A major weekly magazine would like to talk with recent Toyota buyers who are under the age of 35. If you fit this description and care to share your story, please respond to me at jfallon@edmunds.com with your name, daytime phone number and city/state of residence before Wednesday, October 16, 2002.
Thanks!
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

jeprox · October 2002

anyone out there with a 03 corolla using K&N or TRD air filter?

just wondering if there's any difference in gas mileage at all.

thanks.

friendly_jacek · October 2002

Thanks a lot. I fixed it aesily. The mirrors in the cars I used to own were not adjustable in this way so I thought it was a design defect.
I guess I was not alone, the NTSB webside has 2 2003 Corolla safety complains with the same issue: visor hitting the mirror.
So, it really is a sloppy manufacturing. I need to find out if my Corolla came from California or Canada. Anybody knows how to?
Regards,
Jacek

jrct9454 · October 2002

...I might characterize that as a questionable design [the double-jointed mirror], but neither a defect nor sloppy manufacturing...whatever...

As to your manufacturing plant, that's easy - the NUMMI cars have "1N" as the start of the VIN; the occasional Japanese car should have a "J" in there; I don't know the Canadian plant's identifier, but by process of elimination it will be one that is neither of the above. And in any case, the country of origin should be identified on the placard on the driver's door jamb [required in the US market, anyway], as well as the so-called "Monroney" sticker that was on the car when new.

I like the double-jointed mirror, because it allows me more flexibility to have it sitting higher than most people like and still focus it where I want. But yes, it does allow it to become a target for the visor if it is adjusted too far to the side.

fgf001 · October 2002

K&N does not make an air filter for the '03 Corolla yet. I have the TRD. Mileage has increased but I attribute most of that to synthetic oil. A small performance increase will be realized but nothing drastic. AEM and others make a shorty underhood & full length cold air intake. The cold air is good for 8-10 horsepower. That's next on my list.

grandtotal · October 2002

A Canadian produced Corolla will have a VIN beginning "2T".

jeprox · October 2002

thanks for the info.
k&n do have a filter for the 2003 corolla and matrix.
part number is 33-2252. same filter for 2002/2003 corolla and matrix

you should install a CAI + headers + exhaust to be effective. just the CAI alone will not give you that much increase in horses.

goodluck.

lefttrun · October 2002

I read before Corolla shall make 33-38 mpg, but
my 00' Corolla took 9.5 gallons to run 280 miles,
local/hwy. That's less than 30 mpg, almost the
same as my friend's old Ford Escort.
Can this be called gas saving?

dudleyr · October 2002

You can only compare two cars if they both drive the same roads at the same time. Otherwise it is apples and oranges. How fast were you both going, what percent was city what was highway, is the Corolla broken in yet, what type of transmission do the cars have, was there a head wind, what temp was it, how many stops and starts, how consistent are your fillups? Way to many variables. If you drive 65 on the highway you will get way over 40 mpg in the Corolla.

toyotaboyesl1 · October 2002

Gosh, when we are driving on the highway we go no lower than 75 mph, usually 80-90 mph! If you go 65, you'll never get to where you are going!

boilerman · October 2002

If anyone is REALLY AVERAGING over 40 mpg in their 2003 Corolla , I will buy them a case of beer. I have had mine for over 2 months and average COMBINED 32-33 mpg . I am not a hot rod driver either.. This is not bad at all, but 40 mpg on average? Pass the beer bong!!

dsgecho · October 2002

28-32 for strictly in-town running is what I have gotten in the past for a 2001 version. On several road trips the hiway average has been 40 plus w/o too much problem at all. But not at 75 mph plus for most any vehicle- do you really need to get there that fast?
Don
Nashville TN

britton2 · October 2002

my '01 4-speed auto one time got 34 mpg (city) - this was the best I ever got but just that one time - usually I get 30-31 mpg city - and 39-40 highway - the lowest mpg (city) I got was about 28 mpg -

everyday · October 2002

Does anybody know why there are very little new Corollas made with the ABS option package?

lefttrun · October 2002

I never go faster than 75 on highway, 'cause I only drive on flat lands. Guess those 90 mph plus drivers live in the mountains, so they have less gravity and less air resistence......

Well, I admit i have A/C on most of the time, and auto transmission. If I turn off A/C, how many would the mpg likely be on the same roads? I made 29-30 mpg on combined city/hwy before.

lefttrun · October 2002

The paint on Corolla is disappointing. After a day's drive, I can always find some new small black points where the paint was knock out by sand particles. And some long thin scratches, don't know how they came up. Any expert here have some good idea to fix these blemishes? I know for larger area I can use touch-up pen, but for the small and thin ones I'm not sure.

toyotaboyesl1 · October 2002

well I guess I can't talk becasue I don't even drive yet, but I know my dad always drives well above 75 as does most anybody I know. Even my mom, one of the somberest, non-aggresive drivers I know sets the cruise control at 80 when driving on the highway. It is funny you even mention this because on the highway, most people are just flying past us while we are doing 80-85! Really, most people drive a heck of a lot faster than 65-70 on the highway. We figure some of those people have to be driving close to 100 the way they just zoom past us. I live in south Georgia, about as flat as it gets and people still drive fast. We rented a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am 2-door V6 for the weekend when going down to Jacksonville Florida. My dad decided to have some fun in that thing. It was really fun the way Pontiacs handle, but not only that, they have speed. We got going up to somewhere between 97-100mph in that thing at some points and it was the best feeling ever, to finally be the one flying past all the cars and being at the front. Sorry to get so off topic, but just had to comment on that. I guess since we are talking about the Corolla here, you shouldn't try taking that up past 100mph unless it is a really nice day with absolutly no wind and a good paved surface because that car I hear can be really tippy and flimsey at high speeds because it is tall and skinny, unlike the Grand Am which is short and wide.

fgf001 · October 2002

Thanks for the part # for the K&N. I bought the TRD because K&N told me there was no filter available for the 2003 Corolla??!! This was less than a month ago. As far as horsepower gains with the AEM cold air intake, their dyno tests show just under 10 hp gain with no other mods. Again, THEIR tests.... The catch is that the gain is at 6450 RPM, right where the rev limiter comes into play.

fgf001 · October 2002

I'm pleased with the mileage on my '03 5 speed. It consistanly exceeds the mileage sticker that was on the window by 2-3 mpg, both city & highway and I run the hell out of it. I attribute part of that to using synthetic oil.

ata3001 · October 2002

I own a 2001 Corolla S 5-spd and I average 35-37 mpg with 50% hwy/50% city driving. Last week I drove 256 miles on the thruway (a round trip) at 65-70 mph and used 5.5 gallons of gas. I generally don't go much faster because sitting still on the side of the road while a cop writes you a speeding ticket makes you lose more time than if you just go a little slower, plus you don't need to be constantly looking all over for where the cops are hiding. I then refilled at the same gas pump. When the pump clicks off, I only squeeze in more up to the next nickel. That averaged me approximately 46.5 mpg. Two weeks ago I started out with a full tank of gas, drove 90 miles and refilled because of going by a gas station with very low gas prices. It took an even 2 gallons to fill up. that = 45 mpg. The worst mileage I ever got was 32 mpg. That was during the winter in Buffalo, NY with me letting the car warm up at idle for 20 minutes every morning before leaving for work. On one tankfull last summer when I was on vacation, I got 48 mpg. I don't remember the miles or gallons used but 48 mpg is what it averaged. My son wishes his Honda Civic would do this...... :-)

boilerman · October 2002

I have had a lot of trouble keeping this wind whipped buggy on the road.. Any suggestions on a tire change(bigger) or (better) that will keep this thing on the Earth and not towards the edge which it constantly seems to be going? Thanks!!

Flying sideways with bad wings......

fgf001 · October 2002

It IS a both hands on the wheel situation when the wind is up, I agree. More meat on the ground may help a little but with the tall profile, slab sides, and 2500lb weight it just may not be in the cards to correct it. I suppose lowering it would reduce the wind problem but I'm not going there. I'm open to suggestions also if anyone has discovered a remedy.

jeprox · October 2002

i think the only solution to the problem of getting tossed around by the wind is to slow down. happened to my a few times now while driving on the highway.

the faster i go, the more i get bounced around! the slower you are, more control you have with the car. so, slow down or drive beside another car and let the other car block the wind for u.

everyday · October 2002

Better get used to paint problems, Toyota's new paint compound seem to be soft and weak. Chips and scratches are easy to come by. Avoid dark colors, does anybody experience better with light colors?

soure1 · October 2002

After putting 9,600 miles on the OEM Firestones the car came with, I decided to get something better. I bought a set of Dunlop SP Sport A2. They are AA rated for traction. The car now feels like it is glued to the pavement. I find myself driving faster because the car is so much more stable. And the car rides better, despite the tire's "H" rating for 130 mph. Highly recommended tires. See November 2002 Consumer Reports.

Toyota Corolla

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