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Toyota Corolla

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Comments

  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    The Jetta was traded in on a Jeep Grand Cherokee back in November of 01, we had leased the Jetta for 48 months and were 8 months into the lease....had 20k on the car already, were only allowed 10k a year.

    The Jeep was repoed November of last year (during a bk). I did have a 1990 Suburban, but since hubby lost his 02 Ram and we needed a pickup truck, we used the Suburban as a down payment on a 1994 Chevy. I was driving a 94 Escort, sold it about a week ago, it was starting to have problems and I didn't want to put money into it.

    Anyway, that's the reader's digest version, its really a long story.

    I'm just excited about the new car, I haven't had a brand new car since 2001 when we leased the Jetta.....I miss that car, but couldn't justify another one, too pricey and not reliable enough.

    Glad to hear your parents are happy with their Corolla, I'm sure I will be happy with mine too.

    Hurry up May 28!!!!
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Glad to see that Edmunds.com finally got around to doing a full road test of the '03 Corolla, just a little over one year after its debut. I noticed while it was a positive review overall, they mentioned the driver-position problem noted by some posters here and in other reviews, but also a lack of power (c'mon people, get a 5-speed if you want some pep in a compact car!) and some quality lapses. That is surprising since Toyota has had over a year to work the kinks out.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    I was surprised by the "quality lapses" reference as well. I don't put much faith in Edmunds' reviews, but something objective such as a rattle is no doubt an issue. With regard to their reference "not much power", the Corolla that Car and Driver tested 11/02 was the quickest of the 10 $16,000 compact cars tested for that issue. I award Edmunds no points. They are typically off the mark- did you read their first test of the redesigned Accord? They stated that the Camry handled slightly better. Clearly, this is contrary to universal opinion, and makes little sense.

    ~alpha
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Weren't the cars in the C/D comparo 5-speeds?
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    but I dont see how that makes a difference- as long as all the cars in the test were 5 speeds (they were), then it still seems fair to say that the Corolla is one of the quicker models in the segment. (Times would be slower for the auto Corolla, but also, slower for all the models tested).

    ~alpha
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    But Edmunds.com didn't test several cars, like C/D did in their comparo; they tested the Corolla automatic. Maybe if they had tested it side-by-side with other automatic compacts they would have been more impressed by the acceleration.
  • toyotalgaltoyotalgal Member Posts: 13
    have a '01 Corolla LE - automatic - just filled up today and checked mileage - 33 MPG/city!!!!!

    Great little car - no problems in 2 yrs -
  • rwgreenbergrwgreenberg Member Posts: 154
    What city is this? Please describe the driving experience in this city.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    Seems a bit strange to me that you can't get ABS in the Corolla S only the LE. Why not just make ABS standard, of course GM did that for a while, but now some of their vehicles no longer have ABS standard. Just seems weird that such an important safety option would be so hard to get. Just thinking outloud I guess, I still went with the Corolla S even with no ABS.

    My Corolla S is being built in 16 day.......should have it around the end of May I *hope*. This 83 Cherokee is for the birds.
  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    I have a US brochure in front of me that states that ABS is available with CE S or LE Corollas. In Canada it's standard on the LE and not available on CE or S.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    I looked on Toyotas website and its not an option that can be chosen on the S. The dealer said it wasn't either. I know the one that's coming that I have my name on doesn't have it and it has the package with the moonroof and all.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    ...has always been the difference between what is "theoretically available" and the actual way they are choosing to build the cars at any given moment in history. We have gone through long periods when the brochure says one thing, but whole regions of the country are getting cars with certain option combinations that cannot be changed, and which differ considerably from what the brochure suggests is possible.

    Honda's approach has always made more sense to me, but there are people who don't like the idea of no options at all...take your pick...
  • mei0106meimei0106mei Member Posts: 2
    I own a 2003 Toyota Corolla LE that I purchased in May 2002. About six weeks ago, I was on my way home from work when I braked to go around a corner and I heard this noise that can best be described as a metal-on-metal banging sound when I applied the brakes -- whether it was to go around a corner or to stop for a traffic light. I got the car home and let it sit for a couple of hours. I had not heard this sound before, so I thought I would take the car out for a drive after dinner to determine if the banging sound was still there. To my surprise, the sound was gone. Within a week, the sound returned. I took the car to the dealer and explained the problem. The dealer took it for a test drive, did not hear any sound when braking, and called me to tell me the car appeared to be okay. I insisted that they take it for another test drive, which they did. In addition, the dealer removed all four wheels, checked the brake linings, and could not find a problem with anything. I brought the car back from the dealer and continued to drive it with no problem. Two weeks ago the sound returned, lasted for about 20 minutes and then stopped. I did not take it to the dealer as I seemed to be the only one who could hear the sound. However, this morning on my way back home from the doctor's office, I braked for a traffic light and the banging sound returned and continued each time I applied the brakes.

    I plan to take the car back to the dealer, but would like to know if anyone has had this problem? I searched this discussion before posting my message, but did not find any problems similar to mine. Thanks in advance for whatever assistance you can provide.
  • pulgopulgo Member Posts: 400
    If you don't use your car for a few days what probably happened is that the brake rotors rusted a bit in those days (surface rust). What you heard was a metallic grinding noise. This should go away after a few uses of the brake and is completely normal. If it doesn't go away after 2 or three times of heavy braking then you should take the car to a dealer to check for a possible malfunction of the ABS system (if so equipped, LE's are the only ones with ABS). I hope this helps.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    ...the rotors is rather like a soft grinding, and is barely audible to most people. It certainly doesn't match the description of what is happening in post #2890. A loud "banging"? Sounds more like an incipient failure of the front u-joint or axle bearing...extremely unusual in any Toyota, but not impossible. Otherwise, I can imagine no other possible source...trying to diagnose noises on the internet is practically impossible.

    You need to get very precise in your description of the noise, its duration, and conditions that cause it - a good dealership will try to take it from there. But I have to be frank with you: your description sounds like nothing I have ever heard before short of a wheel that is about to fall off, and it's obvious that isn't the case...

    Other possible candidates: a strut that is loose, a bad suspension bushing...but these things would be apparent not just on braking. I'm mystified...
  • jsylvesterjsylvester Member Posts: 572
    The problem was a faulty timing chain tensioner.

    They replaced the chain, tensioner, gears, and also put in new valve seals and piston rings since they had to measure the pistons to make sure they were in spec - basically rebuilt the top end of the engine.

    All in all, very good service, and they went beyond what was necesary to fix the problem.
  • mei0106meimei0106mei Member Posts: 2
    Thanks to pulgo and jrct9454 for their suggestions to the problem I attempted to describe in post #2890. I have made an appointment with the car dealer and will post the results in case anyone else experiences the same problem.
  • veetek99veetek99 Member Posts: 4
    I just rented an '03 Corolla for a few days and noticed when you first start the car in the morning it sounds loud and then after a few moments it progressively gets quieter. Is this a normal function? I own a late model Honda Civic and when you first start it in the morning it's a little louder, but doesn't seem quite as loud as the Corolla. Were previous Corolla's like this too or just this generation? Has it taken a little getting used to or is it just me?
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    ...the Corolla has a really, really elevated idle at cold start in order to get the catalyst hot as quickly as possible. This sounds disconcerting at first, but is one of those things you don't think about once you've used the car for any length of time.
  • osum02osum02 Member Posts: 29
    You used the right words. Engine idle is louder at first start up. I appreciate your explanation. Thanks!
  • veetek99veetek99 Member Posts: 4
    Does anyone know what changes Toyota may be making to the 2004 Corolla? The one consistent complaint I've read is that the steering wheel seems too far away. I wonder if Toyota is going to make the steering column telescoping like the Ford Focus has? Normally they do the usual small changes like different wheel covers, exterior colors, rearrange some of the options, add or delete options, etc. Thanks.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    That Toyota wakes up and puts a telescoping steering wheel on the Corolla. I was all set to buy one based on what everyone said, went and drove it. I couldn't believe how horrible the driving position was, my 94 Escort was more comfortable for me to drive, heck, so is my 85 Jeep Cherokee. Come on Toyota, wake up!!
  • tunefultuneful Member Posts: 35
    I've been w/out a car for months, and if it weren't for the Corolla's messed-up driving ergonomics, I'd be in a new LE now. When is Toyota going to fix this? And it's been a problem for YEARS. I gave my local dealer an earful (nicely) about Toyota's lag in this feature in ALL its vehicles(correct me if I'm wrong--however, I'm not in the luxury bracket). I drove a rental Focus over the weekend. It wasn't as nice as the Corolla in a lot of ways but Focus does offer telescopic, thereby acknowledging there are a lot of us tall, long-legged Americans.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    Amen to that, we almost bought a Focus because the driving position is soooo much better, but the Ford dealer decided they wanted top dollar for the car, so we walked and won't go back.

    I still want a Corolla, but with my bad knee and bad back I can't stand the driving position, its painful for me. If I get wind that Toyota is going to fix that for 04 I'll hold out on buying a car. Right now we are looking at June for buying, we were hoping for May, but oh well.
  • corolla03corolla03 Member Posts: 17
    I do know that our 2003 Corolla LE sometimes smells so bad it makes us nauseated. I have had to open the windows in rainstorms, to try to get the smell out. One rider honestly thought we were parked over an open sewer. The trouble is that it doesn't happen all the time, so I can't replicate the problem when I take it to the dealer.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    Driving position or not, my Corolla is being built today and will be here the end of next month. Can't find a more sensible car. Talked to the sales manager today and he said he was hoping I would change my mind and call him back.

    Just gonna have to fiddle with that seat to make it work.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Maybe it is just me, but I would never buy a car that I was unhappy with on the test drive, especially if the problem was with the seating. I would be looking at most honorable Proteges, Civics, Imprezas and Sentras.

    If you aren't happy with it now, you probably will be less so when you have made the last payment!
  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    That's OK, akangl will not be making the last payment, I guarantee it. Smile
  • tunefultuneful Member Posts: 35
    Wishing you the best with your new purchase. There are TONS of corollas on the road here in metro DC/Baltimore and all those people can't be wrong. I'm sure you can try various modifications if you turn out to have problems (cushions, pedal mods?, buy/install diff seat?). It wasn't a problem for me on routine drives, only longer ones. Johncline-san, <L'd> at your post :-)
    Toyota M of NA, hoping you get w/the times and do something about this issue.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    I'm not getting the 03, found a beautiful 01 Corolla CE today in my goofing around and bugging friends at the dealerships today. The car is in perfect shape and the price is $8495. It has 44k on it and I figure that's barely broke in. Works for me, would rather spend that then the $17k for a new one that I don't like the seats in. The 01 is so much nicer to drive that the 03. We are picking it up tomorrow morning.
  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    When I said that I didn't think you'd make the last payment I didn't realise you wouldn't make the first one either! But seriously, I think that choice makes a great deal more sense for you given that you probably won't keep it till it dies.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Congrats with your choice.
    ~alpha
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    We will probably keep it at least 3 years, the loan will be a 24 month loan. I drive a lot, so it will have over 150k on it by the 3 year mark. As long as it doesn't give me any trouble I'll keep it. It was buying and selling cars that got us into this mess, I sure don't want a repeat of it in a few years. I need to realize that vehicles are just that and I don't have to have the latest and greatest. I'm learning.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    It's TMS USA. And it's a non-issue at this time. Corollas are selling briskly.
                       : )
                       Mackabee
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    Picked up the 2001 Corolla CE today, its home now, what a nice car! I'm really impressed, definatly like it better than the 03 Corolla.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Yea, I just dont see it (comparison 01 vs. 03), but to each his own. Best wishes with your car.
    ~alpha
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    The difference is the driving position, the 03 is very awkward and to me, very uncomfortable. The 01 has a great driving position, I don't know what Toyota was thinking when they changed it so much for 03. I've driven both now and much prefer the 01.
  • canccanc Member Posts: 715
    I can understand what you're saying. I drive a Corolla almost daily, and I can fit in well in a 2000 Corolla. I was having my car serviced the other day, and went to see new Corolla in the showroom. I couldn't believe that they decreased leg room! Now my knees are literally right next the steering wheel and the door. Strange. I hope this will change in the redesign.

    Congratulations on your purchase!
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    Thanks. My main complaint about the 2003 Corolla is how far the steering wheel is away from the driver, its horrible.
  • tunefultuneful Member Posts: 35
    I stand corrected on the corporate name. Acronym research is at the top of my list before I post <L> some of us work in other industries and have limited time for it. And just becaues Rollas are selling in droves, that does not mean that this is "a non-issue." Any cruise of the boards and reviews on this car supports this point. Toyota or any of its reps ignoring or dismissing it (i.e., we don't have to fix it, we're toyota, nuff said) is unfortunate.
    Akan, congrats on what sounds like a good solution for you.
  • coolguyky7coolguyky7 Member Posts: 932
    I don't know if some of you recognize the boatloads of money it would take Toyota to fix the steering wheel quirk. It isn't as easy as just making them longer. Dealing with suppliers and re-engineering the machines that make them is costly. If the problem were this severe, Toyota wouldn't have designed it the way it was and would fix it if absolutely necessary.
  • tmanttmant Member Posts: 70
    I've read some of the more recent messages here on the Corolla and would like to get some input. I'm really interested in an Elantra GT hatchback, but the wife wants a Corolla.

    I need to convince the wife why the Elantra is better, or perhaps you folks can convince me why I should get the Corolla.
  • coolguyky7coolguyky7 Member Posts: 932
    My rear driver side window is working again! I think maybe opening and closing it caused a loose connection to possibly be remade.

    However, I am thinking of trading in the car for a 1998 Celica which I found a great deal on. My originally intended to purchase a Celica but couldn't find one on the market meeting my requirements.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    Thanks, its a nice car and we are very happy with it. Now I'm going to fix up my 85 Jeep so I will have the best of both worlds.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    I don't understand why Toyota changed the driving position so much. We drove an 03 and then bought an 01 Corolla, they are night and day for driving position. I much prefer the 01. I think Toyota could fix the problem by just going to a tilt/telescoping steering wheel like the Jetta and Focus have.

    Ah well, I'm just glad we found an 01 that's in good shape, hard to do here in Alaska. Of course with our driveway like it is right now if I'm not careful I won't have much of a car left.
  • superman5superman5 Member Posts: 154
    what kind of people ask for telescopic steering wheel on a corolla? if it matters much , buy a lexus/mercede/bmw with them
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    I'm glad it started to work again, probaly the same gremlin that I had...lol! Hit the 68k mark driving home from work today and am getting the itch for a new Corolla. Will have to wait for the '04's to come out though, hate a first year run and also an odd model year, just a quirk of mine!

    The Sandman :-)
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    coolguy- awesome! good luck in getting that Celica. I think the 94-99s were great looking, just never had an engine to match the raciness.

    superman-Last time I checked, there arent many people cross shopping Corollas and C-classes. I would say that the kind of person wanting a tilt/telescopic steering wheel in a Corolla is a reasonable, prudent person probably one looking to maximize satisfaction and value of the dollar from a car he or she likes. How much would it really cost Toyota to add a tele mech. on at least S and LEs?

    sandman- if it helps, the Corolla is currently in its 14th month of model year 2003.

    ~alpha
  • terceltom1terceltom1 Member Posts: 150
    I think you made a smart choice by going with the "01" vs. the "03". Not only was it a great price but like you stated the driving position is so much better. Not to mention you won't have to deal with that dashboard squeal and lousy smell that so many "03" owners are complaining about. I have an "01" LE with 15000 miles on it and the only thing I ever had to take it back to the dealer for was a squeal with the belt on cold start ups. This was actually a service bulletin that Toyota knew about and it required a new belt and belt tensioner. Of course it was under the warranty. Good Luck with your "01"
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    If Ford can put a telescoping wheel on the Focus, why can't Toyota put it on the Corolla?

    I drove a '03 Corolla LE in Miami this week and was reminded of its good points (smooth ride, smooth engine, smooth paint, big trunk) and its bad points (uncomfortable driving position, rotten-egg smell, lack of niceties like map lights, so-so pickup with automatic). For the person comparing the Corolla to the Elantra--be sure you and every other driver of the car takes a long test drive in each before you decide.
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