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2005 Toyota Corolla

2005 Toyota Corolla
Overall rating:  Product Rating: 4.0

Reviewed by 34 users

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Forget the ludicrous S; the new XRS is a more viable package for the enthusiast

by mkaresh mkaresh is a Lead on Epinions in Cars & Motorsports, Epinions Most Popular Authors - Top 10
May 10 '04 - Updated Nov 17 '06 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 3.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Refinement, high RPM power, steering feel, supportive front seats, rear seat comfort
Cons: Short half a liter, not as fun to drive as many competitors, pricey
The Bottom Line: Others are more fun and less pricey, but if refinement is a high priority this could be the one.

Sport compact enthusiasts have never taken the Corolla seriously. Sure, an “S” version of the small Toyota sedan has been available for four years, but as factory tuners go this one has been as lame as they come. With the same powertrains, ...

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XRS Brings The Corolla Closer To Sport-Compact Legitimacy, But Still Falls Short Of Expectations

by drive571 drive571 is a Top Reviewer on Epinions in Cars & Motorsports, Epinions Most Popular Authors - Top 200
May 24 '04 - Updated Nov 08 '04 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 3.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Excellent seats, comfortable ride, high-quality interior, impressive refinement for a sport compact.
Cons: Slow-revving, peaky engine, high-chair driving position, not much fun for a sport compact.
The Bottom Line: The Corolla XRS is an oddly passionless pocket rocket--it's smooth and refined, but doesn't beg to be driven hard. Whether that's worth $18,000 is up to you.

My Experience I test-drove a Toyota Corolla XRS at a local dealership. My test drive lasted about forty-five minutes and covered city streets, the freeway, and an empty parking lot that served as an impromptu autocross course. ...

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Toyota Corolla – an Everyman’s Lexus, or Not …

by jcare Epinions Most Popular Authors - Top 500
Jun 01 '05 - Updated Jun 04 '05 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 3.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Reliable , Gas Mileage , Safe and Affordable
Cons: Drivers Seat , Road and Wind Noise , Sloppy Cornering.
The Bottom Line: Theres a reason it sells so well in the market. Looking for cheap, well engineered, economy and reliability - thats the Corolla.

The Top Line During a recent business trip I had the chance to drive a Toyota Corolla (LE) around for a couple of days. With the impending arrival of an additional car to satisfy our brood of teenagers I’ve been looking around for a cheap, ...

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Great on Gas, Many Extras, but Beware the Bumps!

by Natasha37
Apr 22 '05 - Updated Jul 03 '05 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Many features included in this standard model that aren't included in other basic model cars.
Cons: Road noise and bumpy ride on less than perfect roads.
The Bottom Line: Overall, this is a good car for the money compared to other economy models. It's attractive and has extra features that were not standard with other models.

*Updated Review I waited eight months to write a review on my "new" car to give that first blush of love time to run its course. Now that winter has ended and the car is covered in road dust and the inside mats are caked with mud, I feel ready to ...

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Number one Toyota-san

by vitara12
Jan 26 '05 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Toyota quality, sound engine design, rigid unibody
Cons: Weird CC, DRL, and needs special Toyota Trans fluid.
The Bottom Line: Thoughtful design, peppy engine, good fuel mileage. I rate this car a solid BUY.

I purchased this car after trading in my Suzuki Vitara due to engine problems on that Vitara that the dealer would not acknowledge much less fix. I was interested in a small 4 door model that got good mileage and would be reliable. I paid 14,500 for ...

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This is NOT a baby Lexus....But a Refined Sardine Can!

by japs52
Dec 09 '04 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Renowned Quality, Fit and Finish, Decent Performance, Gas Mileage
Cons: HORRIBLE Driving Position, "56 Beeps", No Remote Trunk Release, Cloth Interior...and others
The Bottom Line: A good reliable car for people of all ages,and the price is right.

Because of the current gas prices and the amount of travel throughout the week, I decided the time was right for a more economical automobile. My first stop was to the Mazda dealership to check out the new Mazda 3. This was a nice car, but I couldn't ...

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Lowest car ownership cost in it's class!

by janika
Jun 27 '05 - Updated Aug 31 '05 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: reliable, roomy, stylish, affordable, low cost ownership
Cons: Noisy exhaust system, cheap wheel covers, cheap tires
The Bottom Line: The absolute most reliable small car you can purchase in North America for under 20 grand.

2005 Toyota Corolla Decision time There are two ways for people to get into a Toyota. One is the hard way; the second one is the smart way. The hard way is when someone goes thru numerous unreliable, fast depreciating cars before making up ...

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2005 Toyota Corolla : is 'cute' enough?

by mycouponz Epinions Most Popular Authors - Top 1000
Mar 26 '05 - Updated Mar 27 '05 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 3.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Fuel economy, 'cute' backside, Resale & reliability
Cons: Bland interior, dull engine
The Bottom Line: -

Foreword Here in Vancouver,BC I see are a lot of old Corollas. From what I've seen, they're being driving around by mostly older folk - people 40-50+. I would guess that most of these cars are from around 1997-98, and their exterior styling ...

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My little Corolla

by izzy1
Aug 24 '05 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Gas mileage, low cost of ownership, features, reliable, value. Respondsive powertrain.
Cons: Road noise at high speeds,
The Bottom Line: The 2005 Toyota Corolla is both efficient and full featured, and also has a very strong track record for being reliable. You cant go wrong with this car.

If there's anyone who knows their 2005 Toyota Corolla better, it'll have to be me. I've first purchased the Toyota Corolla in January of 2005 at my friendly Toyota dealership. And since I've had it I have been up and down the west coast and piling on the ...

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Practicality embodied in the Corolla

by ryoung8918
Jun 06 '05 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Reliability, fuel economy, value, easier on the eye than some in class
Cons: Interior Upholstery, Driving position, can't find one with ABS
The Bottom Line: Excellent value, but it won't thrill you. Leading consumer magazine rates it best for reliability in class.

I'm in the process of looking for a commuter vehicle that will be something I can pass on to my daughter when she reaches driving age. (2 years - where did all the time go! But I digress.) So, recently I've driven the ECHO, the Mazda3, the Matrix, the ...

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Big Car in a Little Car's Body!

by leepnow
Sep 25 '07 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Good mileage, fun to drive, very comfortable, good lines, and room for passengers.
Cons: Terrible tires, visibility for short people is poor, area behind trunk scratches too easily.
The Bottom Line: Definitely consider this one, good basic transportation even if slightly overpriced!

I've owned my 05 Corolla CE 4 cylinder with automatic for almost a year now, bought used as a certified Corolla, and have done some things to make it better--for me anyway. As for background, I needed an economical car to drive as I travel 40-50 miles a ...

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First Impressions on my 2005 Corolla LE, much improved, love them Toyotas!

by ubitout
Oct 15 '04 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Reliable, swank, affordable, 5 star safety, long life, no aggro.
Cons: Pick up, would prefer automatic seat, goofy quarter holder.
The Bottom Line: Excellent affordable reliable stylish and idiot proof

I just got a 2005 Corolla LE. it's looking pretty good from here. I got mine at KEYES TOYOTA in Van Nuys, CA. this is my first new car in eons. gopt approved for Tier One credit, which is good. My 1997 Toyota Camry, bought several years ago, used, ...

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What a lemon... very few pros. I'm disappointed with Toyota.

by ejohan
Jun 12 '06 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 1.0 Recommended: No 

Pros: Gas millage, Smooth highway ride, Psgr seating pos., a/c, heat, radio.
Cons: Driver pos., stalling, bucking, sweeking, rough ride in city, poor dealer service depts.
The Bottom Line: I purchased a Toyota because of their reputation, and I am terribly disappointed with this car. Look to Honda & Mazda for a good quality Japanese car.

I have a 2005 Corolla CE w. PKG C. This car is such a lemon. It's been to various area dealerships with no real fix. I'll start out with the PRO's: ** GREAT Gas Millage! I can go over 600km (~400mi) on a tank. ** Smooth highway ride ** Good ...

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2005 Corolla LE

by tinab
Oct 19 '04 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Gas mileage, appearance, plenty of storage compartments, FULL-SIZE spare!
Cons: Wind and road noises
The Bottom Line: Corolla is a great small car if you want good mileage and aren't expecting a small luxury car.

I bought the Corolla LE that has the cloth seats, 6 CD changer, locking alloys, tint, remote entry thing, cruise and power window/power locks, and mudguards...I also have one of the extra mile packages that gives me all the mats, nets, and first aid kit, ...

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A comfortable, compact car.

by bethgoodsell
Apr 04 '05 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Decent mileage, airbags and amenities for the price.
Cons: Seats collect fuzz, driver's seat uncomfortable, mileage could be better (Gas prices are skyrocketing!)
The Bottom Line: Buy it if you can't afford a hybrid.

I purchased a 2005 Toyota Corolla LE with side airbags and a 6 CD changer on New Year's Eve day at a Toyota dealer in San Jose, CA. The transaction went smoothly (I'd recommend Piercey Toyota over the other dealerships in the area - especially Magnussen ...

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Corolla Xrs, better late then never

by kungpowking
Oct 23 '04 - Updated Nov 08 '04 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: High RPM power, refinement, Suspension, Roomy interior
Cons: Low Rpm power, placement of reverse gear, reverse beep
The Bottom Line: A fun to drive car that combines performance with refinment.

It may have taken toyota a long while to realize that there was a market for this type of car. But despite the long wait the Corolla is now viable Sport Compact. Infact fact I feel Toyota has exceeded a few of its competitors with it. While some ...

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Corolla XRS - Very Solid 4 Door Sports Sedan

by mikebc5
Feb 21 '05 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Fun 4-door sedan.
Cons: Very few.
The Bottom Line: For under $20K, I have not been in a more fun 4-door sports sedan.

I have had this car for a few days now and I am very impressed with everything so far. I was afraid of owning a 4 door car as I have always had a coupe (2 door). I thought it wouldn't look as Sporty but the standard external features are among the ...

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2005 Toyota Corolla CE Automatic

by rhodiesrock
Mar 08 '07 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Fuel Economy, Low cost maintenance, Reliability, Great resale value, Fun to drive, Handles well.
Cons: Awkward driving position due to off center steering wheel.
The Bottom Line: I would highly recommend this car. It is great transportation for the budget minded person. It handles well, providing good acceleration with great fuel economy.

My wife and I bought this vehicle brand new in January of 2005. We bought it for the purpose of long commuting to and from College. It is now March 8, 2007, and we have 63,000 miles on the odometer. It has been the best new vehicle we have ever ...

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3 months past since I bought it - time for the first review

by alexo11
Feb 19 '05 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Reliable car,good gas milage,acceptable parts prices,
Cons: Engine is too noisy, wind is not your friend, worst radio, rattling noises,low quality tires.
The Bottom Line: By the way,I negotiated this car for the invoice price plus $CAD 400,plus financing interest.Before you buy, check the invoice price of the car and you will save a thousand.

This is NOT a sports car!!! Even XRS model! If you like sports, stay away from this car! But it is an excellent commuter! If you need a reliable vehicle just to drive around, with a good gas milage- get this car and you will not be disappointed. I was ...

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Love it!!!!

by jpk1121
Dec 30 '08 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Reliability, quality, well built.
Cons: None so far!!!
The Bottom Line: Based on Toyota's legendary reputation for quality and dependability, you can't go wrong!

I bought a 2005 Toyota Corolla S in August 2005; it had 3 miles on it when I bought it. I bought the car largely for the increasing gas prices. So far, I've gotten between 32 and 36 miles per gallon. The price of the car, especially when you add ...

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2005 Toyota Corolla S

by hizangel79
Apr 18 '08 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Sporty Dependable Attractive Excellent Air conditioner and heater Comes with loads of options
Cons: Quite honestly, I have nothing bad to report about this car.
The Bottom Line: I would highly recommend this vehicle. Toyota vehicles usually hold their value, so it is worth the initial investment.

I absolutely LOVE this car!!! It was my first new car and I'm so glad my husband talked me into it. We needed a car that would accomodate both of our sizes. He is 6'4 and I am just under 5'2. This one fits us both like a glove and is quite ...

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Great Car

by nicsnick
Aug 03 '08 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Price, design, MPG, size, reliability.
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: This is the second Corolla that I have owned and it won't be the last.

Great gas mileage, great ride, lots of room what else would you want from a car? With the gas prices being so high I love that I have a car that gets great mileage and does not cost me $100 to fill up! I do not think I have put more than $50 in the tank ...

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Oh... What a Feeling !!

by kirby22
Sep 04 '06 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Quick accelleration, great mileage, reliable, looks nice, excellent safety rating (W/ optional side bags) !
Cons: Seating position, headroom (w/sunroof), no telescoping steering wheel or remote trunk release !
The Bottom Line: I recommend it because it is rock solid!

I have had my 2005 Corolla S for almost 2 years now and I am still impressed with the darn thing! I clock almost 3 hours a day driving to and from work (annual mileage over 30K) and I cannot say anything bad about this car! I guess I should tell you ...

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2005 Corolla

by usbulldog
Aug 09 '07 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 2.0 Recommended: No 

Pros: Gas Mileage, Handling
Cons: Reliability, Handling in bad weather, acceleration, Heat and Air Conditioning
The Bottom Line: I know this is one of the most sold cars in the world, but I don't think its even average.

I bought a Toyota because I expected to get a reliable car, but this has not been the case. I have had to make several repairs within the year including replacing the catalytic converter and the battery went. I know a battery could use replacing, but my ...

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Epinions Express Reviews
Fantastic Corolla S with sunroof
by controlshift6  
Aug 12 '05 
Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 
Pros: Great value.
Cons: Key fob doesn't open the trunk.
I've had my 2005 Corolla S for a week now and I simply love this car. It's such a good value. I traded in my 2000 VW GTI for it and I will never ever buy another VW again. I've had so many problems and bad dealer experiences with the VW. I have NEVER had a car with so many recalls. And the service department are crooks. Everything about the Corolla feels right - the ride (a lot less bumpy than a back breaking VW Golf or GTI - although it's no Camry), the handling, the S styling, the acceleration (yes, I think this car has pretty good acceleration). It took me a couple of days to find the best seating position for my 5'9" frame though. But I did. I've read some very good reviews of this car on this site already so I won't repeat what's already been said. What I will say is that this is a great little car for the money.
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2005 corolla fit and finish a problem
by tcn4u  
Jan 21 '07 
Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 2.0 Recommended: No 
Pros: Smooth engine and transmission
Cons: Unexpected problem with fit and finish for a new car
Bought as a new car from a dealer 18 months ago. I have automatic transmission with 4 doors. Engine and transmission no problem. 2 months ago had problem with loose driver side door hinge. It was so loose, every time I opened the door it was making creaking noise. I needed to re-tighten both front and passenger side door hinges that held the door (not the door lock mechanism). The gas cap refuse to open 3 months ago. Had to cut the plastic chain that held the cap so I could maneuver more. Today the car trunk refuse to open. After 4 hours, finally got it opened by yanking on left rear seat back pad. I still can figure out what the problem was. Still not fixed yet. I don't know what else is going to wrong with this car. This Toyota is not the old reliable ones I had.
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Best Car out there!!
by jennadeang  
Aug 23 '05 
Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 
Pros: Gas mileage is unbeatable!!!
Cons: None!
I have the Corolla S, and I LOVE it. There isnt a better car out there for the money. It is sporty, responsive, reliable, and most importantly GREAT ON GAS! You can get way over 30miles per gallon which is so great with gas prices the way they are right now. The stereo is great, it sounds fantastic. You can tell Toyota put a lot of work into every aspect of this car.
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What else but a Toyota???? I love it!
by imlugan8  
Sep 29 '05 
Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 
Pros: Great smooth ride, tons of features, beautiful car - inside and out.
Cons: Make rear view mirror larger.
I've had the Corolla S for a little over two months. I absolutely love it!!!! The seats are comfortable, the ride is stiff but smooth, the interior is plush and the outside is beautiful!! What a great car!! The price was right for all the features you get too!

I had my 1989 Corolla for 16+ years and I loved it from the first day to the last. I'm sure my 2005 will be just as loved.
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2005 Corolla CE
by indiomonk  
Nov 24 '04 - Updated Dec 21 '04 
Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 
Pros: Excellent on Gas, very well made and sorta stylish looking.
Cons: Wished I had purchased the power locks. Could use nicer stereo.
Just purchased 11/18/04 with maybe 4 miles on the odometer. I actually wanted a 4 door 5spd Echo but there were none to be found in Texas. My goal was to purchase a very reliable vehicle that had 4 doors, A/C, good on gas and standard transmission. The sales man had 2 Standard transmission Corollas on the lot. I opted for the Silver Streak colored one. I test drove it on the lot and I could tell this was a well built car and the HWY EPA was 41 MPG's.

After weighing the standard options e.g. A/C, power steering and rebate incentives the cost of the Corolla was about the same as the Echo. I purchased the Corolla and so far have put on 330 miles.

Update 12/21/04 I have been driving it really easy ...below 65mph up until a 1000 miles. I changed the oil at 1000 miles then took a 1000 mile trip. The Corolla drove like a champ. No problems and very quiet with no rattles at 75 plus mph. This is a well made car. I am still impressed.


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Service package.
by hgjsd  
Jan 12 '06 
Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 
Pros: great car
Cons: Maintenance is rip off.
I love my Toyota but the service plan they sell for maintenance is disappointing. I thought the oil had to be changed every 3000 miles but the toyota dealer (Right Toyota) says the plan only pays for oil changes every 5000 miles. I feel like they should of told me that when they sold me the maintenance package.

This is my 2nd Toyota Corolla and I have owned 2 toyota Camry's. They are great cars, but check the service plan, it is not worth the money if they are not going to do the "recommended" maintenance.
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Excellent Car!
by rwpetty  
Mar 02 '05 
Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 
Pros: Style, gas milage, options, ride, reliability, price, fit & finish
Cons: Road noise, tires, and maybe the speakers
We bought a 2005 Corolla CE for $12,488 and it's been a supurb car. For the price, this entry level Corolla has A/C, CC, CD player, power locks and day lights. That's a lot of options for an entry level vehicle. The ride and steering are very tight and has a great "feel" to it. Our Corolla gets 42 MPG and 5th gear has plenty of power to get 4 adults up a hill with ease. Spacious truck with split fold down rear seats are a good touch. If I had any complaints, there would be three: 1) Road noise from tires (not engine) is a bit high, even for a compact car. However, I can live with it. 2) The 4 speakers are average in quality, and I think better ones could have been put in. 3) The tires. The Goodyear tires look like minimum 40,000 mile tires. My Ford Ranger came with 80,000 tires. Better tires would have been appreciated at a nominal cost. All told, for an entry level compact car, I'll give this car an A-. We traded in my wife's 1996 Corolla with 166,000 miles on it and it ran perfectly.
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Toyota Corolla great for College kid
by LOVFuji  
May 14 '06 
Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 
Pros: gas mileage and ease and comfort of driving it
Cons: none yet
This car was the first brand new car my son has had. He has been used to driving a 15 year old car so this car is like heaven to him. It rides well and is very comfortable on long trips. Very quiet and has many great features for a compact car. I have driven it on a couple occasions and it drives like a dream. Great trunk space too. Gas mileage good. Have owned several Toyota's and all have been excellent cars.
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I really like my 2005 Corolla LE
by opinionsmy  
Apr 04 '05 
Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 
Pros: Looking forward to Toyota reliability. Lots of trunk space. Good gas mileage.
Cons: Really wimpy horn...sounds like the girl cop from Police Academy, "Um, excuse me..."
I've only had my new Corolla for three months, but I really like it and am happy with my decision to buy it. Gas mileage was lower at first but is improving with mileage. Right now I'm getting about 30 mph per tank (city and highway driving together).

It's a fine little car.
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Love it!
by lindadylan  
Jul 14 '07 
Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 
Pros: everything
Cons: a little show on acceleration
I bought this car used 8 months ago. It is a 5 speed manual. I can't find anything to not like about the car.
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