In my search for a reliable new car for my commute, I needed to accomplish 3 things. First, Value for my money, second Gas Milage, and Third finding a vehicle i would like being in, not just driving in. I had found my car needs answered with this Toyota Corolla LE I had purchased.
I write in third person to give an easy reading experiance and I fieel that the average user of this site will connect better that way...below is my review and personal experiances with this car and some information for you from my experiances working in the auto industry.
The 2004 Toyota Corolla is the next level up from the basic of basic transportation found in the Echo. The car line has three trim levels available in manual or automatic transmission. They are the CE, LE, and S (sport) trim levels. Since the new Body design in 2002 line up it has improved vastly from the older lower weaker powered vehicle it used to be. The new exterior draws a similarity to a VW Jetta in some areas, especially the rear. The standard engine is a 1.8l 4 cylinder with Toyota's VVT-I engine.
Performance from the manual transmission is surprisingly lively although not as responsive as other set ups found in Toyota's models such as the Celica or Matrix XRS. The shifting pattern is short and precise and offers a forgiving clutch for the first gear rookies. Engine noise is present especially at high RPMs but mellows as you approach and sustain highway speeds. The automatic transmission does not lag and offers adequate response and acceleration through all gears.
Performance on the road is firm yet comfortable to a certain extent as the smaller car does not offer many luxary appointments; so a long trip may require some rest stops to stretch. The interior is well laid out and offers easy access to the radio and climate control functions for both the driver and passenger. Seats are all manual throughout the line up so adjusting them can be annoying if someone else drives your car but over all they give good back support but may need a little more attention to the thigh area.
Handling is responsive for a small car entry. The corolla will ride on a standard 15" tire with hub cap until into the Sport edition which you pick up alloy wheels. The steering is firm and will feel refreshing to someone whom is looking for a bit of a agressive suspension and wheel play. Overall the Corolla will respond when needed and feel effortless to drive when cruising.
The Corolla does not have standard ABS braking system until the option is purchased in an upgraded LE or when enetering the Sport. Part of Toyotas packaging is offering Side Air Bags along with the ABS option. Both braking systems operated well when tested but there is a slight differance in the performance of the ABS.
The Corolla's trunk is a very respectable size for a smaler car. Complete with emergancy release latch inside you will have ample storage space for items needed to tote along. The only downfall is that in order to fold your rear seats down you must pop the trunk and pull the tabs to release the seat to fold if needed to feed something through the trunk. The rear seat is a 60/40 split fold seat so you can accomodate rear passengers with the other half folded. The temporary spare tire under trunk mat is satisfactory.
Overall the Corolla does have many advantages over it's competition, mainly the Honda Civic. You benefit from a 60/40 fold down seat in the rear. A more powerful engine, 15" wheels standard, more overall room namely head and leg room, and a better standard warranty to name a few. You can review stats on both cars at the respective company's websites.
The Trim Levels
The CE is by far more for the basic practical buyer looking to trim the budget and still get quality for his or her dollar. The CE exterior is bland with black faced side mirrors and body molding. The Ce will not give you power windows, door locks, cruise control, ABS, or side air bags.
The seat is a slightly different fabric pattern and the interior is offered in beige or grey with neutral composite around the stereo and shifter.
The LE will be the upgraded model. In this line up an improved interior fabric and seat with adjustable settings (manual), power windows, door locks, cruise control, and upgradable to ABS with side air bags (option package).
You will also find the interior in same colors and a wood grain finish replacing the neutral settings in the CE. The other package you can get is a sunroof. Th exterior is all one color, no black out moldings or mirrors here.
The S is the ultimate. An impressive list of standards including ground effects, fog lights, rear spoiler, black interior with chrome accenting, and all power options are already there. ABS, and sunroofs are also available.
This car doesn't look like the regular old Corolla. It is eye catching and impressive.
Gas Mileage is an average of 29 city / 38 Highway
Avgerage prices between $ 15,500 - $ 19,500
Amount Paid (US$): 15, 900
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: LE
