Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Automatic transmission: A-40 series automatic transmissions may eventually shift harshly because rubber check balls become smaller, blow through the plate, and get dislodged. (1993-96)

Rough idle: Poor engine performance accompanied by a check-engine light is often due to failure of the vacuum-switching valve for the EGR system. (1994-07)

Steering noise: Dry rubber bushing around steering shaft can cause squeaking from steering column. Lubrication may eliminate noise. (1993-97)

Water pump: Water pumps leak due to a defective seal. (1993-94)

Windshield washer: Windshield-washer bottles frequently break. (1993-95)

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.

1993-94: Snow or water can penetrate carpet and result in short and possible fire.

1993-95: If liquid is spilled in console-box area, airbag warning light can illuminate during normal driving conditions and cause airbag to malfunction, deploying inadvertently.

1994: Anchor straps in certain seatbelt assemblies were improperly heat treated and can break.

1995: Battery may have defective weld inside positive or negative terminal, which can result in a no-start condition or explosion.

1997: If airbag computer experiences mechanical shock within very short time after engine is started, airbag can deploy inadvertently.

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

Toyota's most recent Corolla subcompact is offered in three trim levels; Standard, DX, and LE. Upon their introduction in 1993, the Standard gets an improved 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, which adds an extra three horsepower to the previous model's base engine. The new output is 105 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 105 pound-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. It comes with a 5-speed manual, but can be paired with a 3-speed automatic. The other two Corolla models come with a new 1.8-liter 4-cylinder. It delivers 115 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 115 pound-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on all except the LE sedan, which comes with the 4-speed automatic that's optional on the base and DX versions. For '95, the uplevel 1.8-liter engine is retuned to meet stricter emissions standards, resulting in a drop of 10 horsepower to 105 at 5200 rpm and a small rise in torque to 117 pound-feet at 2800 rpm. Also, the base Corolla's 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine has been revised to produce lower emissions. As a result, horsepower drops by five to 100 at 5600 rpm, while torque actually increases by five to 105 pound-feet at 4400 rpm.