2003-2008 Toyota Corolla: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy
Cons
- Rear-seat room
- Acceleration (mild with automatic)
Vehicle Highlights
Toyota redesigned its long-lived front-drive subcompact sedan for 2003, continuing its tradition as a conservative four-door, versus the company's new-age Echo and hybrid-powered Prius. Fresh styling for 2003 was accompanied by an increase of 5.4 inches in wheelbase, and 4.3 inches in overall length, compared to the 1998-2002 version. Corolla lent its underskin platform to the Toyota Matrix, a new wagon that also aimed toward younger buyers. Toyota first introduced a Corolla way back in the late 1960s. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder returned as the sole Corolla engine, having gained 5 horsepower. Either a manual transmission or a four-speed automatic could be installed. Antilock braking and front side airbags were optional. Curtain side airbags were unavailable. Air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, and a CD player were standard. CE, S, and top-rung LE trim levels were offered. The sportier S sedan had aero body trim, fog lamps, and a leather-covered steering wheel and shift knob. Exclusive to the LE was optional leather upholstery. Rivals included the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Volkswagen Jetta. Chevrolet halted production of its Corolla clone, the Prizm, which did not carry over into the 2003 design.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Corolla LE w/auto. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 51 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla.
Year to Year Changes
2004 Toyota Corolla:
Following its 2003 redesign, the Corolla was virtually unchanged for 2004.
2005 Toyota Corolla:
Curtain side airbags joined the options list for 2005. A high-performance XRS sedan joined the lineup, with a 170-horsepower engine and six-speed manual transmission. The XRS also featured a sport suspension, unique exterior and interior trim, and 16-inch wheels. Modest facelifting for 2005 gave both the front and rear ends a slightly different look.
2006 Toyota Corolla:
The Corolla was unchanged for 2006.
2007 Toyota Corolla:
The larger of Toyota's compact sedans dropped its sporty model for 2007. Leather upholstery was no longer available.
2008 Toyota Corolla:
The 2008 Toyota Corolla carried over unchanged, pending a redesign due in calendar 2008 as a 2009 model.
Our road test for the 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration is not a Corolla high point, though it's roughly class-average. A test automatic-transmission LE accelerated to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds. Manual-transmission models aren't that much quicker. Therefore, passing on two-lane roads requires caution and planning. The XRS delivers more zest to pass and merge, but feels lethargic when taking off from a stop. Fuel economy scores high. Test LE sedans with automatic have averaged an appealing 28.5 mpg in a city/highway mix. A manual-shift S model hit an impressive 34.1 mpg with mainly highway driving, versus 30.3 mpg for a Corolla XRS, which requires premium-grade gasoline. Ride quality is satisfying, too. The Corolla's solid structure helps its suspension absorb most rough pavement with ease. Body motions are quelled nicely over bumps and dips. Safe and predictable front-drive moves are matched by accurate, nicely weighted steering and good straightline stability. Cornering prowess, however, is limited by the comfort-biased suspension and what some test-drivers have considered to be undue body lean. Despite its sportier pretensions, the S is no better. All models have adequate routine-braking power and good pedal modulation, but ABS is a must. Corollas are disappointingly noisy. Raucous during hard acceleration, the engine is none too quiet in gentle cruising. Wind and road noise are also significant above 60 mph. Easy-to-read gauges and logical switchgear are appealing. Audio and climate controls are adequately-sized, but some drivers have to stretch to reach radio buttons. Interior materials won't disappoint at the Corolla's price level, but they're not on par with class-leading Volkswagens. Some test Corollas, when nearly new, have suffered slight rattles and buzzes from interior panels. Comfortable front seats are nicely padded. Head room is ample, but leg space snug for occupants over six-feet. The excellent driving position is enhanced by standard tilt steering. Outward visibility may be compromised by the Corolla's headrests. Although the backseat doesn't qualify as a penalty box, adults are cramped if front seats are more than halfway back. Seats are supportive and nicely contoured. Doors open wide for easy access. Trunk space is subcompact-typical. Rear seatbacks fold nearly flat, to boost storage capacity. Front-seat interior storage space beats the class average, but rear door and seatback pockets are absent.
Value for the Money
Not as refined as it could be, the Corolla nevertheless offers fine value for the money. Toyota's reputation for reliability qualifies this sedan for Recommended status. Honda Civic, Ford Focus, and Volkswagen Jetta sedans promise more driving spice, but no more utility.
Not as refined as it could be, the Corolla nevertheless offers fine value for the money. Toyota's reputation for reliability qualifies this sedan for Recommended status. Honda Civic, Ford Focus, and Volkswagen Jetta sedans promise more driving spice, but no more utility.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Corolla LE w/auto. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 51 |
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.
Air conditioner:
The A/C warning light may flash and the compressor clutch may fail to engage due to a faulty clutch relay. (2002-04)
Battery:
The battery dies because a faulty headlight switch is unable to turn the lights off and an updated switch is available. (2003)
Battery:
Whenever the battery is too low to start the vehicle, the relay for the daytime running lights (DRL) becomes damaged and a revised relay must be installed. (2003)
Check-engine light:
The check engine light may illuminate due to a faulty air/fuel ratio sensor. (2005-06)
Check-engine light:
The check engine light may come on because of a very small leak in the evaporative emissions system charcoal canister. (2005)
Check-engine light:
Excessive sulfur odor on cars with a 1ZZ-FE engine, usually accompanied by a check engine light (and trouble code P0420) must have the PCM (engine computer) reprogrammed or replaced. (2003-04)
Suspension noise:
A tapping noise that seems to be coming from the dash is actually from the upper suspension mount for the spring on which insulating material must be applied. (2003)
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 | $350 |
| Alternator | $660 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,550 |
| Brakes | $370 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $450 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $990 |
| Exhaust System | $265 |
| Radiator | $380 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,610 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $350 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Corolla | $13,500-14,800 | $12,300-13,500 | $8,000-8,700 |
| 2007 | |||
| Corolla | $11,900-13,000 | $10,700-11,700 | $6,700-7,300 |
| 2006 | |||
| Corolla | $10,500-11,500 | $9,500-10,400 | $5,600-6,100 |
| Corolla XRS | $12,000-13,200 | $10,800-11,900 | $6,700-7,400 |
| 2005 | |||
| Corolla | $9,200-10,200 | $8,300-9,200 | $4,800-5,300 |
| Corolla XRS | $10,500-12,500 | $9,500-11,300 | $5,600-6,600 |
| 2004 | |||
| Corolla | $8,000-9,000 | $7,200-8,100 | $4,100-4,600 |
| 2003 | |||
| Corolla | $7,000-8,100 | $6,200-7,200 | $3,300-3,800 |
|
|
|||
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. | 102.4 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.5 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2502 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.6 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.1 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.4 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Most Corollas have the same engine: a 1.8-liter dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder, rated at 130 horsepower. Either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission may be installed. For 2005, the new XRS sedan got a 170-horsepower version of the Corolla engine and a six-speed manual transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.8 / 110 | 130 | 125 | 5-speed manual: 32/40 4-speed automatic: 29/38 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 28.5 |
| dohc I4 | 1.8 / 110 | 170 | 127 | 6-speed manual: 26/34 | 6-speed manual: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Canada
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 | 2003 Corolla |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
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%.
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