2003 Toyota Corolla: Road Test
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2003 Toyota Corolla ▼
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- MSRP: $13,570 -$15,480
- Invoice: $12,550 -$14,007
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Our road test for the 2003 Toyota Corolla includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Toyota Corolla from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Toyota Corolla, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Toyota Corolla help you decide if a 2003 Toyota Corolla is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Corolla has never accelerated with much authority and a 100-lb weight gain over the previous model doesn't help. Test LE with automatic-transmission did 0-60 mph in middling 9.7 sec. Even with manual transmission, you must choose passing spots carefully and change gears frequently to keep pace with traffic. Unfortunately, manual shift action has crude, sloppy feel.
FUEL ECONOMY
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7 | 6.5 |
Test LEs with automatic transmission averaged a pleasant 28.5 mpg in a city/highway mix, but just 20.1 including gas-gulping performance runs. Test manual-transmission S averaged an impressive 34.1 mpg in primarily highway driving.
RIDE QUALITY
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
A strong point. Solid structure helps revised suspension absorb most rough pavement with minimal disturbance. Body motions quelled nicely over bumps and dips.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.3 |
Steering accurate and nicely weighted. Impressive straightline stability. Still, Corolla is challenged by anything more than modest lane changes and highway ramps. Like most subcompacts, It lacks the tire grip and suspension sophistication to handle well, though not all testers say body lean is excessive in tight turns. Despite sporty aspirations, S version no improvement. Stopping power adequate, pedal modulation good in routine use. We recommend ABS.
QUIETNESS
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3.7 |
Engine intrudes in acceleration, but is otherwise well-muffled. Wind and road noise rise markedly above 60 mph.
CONTROLS
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Easy-to-read gauges. Logical switchgear. Audio, climate controls larger than in past Corollas, but some drivers will stretch to reach radio buttons. Interior materials won't disappoint at these prices, but not on par with class-leading Volkswagen. Some test Corollas suffered slight rattles, buzzes from interior panels.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Comfortable, nicely padded seats. Ample head room, but leg space snug for those over 6 ft. Excellent driving position enhanced by standard tilt steering. Some testers find outward visibility compromised by headrests.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
No longer a penalty box. Adult-size head and leg room--as long as front seats are no more than halfway back--on supportive, contoured seat. Doors open wide for easy access.
CARGO ROOM
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.8 |
Trunk room typical for a subcompact, and rear seatbacks fold nearly flat to enlarge storage space. Front-seat interior storage space above class average, but rear seaters denied door or seatback pockets.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 8 | 5.4 |
Corolla's strong points--value, reliability, and comfort--emerge intact with this redesign. Improvements are subtle, but enough to keep pace with the better subcompacts. Honda Civic, Ford Focus, and VW Jetta sedans have more spice, but no more utility.
Total Score
| CE, man. | S, man. | LE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | 50 | 50 | 47.2 |
Total Score: 50
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