1993-1997 Toyota Corolla: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1993-1997 Toyota Corolla and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Ride
Cons
- Acceleration (w/automatic transmission)
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Corolla was all new for 1993. In the redesign it got larger, added a driver-side airbag and available antilock brakes. Corolla returned as both a 4-door sedan and a 4-door wagon. Geo offered its own version of the Corolla, called the Prizm. Corollas were offered in three trim levels; the Standard, DX, and LE. The Standard came with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, which made 105 horsepower. It came with a standard 5-speed manual, but could be paired with a 3-speed automatic. The other two Corolla models came with a 115-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard; 4-speed automatic optional (standard on LE).
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota Corolla LE 4-door Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 44 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1993-1997 Toyota Corolla. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1993-1997 Toyota Corolla.
Year to Year Changes
1994 Toyota Corolla:
Corollas gain a new passenger-side airbag as its most notable change for '94. In addition, the passengers' seatbelts now have automatic-locking retractors that cinch the belts tight when they're used with a child safety seat.
1995 Toyota Corolla:
The mainstay 1.8-liter engine, which drops 10 horsepower (to 105) from new tuning is implemented to meet stricter emissions limits in all states. The only other change is new interior fabric for the DX 4-door notchback and 5-door wagon.
1996 Toyota Corolla:
Toyota killed the LE model for pricing reasons. That leaves just the base and DX sedans and 5-door wagons, which carry on with only minor changes. The most obvious is a new smaller grille. 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, while torque actually increases by five pound-feet to 105.
1997 Toyota Corolla:
The Corolla station wagon is dropped for 1997. Joining the base and DX sedan is a new Classic Edition package, or CE, which includes power windows and locks, air conditioning, and other features.
Our road test for the 1993-1997 Toyota Corolla includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1993-1997 Toyota Corolla and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1993-1997 Toyota Corolla is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The 1.8-liter gives the Corolla DX and LE (pre-1996) models quicker acceleration and stronger passing power than the base sedan's 1.6-liter unit. We timed a Corolla with the 1.8-liter at 10.9 seconds to 60 mph, which is slower than a Honda Civic, but quicker than most other rivals. Though the automatic transmission generally works well with the 1.8-liter engine, it's slow to downshift for passing, unless you floor the throttle. The optional 3-speed automatic provided with the 1.6-liter engine is not only slow to downshift, it can be harsh at times. However, fuel economy is good with either engine--generally averaging about 30 mpg. Corolla's suspension provides a stable highway ride and absorbs bumps better than some larger cars. Corolla is quieter than the similar Geo Prizm because Toyota includes more sound insulation in its cars. The car is roomier than most rivals, yet the rear seat is a tight fit for two adults, and more appropriate for children. Cargo space is adequate and can be expanded on DX models, thanks to the split folding rear seatback.
Value for the Money
Corollas generally sold for more than comparable subcompact rivals, so expect preowned models to also be priced a bit more, given Toyota's generally high resale value and strong reputation for reliability.
Corollas generally sold for more than comparable subcompact rivals, so expect preowned models to also be priced a bit more, given Toyota's generally high resale value and strong reputation for reliability.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota Corolla LE 4-door Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 44 |
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.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Corolla includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Corolla .
Trouble Spots
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)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
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.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $925 |
| Alternator | $415 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,025 |
| Brakes | $200 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $515 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $805 |
| Exhaust System | $550 |
| Radiator | $440 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $550 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $155 |
Our price chart for this generation Toyota Corolla details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1997 | |||
| Corolla | $2,500-3,000 | $1,800-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 1996 | |||
| Corolla | $2,200-2,600 | $1,600-1,800 | $400-500 |
| 1995 | |||
| Corolla | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1994 | |||
| Corolla | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1993 | |||
| Corolla | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
|
|
|||
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.
Specs for this generation Toyota Corolla include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 97.0 | 97.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 172.0 | 172.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.3 | 66.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.3 | 56.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2315 | 2403 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.7 | 64.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | 13.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.8 | 38.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.1 | 39.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.0 | 33.0 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
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.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.6 / 97 | 105 | 105 | 5-speed manual: 27/34 3-speed automatic: 26/29 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 1.8 / 110 | 105 | 117 | 5-speed manual: 29/34 4-speed automatic: 27/34 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 30.1 |
| dohc I4 | 1.6 / 97 | 100 | 105 | 5-speed manual: 31/35 3-speed automatic: 26/30 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: 26.4 |
| dohc I4 | 1.8 / 110 | 115 | 115 | 5-speed manual: 27/33 4-speed automatic: 26/33 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 30.5 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Canada, Japan, USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota Corolla include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1997 Corolla |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1993-1997 Toyota Corolla directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
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.
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