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Toyota Corolla

1555658606178

Comments

  • superman5superman5 Member Posts: 154
    I guess toyota should add some napa leather/multi htd seats/HID lights/etc =/
  • coolguyky7coolguyky7 Member Posts: 932
    The Corolla beat the Civic in sales by almost 4,000 units in March 2003. When was the last time that the Corolla was outselling Civic in the cars' other generations?
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    But maybe add some features that almost every small car has these days, and while they are at it do a redesign on the driver's seat and/or steering column, and the emissions system. But since the car is selling so well, maybe Toyota couldn't care less about such things.
  • autonutsautonuts Member Posts: 138
    me if the timing "chain" ever needs replaced or adjusted on the Corollas equipped with them?
  • dunworthdunworth Member Posts: 338
    We have owned a 1998 Elantra sedan and currently own a '02 Corolla. Both of these cars in '03 have new bodies but have the same basic powertrains as previous models albeit with some added horsepower and other refinements

    The Elantra has a better driving position, is much sportier and is also roomier than the Corolla. The downside is that the Hyundai is not as refined and its interior is not of the same quality of the Toyota. Exterior fit and finish of the two cars is not as far off, but again, the vote goes to the Corolla. While both cars have engines that are durable, the trannies in the Hyundais are not as good. The manuals are a bit sloppy and the automatics do not make the best use of the extra 10 hp versus the Corolla.

    Resale of course is nearly industry leading with the Corolla while it is slightly below average for the Elantra - although better than many US makes.

    I also own an '03 Civic which I think shares more similarity with the Elantra than the Corolla. I can not give you a clear recommendation for the Elantra GT over the Corolla. They are two different but excellent small cars.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    I've had my 01 Corolla almost a week now and have put nearly 800 miles on it. So far its getting 38 mpg in mixed driving. We love it. Only thing I've noticed is for 1st, 3rd, and reverse it likes the clutch pushed all the way in or it makes some pretty horrible noises.

    Very neat, peppy little car, glad I bought it.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    It will not last forever - but generally is maintenance-free up to the 125k mark or even more. Eventually, the chain can stretch and start making noise by slapping against the housing; if it gets loose enough, it can slip a cog and then you have the same problems you would with a broken belt.

    Mercedes and BMW have historically recommended having a look at it before 150k miles, even if there are no symptoms. In a car like the Corolla, my guess is that most of them will go to the auto graveyard before the chain will ever see the light of day...
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    which also used a timing chain went out to 250K on the original chain, before I sold the car.

    Nice thing about chains is, if they begin to stretch or get loose they will make lots of noise and you will know it may need replacement. BIG advantage over timing belts, which will be silent until the day they break and leave you stranded or worse.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • superman5superman5 Member Posts: 154
    I get about 34mpg with about 40 city/ 60% highway, is that bad?
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    I wouldn't say that's bad. I'm getting 38 mpg with 20% city/80% highway on my 01 Corolla.
  • marksmanmarksman Member Posts: 1
    Greetings, everyone.
    This is my first message in town hall.
    Being a teacher, I needed a car that was reliable and economical. Because of past experience, I chose a toyota corolla.

    I bought my 2003 corolla at the end of feburary 2003. So far, I am pleased. Have not experienced the smell often(maybe only twice), and I now have 2150 miles on the vehicle.

    Two questions:
    1) Ocassionally, my driver's door will not unlock from the outside with the key. I have power locks, and I have to turn the key several times to get it to unlock. Has anyone else had this experience?

    2) Periodically, when I put my foot on the brake, I hear a 'clunk' from beneath the pedal and feel the vibiration. I do not have ABS, and I asked the dealer about it. The dealership said that this was 'normal', that the components(discs or pads) shift when one applys the brakes. If this was 'normal', why do I not hear it all the time? Has anyone else out there in toyotaland had similar problems??
  • tominsdtominsd Member Posts: 18
    The Toyota 04 Corolla is out and the specs are on the Toyota web page. But it says nothing about anything being new. I was hoping they would have upgraded the seats and maybe added a telescoping steering wheel. I can detect no changes except some new colors.

    Anybody have more detailed info to see what changes may have been made to the 04 model?
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    For Toyota to do anything differently in the second model year of a design. In fact, the recent Camry (with its equipment upgrades, stronger V6, 5sp auto combination) is the only exception I can think of in recent memory- and this was largely because of the new Accord and much stronger selling Altima. For now, I don't feel the Corolla faces competition that is as formidable.

    ~alpha
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    The Mazda3 is due this fall. From all descriptions it should be a formidable competitor to the Corolla.
  • gregoriusmgregoriusm Member Posts: 61
    I don't understand how anyone can even think of buying an Elantra if they check out the crash tests on IIHS and NHTSA. Corollas are a Best Pick whereas the Elantra scores among the worst overall.

    I think your wife is right about the Corolla!

    Elentras were good until this last generation. I wouldn't drive one if it was given to me.

    IMHO.

    ... Greg
  • toyotalgaltoyotalgal Member Posts: 13
    has been great! On my last tank I got 32 MPG (city driving) I have the 4 speed auto tranny - I keep the air pressure in my tires slightly above what is recommended - instead of 30 PSI I keep them at 32 or so - also, I have learned to "coast" and this helps as well - I understand the 2003 Corolla is a heavier car than my 2001 so I think this is why I have been reading about the gas mileage not meeting expectations from some 2003 owners - also, I usually go with 89 octane rather than 87 - yes, it costs a little more but it does give you better mileage - so far my car has been everything I hoped for and wanted -
  • superman5superman5 Member Posts: 154
    most people may be don't think that they will crash their cars?
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    89 octane will not improve your gas mileage unless your engine is out of tune.

    32 PSI does help (I usually use 35). The only downside to higher psi is a harsher ride. The car handles better, tires last longer, and are safer because they run cooler (lower pressure means more tire flex and more heat).
  • toyotalgaltoyotalgal Member Posts: 13
    I respectfully disagree - when I use 89 versus 87 octane gas I do get better mileage - I check it every time I fill up - my understanding is that your engine uses less of the higher octane gas versus the lower -
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Then your engine needs a tuneup. 89 octane has no more energy than 87 octane (it is actually less volitile), and cannot improve the mileage of an engine that is not designed for it.

    If your timing is too far advanced then you can take advantage of the higher octane, but that would mean your engine is out of tune.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    With my 01 Corolla CE I have put just over 1000 miles on it, so far the worst gas mileage was 36.5, the best was 42.1. It seems to average 37 to 38 in mixed driving, 20% city/80% hwy and some idling.

    Can't beat that, my previous car was a 94 Escort and its best gas mileage was 35, worst 25, and it seemed to hang in the 28 mpg in mixed driving.

    I do need to replace the tires here soon, any suggestions? I was going to go to a 15" alloy wheel and 195/55/R15 tires, but I'm afraid that will mess up the gas mileage. So, I'll stick with the 14's that it has.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    You are mistaken about the NHTSA crash tests for the Civic compared to the Elantra. Both cars have two 4-star rankings and two 5-star rankings. That is, comparing like-to-like (4-door sedans). The IIHS frontal offset crash test result for the Civic is better than the Elantra's, mostly because the Elantra's airbag deployed late in 2 out of 3 tests. Hyundai has not been able to duplicate that result. The Elantra has superior IIHS bumper crash tests compared to the Civic. Personally I think the current-gen Elantras are a huge improvement over earlier models, while that is not the case for the current-gen Civic.
  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    I think this link is what gregoriousm was referring to.
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/octane.htm

    Using higher octane only increases the price you pay for fuel. A Corolla is designed for regular unleaded and will not receive increased mileage with premium.

    The idea that higher octane equals better mileage is a myth.
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    when significantly overpumping tires beyond the car manufacturer's recommendation - this can lead to uneven tire wear across the tread.

    Also, of course, never exceed the tire manufacturer's maximum pressure which is printed on the sidewall.

    There, that is my quota of public service announcements for the week! :-)

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    gregoriousm mentioned both the IIHS tests (which your link pointed to) and the NHTSA tests. I was just pointing out that in the case of the NHTSA tests, the Elantra has done very well, as it has also on the IIHS bumper tests. gregoriousm seemed to say that the Elantra had poor NHTSA test results, which is not the case. However, I did make one big goof in my earlier post in that I said "Civic" instead of Corolla. I guess I had Civics on the brain, shifting around between boards and all. But everything I said still applies to the Corolla except my comment about the current-gen Civic, er, Corolla. I think the '03 model is an improvement over the previous Corolla in most respects, especially rear-seat space, although I prefer the driving position of the previous-gen Corollas.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    I agree about the driving position, that's the main reason I bought a used 01 rather than the new 03 I was going to get. Well, that and the $9000 difference in the price tag.
  • gregoriusmgregoriusm Member Posts: 61
    Backy: If you click on the link that grandtotal supplied, how can you think that the Elantra is a safe car when compared with the Corolla (or almost any other compact car for that matter).

    If you go to that link and click on "Earlier Designs, you'll see the Elantra near the top. The redesign put them near the bottom.

    ... Greg

    P.S. Thanks for posting the link, gt.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I didn't say that the Elantra is a safer car than the Corolla. You said in an earlier post:

    I don't understand how anyone can even think of buying an Elantra if they check out the crash tests on IIHS and NHTSA. Corollas are a Best Pick whereas the Elantra scores among the worst overall.

    I was merely pointing out that the Elantra's NHTSA crash test scores are equivalent to those of the Corolla--each has two five-star results and two four-star results. And those results are among the very best for small four-door sedans. Based on that, I don't think it is accurate to say that the Elantra's NHTSA scores are among the worst overall--which is what you said. The Elantra's IIHS frontal offset crash test score is of course worse than that of the Corolla's. But you didn't specify that test in your post, and you included the NHTSA tests too.

    The Corolla is a fine car, but maybe there are other reasons besides a single crash test score that people would buy an Elantra over a Corolla. Unfortunately, Toyota decided to design the driving position of the new Corolla to favor shorter people, so it's not a car I could consider buying.
  • gregoriusmgregoriusm Member Posts: 61
    I stand corrected. On the NHTSA site the Elantra did reasonably well.

    It is the IIHS site where it blew it - in the offset crash.

    I guess I need to rethink the Elantra and not be so critical.

    Thanks for pointing this out to me.

    ... Greg :-)
  • dunworthdunworth Member Posts: 338
    Glad to hear you are enjoying your '01 Corolla. My wife and I absolutely love or '02 (which is identical to yours). We bought it new 18 months ago and it has been an excellent car. We have 20,000 km/12,500 miles on the odometer and on a recent highway trip got 49 mpg (imperial gallon)/40 mpg (US gallon). We have the auto tranny.

    We also have an '03 Civic (115 hp engine and 5 speed) which is not as fuel efficient on the highway but better in the city than the Corolla.

    Of course nothing beat my previous car, an '01 Saturn SL with 5-speed, which was capable of 56 mpg (imperial) and 46 mpg (US).
  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    Although the NHTSA tests are very good for Elantra, I personally put more weight on the IIHS tests because they reflect the sort of impacts that are most common in real life. It is also much more difficult to do well in an offset test.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    Wow, 46 mgp out of a Saturn! I thought about a Saturn but hubby said no. He was pretty stuck on the Corolla. I certainly don't regret buying it. He's buying another truck, so I will have a truck and the car. Kinda makes it nice. My Corolla is a manual trans, wouldn't have it any other way.
  • dunworthdunworth Member Posts: 338
    akangl: The Corolla was a good choice versus the Saturn. The Saturn was more fuel efficient and larger but the Corolla is more refined, comfortable, powerful and better quality. Also the new Saturn called Ion is quite a controversial design versus the more elegant and conservative Corolla.

    I think the Corolla and Civic are two of the nicest small cars on the market , although I also like the Hyundai Elantra, Mitsu Lancer and Mazda Protege, Nissan Sentra as second choices.

    I would have preferred a 5-speed on the Corolla too but my wife can't drive manual and does not want to learn. Fortunately my Civic is manual.

    Question to owners of smelly Corollas. Does it go away if you start using exclusively high octane/low sulphur gas (like those from Shell and Sunoco).
  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    I have used Sunoco (regular) almost exclusively for several years but when I got my 2003 Corolla the dealer advised me against Sunoco in particular and so it has turned out to be. Esso is much better than Sunoco and with Shell I have yet to notice any smell at all.
  • LuzerLuzer Member Posts: 119
    Is this Esso and Shell regular (87 Octane) or the higher?
  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    It's regular, anything else is a waste of money. I imagine that Sunoco 94 octane which is guaranteed to be low sulphur would not smell much.
  • autonutsautonuts Member Posts: 138
    I have a question which is straying from the current conversations going on here. Can anyone who owns a Corolla tell me if it can really tow 1500lb.? Has anyone towed with this car? How did it do? I'm just curious. Thanks to all!
  • dunworthdunworth Member Posts: 338
    My guess is that regardless of rated capacity, towing with a fwd car as small as a Corolla with such a high-tech engine is a really bad idea, especially with an auto tranny.

    Most V6 powered minivans do not have much more towing capacity than 1500 lbs, and in some cases, that includes what is in the van itself.

    The Sienna in its previous incarnation occasionally had engine sludging and tranny problems no doubt because people are using them for hauling more than they were designed for (thus over taxing the engine, oil etc).

    I think an American vehicle is probably a safer bet for towing since they are typically a little heavier and many come with push-rod engines with lots of low end torque. I think that the Big 3 still understand that some people are going to be hard on their cars and design them with that in mind.

    Best to check with Toyota on towing with the Corolla or get a small pickup (Tacoma etc).
  • lap3lap3 Member Posts: 1
    We are seriously thinking of buying a Corolla for our son. I'm a bit concerned though, about a few posts I've seen on here from people who say that it's just not roomy enough. Our son is 6' tall. WOuld appreciate your comments (and hope they aren't too discouraging because we LOVE this car!)
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    My husband is 6' and we have an 01 Corolla, the legroom is tight in it, but he doesn't mind the car. We almost bought an 03, but went with a used Corolla because the driving position on the 03 was awkward for both him and me. I think it just boils down to each person has his/her preferences. Go drive the car and decide, that's the best way I think.
  • boilermanboilerman Member Posts: 35
    I have owned a 2003 Corolla for 9 months and I am 6 foot 2 . The driving position although not horrible , is uncomfortable for tall, long legged drivers, especially on long trips....
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    Yeah, you really have to try the '03 for yourself before making a decision - absolute height is no indicator of whether or not you'll be comfortable. I'm 6' even with a 32" inseam, and I used a seat cushion to get a little more height in our LE, even with the seat set at its highest position. I had no trouble with the seat/wheel/pedal relationship, but the deadpedal on the left firewall was far, far too close for comfort on long trips - I had to rest my left foot to the left of the brake pedal in the main footwell. This was my only complaint - in the effort to maximize total room, and get more room in the back, the whole passenger compartment has been pushed closer to the front wheel wells, which in turn moves the left foot "rest" back too far.

    For shorter people, I can see that the steering wheel/pedal relationship might be a problem, but it was not for me.

    Anyway, I have to agree with the observation that only an extended test drive will tell you whether or not it will work for you - we rented a new LE from our local dealer and drove it for a couple of days before making our final decision. Many dealers who have rental fleets have lots of Corollas and Camrys available - this is a good approach if you have a dealer nearby with the right cars.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    I don't think 1,500 lbs would be a problem at all for the Corolla to tow. The owners manual says it can, and they are usually very conservative about things like that. 1,500 lbs really isn't very much.

    BTW most v-6 minivans can tow 3,500 lbs.
  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    Most V6 minivans with transmission coolers can tow 3500 lbs.
  • dunworthdunworth Member Posts: 338
    Yes good point "grandtotal", the tranny coolers are a must with any automatics. Unforetunaltey the rating drops to only about 1500 lb without the cooler. Most people who do ocassional towing did not go out to buy a vehicle with towing in mind until they actually have to two something.

    The Corolla is rated for towing 1500 lbs which may be OK with a good hitch and a manual tranny but I think you will have to be extra vigilant about maintenance on the engine and tranny if you tow a lot. I think it also depende on the terrain and climate in your area. Best to check with Toyota to be absolutely sure.

    With the recent sluding problem (which has affected a few of the last generation Corollas as well though it is not well publicized) I would be careful with towing, especially if the car is under warrantee.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    Just curious what causes this? I've never had a problem with a vehicle doing anything like that before and I've owned some very high mileage american trucks. We plan on flushing the engine in our Corolla and changing to synthetic oil. The car currently has about 45k on it, would synthetic oil prevent this problem?
  • superman5superman5 Member Posts: 154
    I do amit, corolla's driver seat is very uncomfortable, it seems very high and akward.
  • dunworthdunworth Member Posts: 338
    I have heard many explanations for the sludging in newer Toyotas (primarily the big I4 and V6 used in Camry/Sienna/Avalon etc). It was caused by a design flaw but I understand that there are almost no examples from well maintained (read dealer serviced)normally driven cars. The Corolla cases are extremely rare and only affected a few 1998 models from what I have heard.

    My family has owned all Toyota car models (Tercel, Corolla, Camry and Avalon)over a number of model years with no real problems. My brother's car did consume a lot of oil after 120,000 km but I think he did not baby the car either.

    Keep the oil changed at 3000miles/5000 km at a Toyota dealer, and check your oil levels regularly and you should not have any problems. Is there anyone on this board who works for Toyota that can shed some light on this subject?
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    Our car had its oil changed at the selling dealership at 7.5k mile intervals as the manual stated. At 80k miles, a dealership closer to home told me I had sludge in the engine. I never understood why the dealership that did every oil change on the car failed to see or notify me of this problem. I dumped the car 2 weeks later because of the sludge issue, but I wish Toyota i.e., the 1st dealership, had been more honest with me. After all, I followed Toyota's manual and let their people do the work!

    The Sandman :-(
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