2002 Toyota Corolla: Road Test
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2002 Toyota Corolla ▼
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- MSRP: $12,568 -$14,198
- Invoice: $11,511 -$12,775
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Our road test for the 2002 Toyota Corolla includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Toyota Corolla from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Toyota Corolla, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Toyota Corolla help you decide if a 2002 Toyota Corolla is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| CE, man. | LE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Corolla and Prizm are fairly 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 midrange passing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| CE, man. | LE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6.7 |
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 | 4.1 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4.9 |
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 makes for strong, quick stops, but brake-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 | 5.6 |
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 | 4.4 |
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 are just OK.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| CE, man. | LE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.2 |
Very tight for adults, with notably little toe and leg room, but rear doors open wide enough at the base for acceptable entry/exit.
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 | 4.7 |
These cars look and feel old 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. Corolla far outsells Prizm and, being a Toyota, returns more at trade-in time.
Total Score
| CE, man. | LE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 44 | 44 | 44.2 |
Total Score: 44
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