2001 Toyota Corolla: Road Test

Archived Review

2001 Toyota Corolla 

Select a Trim ▼

  • MSRP: $12,568 -$14,198
  • Invoice: $11,513 -$12,777

Previous Year's Reviews

View Another Vehicle

Our road test for the 2001 Toyota Corolla includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Toyota Corolla from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Toyota Corolla, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Toyota Corolla help you decide if a 2001 Toyota Corolla is right for you.

Advertisement

ACCELERATION

CE, man. LE, auto. Class Average
4 4 3.7

Corolla and Prizm are frisky with the slick-shifting manual transmission, a bit sleepy with automatic, though automatic test Corolla ran 0-60 mph in a decent 9.7 sec. Either way, the air conditioning saps noticeable power, especially in mid-range passing.

FUEL ECONOMY

CE, man. LE, auto. Class Average
8 7 6.8

We averaged 26.5-29.3 mpg with automatic-transmission test models and close to 30 with manual--fine results for the class.

RIDE QUALITY

CE, man. LE, auto. Class Average
4 4 3.7

Chassis tuning favors ride over handling, so Corolla and Prizm smother bumps quite well. Still, there's some small-car chop over patchy pavement and expansion joins.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

CE, man. LE, auto. Class Average
3 4 4.2

Small tires and soft damping mean limited cornering grip and moderate body lean. Easy to park, though, and highway stability is better than average. Optional ABS brakes make strong, quick stops, but pedal action is mushy.

QUIETNESS

CE, man. LE, auto. Class Average
4 4 3.6

Corolla seems better insulated than Prizm, but both have low wind and road noise for the class. Full-throttle engine thrash mostly goes away in moderate-speed cruising.

CONTROLS

CE, man. LE, auto. Class Average
7 7 5.5

No design flair, but simple and convenient. Radio and climate controls require a slight stretch, though.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

CE, man. LE, auto. Class Average
4 4 4.3

Vintage-1993 body design provides only average room. Lowish dashboard and windowsills lend an airy feel and good all-round driver visibility. Seat comfort and entry/exit just OK.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)

CE, man. LE, auto. Class Average
2 2 3.1

Very tight for adults, with notably little toe and leg room, but rear doors open wide enough at the base for acceptable entry/exit by average-sized folks.

CARGO ROOM

CE, man. LE, auto. Class Average
2 2 3.3

Usefully sized trunk is spoiled by lid hinges that steal space. Base models don't offer the utility of a split-fold rear seatback.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

CE, man. LE, auto. Class Average
5 5 4.6

Looking old now against hip new designs like Ford Focus, but Corolla and Prizm are solid, reliable, no-risk small sedans. Prices aren't the lowest, though, and recent test cars had some unexpected quality goofs. Note that Corolla far outsells Prizm and, being a Toyota, returns more at trade-in time.

Total Score

CE, man. LE, auto. Class Average
43 43 42.8

Total Score: 43

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score
26
Average Score
42
High Score
59

Car Buying Resources

Trade-in Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth.

Trade-in Calculator

Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer.

Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. The first...

Get a CARFAX report

What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn Things

Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance

Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers.

Sell Your Car

Search
Local Listings


to

submit

Vehicle
History Report

CARFAX

FREE CARFAX Record Check

Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.

Go
Advertisement
Advertisement