1998-2002 Toyota Corolla: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1998-2002 Toyota Corolla and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Maneuverability
- Fuel economy
Cons
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Slightly larger and more powerful than the previous Corolla, the redesigned '98 models also offered the option of front side airbags. Available only as a 4-door sedan, the new Corolla rode the same wheelbase as before, but measured two inches longer. Most interior dimensions grew just slightly. As before, Corolla's design and powertrain were shared with the Chevrolet Prizm. Base VE, CE, and top-line LE models went on sale. All models used the same 120-horsepower, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. Five-speed manual shift was standard. A 3-speed automatic transmission was optional on the VE model, and a 4-speed automatic on the CE and LE. Optional on all models, the new side airbags were mounted to the front seatbacks. Antilock brakes were optional on all Corollas.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota Corolla LE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1998-2002 Toyota Corolla. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1998-2002 Toyota Corolla.
Year to Year Changes
1999 Toyota Corolla:
Changes were few in the new design's second season. All models now had a front stabilizer bar.
2000 Toyota Corolla:
Adoption of VVT-i variable-valve timing added 5 horsepower to the Corolla's engine. A tilt steering wheel became standard on CE and LE models.
2001 Toyota Corolla:
Corolla got new front and rear fascias for 2001. The VE model was dropped, and the CE lost such standard features as tilt steering wheel, cassette player, rear defogger, and split/fold rear seat. Also new for 2001 was a sport-oriented S model with color-keyed trim, fog lights, wider tires, and tachometer.
2002 Toyota Corolla:
With an all-new sedan due in February as an '03 model, Corolla was unchanged for 2002.
Our road test for the 1998-2002 Toyota Corolla includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1998-2002 Toyota Corolla and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1998-2002 Toyota Corolla is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Although the new car feels stronger at higher engine speeds, automatic-transmission models feel somewhat sluggish at first, failing to deliver a sharp jump off the line from a standstill. Acceleration, in fact, ranks about average for a subcompact. In addition, turning on the air conditioner deadens performance noticeably. The 4-speed automatic transmission provides smooth, timely upshifts and prompt downshifts for passing, but seems to cut engine power slightly during gear changes. Corolla suspensions are tuned to provide a comfortable ride, rather than sporty handling. Bumps are absorbed nicely, with good straightline stability, but high-speed turns produce excessive body roll. This drawback is especially noticeable in the 1998 VE and CE, which lacked the LE model's front stabilizer bar. The front stabilizer went into all 1999 models, but body roll remains apparent--though the car is agile and predictable. All told, the ride is even quieter than before, with only moderate wind and road noise at highway speeds. Yes, the engine thrashes when worked hard, but it settles down nicely at cruising speeds. Braking with the optional ABS is swift and undramatic--just as it should be. Like previous Corollas, this latest version is short on back-seat space, and not exactly bountiful up front, either. With average-sized folks seated up front, medium-sized adults can squeeze into the rear seats. Knee room will be snug, however. If front seats are moved more than halfway back, rear leg room becomes extremely tight. On the plus side, back doors are wide enough at the bottom so average-sized people slip easily through the openings. A low cowl and beltline help to give the driver a commanding position. Reaching the radio and climate controls is a bit of a stretch, but all are simple to use and clearly marked. Though useful in size, the trunk has hinges that dip down into the load space when the lid is closed.
Value for the Money
Ranked as a Best Buy for new-car shoppers, Corolla is also appealing secondhand--but prices aren't the lowest by any means in the subcompact league.
Ranked as a Best Buy for new-car shoppers, Corolla is also appealing secondhand--but prices aren't the lowest by any means in the subcompact league.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota Corolla LE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
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.
Airbags:
On cars with side impact protection, the company advises that replacement seat covers (leather or cloth) not be installed or the side airbags may not work properly. (1998)
Cruise control:
Some models may not shift into overdrive when the cruise control is on. A new cruise-control computer is available. (1998)
Doors:
The dome light may not work when switched to "On," requiring replacement of the dome-light assembly. (1998)
Rough idle:
Fuel injectors on 1.8-liter engine may cause rough idle and the check-engine light to illuminate. (1999)
Water leak:
The rear quarter windows leak and a new molding strip will be installed under the normal warranty. (1998)
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 | $620 |
| Alternator | $490 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $785 |
| Brakes | $440 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $560 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,400 |
| Exhaust System | $610 |
| Radiator | $670 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,080 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $455 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2002 | |||
| Corolla CE, S | $4,900-5,700 | $4,200-4,800 | $1,900-2,200 |
| Corolla LE | $5,200-5,900 | $4,400-5,000 | $2,100-2,400 |
| 2001 | |||
| Corolla CE, S | $4,100-4,800 | $3,400-3,900 | $1,400-1,600 |
| Corolla LE | $4,400-5,000 | $3,700-4,200 | $1,500-1,800 |
| 2000 | |||
| Corolla CE, LE | $3,700-4,300 | $3,000-3,500 | $1,100-1,200 |
| Corolla VE | $3,500-4,100 | $2,800-3,300 | $900-1,100 |
| 1999 | |||
| Corolla CE, LE | $3,300-3,900 | $2,600-3,100 | $800-1,000 |
| Corolla VE | $3,100-3,700 | $2,400-2,900 | $700-900 |
| 1998 | |||
| Corolla CE, LE | $2,900-3,500 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
| Corolla VE | $2,800-3,300 | $2,100-2,500 | $600-700 |
|
|
|||
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 | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 97.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 174.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.5 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2414 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.1 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.2 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Corollas had the same engine: a dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder, rated at 120 horsepower. Either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic (3-speed on the low-budget VE edition) might be installed. Engine output rose to 125 horsepower for 2000.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.8 / 110 | 120-125 | 122-126 | 5-speed manual: 31/38 5-speed manual: 28/33 4-speed automatic: 28/36 |
5-speed manual: 27.5 5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 30.1 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Canada, 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 | 1999 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 1998-2002 Toyota Corolla directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1998-99:
Some lug nuts on cars distributed by Gulf States Toyota, Inc. are defective, causing loss of torque, fatigue fracture of wheel, and possible loss of wheel.
1999-2002 w/factory alluminum alloy wheels:
The wheel's lug nuts may not have been secured properly, leading to possible wheel separation with driving. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
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