1997 Toyota Corolla Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The wagon was gone from the 1997 Corolla lineup, leaving only the sedan. However, that year Toyota also offered the Classic Edition sedan, which came standard with some of the more popular features at a reasonable price. By the end of the 1997 model year, the Corolla had been declared the best-selling nameplate of all time.
In addition to the CE, the 1997 Toyota Corolla came in the standard and DX trim levels. The base engine was a four-cylinder, 1.6-liter, 102-horsepower engine, and a 1.8-liter, 105-horsepower engine was offered as an upgrade. Fuel economy, depending on the engine and transmission, was about 26-34 mpg.
Owners of the 1997 Corolla admit that the car is rather boring-looking, and some find the interior to be cramped, especially in the back seat. However, the car is popular because of its simple, quality construction, value, and dependability.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1997 Toyota Corolla
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Jun 07, 2022
Though this car has a small engine, it is very quick and responsive. When it is tuned up, and serviced on schedule, it drives with a humming sound. It’s very fun to drive. Jun 07, 2022
by Anonymous
Sep 27, 2020
This car doesn’t have maintenance history. It doesn’t start and it has unknown and undiscovered issues. The only road this car will drive is the one to the crusher. Sep 27, 2020
by Anonymous
Feb 15, 2013
It's OK for keeping car costs down while providing reliable transport. Had it since 1997 and put 175,000 miles on it. Still running strong. Body and interior in good shape. Highly desirable car for people looking to save gas / money.Feb 15, 2013
User rating:
by Anonymous
Jun 07, 2022
Though this car has a small engine, it is very quick and responsive. When it is tuned up, and serviced on schedule, it drives with a humming sound. It’s very fun to drive. Jun 07, 2022
by Anonymous
Sep 27, 2020
This car doesn’t have maintenance history. It doesn’t start and it has unknown and undiscovered issues. The only road this car will drive is the one to the crusher. Sep 27, 2020
by Anonymous
Feb 15, 2013
It's OK for keeping car costs down while providing reliable transport. Had it since 1997 and put 175,000 miles on it. Still running strong. Body and interior in good shape. Highly desirable car for people looking to save gas / money.Feb 15, 2013
by Anonymous
Jul 01, 2011
This car actually accelerates really well and its suspension is nice and tight, so it handles very well. It was rear ended three years ago and held up so well that I was amazed at how sturdy and tough it was. It's a neat looking car, not too big, very economical. My Corolla is 14 years old as of last November, and the only major things I have ever had to do were sporadic but more labor intensive than anything. That tells you how well the car was built and regular care is a part of any car's lasting durability. The Corolla is no exception. It's mileage is great for such a small gas tank but it's very fuel efficient. I actually have a lot of fun driving this car. It's the one car I've ever owned that I just enjoy driving. Jul 01, 2011
by Ashley M
Oct 05, 2010
A tank of gas usually lasts me about 2 weeks. It's a quiet drive, and its just the
right size for someone like myself who is 5'7. Its pretty comfortable and its not too
high to maintain. Sounds system is pretty good too. Oct 05, 2010
by Alba A
Aug 22, 2010
nothing i mean really nothing bats a beeetle , its my c ar and i love it its cheap in gas and dependant its really reliable all the parts are available , on the net and in my country too. great car.Aug 22, 2010
by Nick A
Aug 09, 2010
Performance: None to speak of. Handling neither. Braking was solid even though it didn't have ABS, ESC or any of the other goodies nowadays.
Build Quality: unttopable.
Appearance: It's good for what it is.
Cost of Ownership: As little as you can pay for a car yearly you'll do with this one.
No fun factor, it gets you from point A to BAug 09, 2010
by Jon N
Jan 05, 2010
this car is a piece of crap. slow, sluggish handling, jerky brakes, it's suspension was too stiff. the inside and outside looked the same. it was pretty good on gas but the steering was off a bit. the only way it would be fun is if it had a v-8.Jan 05, 2010
by Scott G
Dec 04, 2009
It's a really nice car. The acceleration is very slow, however that's not necessary for a commuting car. The braking is outstanding, and I've never lost control of the car in any conditions. It's not the sportiest of cars, but it's the perfect reliable car for a college kid looking for a good life out of a car.Dec 04, 2009
by Илья С
Nov 08, 2009
The color isn't the greatest, it's a tan colored vehicle. The overall best thing about it has got to be the SPOILER :) in the back. Otherwise its fine in the exterior. The interior isn't too bad, there is a wood finish inside on the controls dash and I have a custom stereo inside. The speakers are surprisingly great. I got about 156,000 miles on it, quite much but it still runs well. Maintenance is strictly annual and very spread out- really if you just change the oil, put gas in, and wash it once in a while, it will work fine. I NEVER sent it in for any major problems except for a tire becoming loose but that is because of its overuse :D
This car isn't a speed racer but it is fun to drive because of its smaller size. I recommend this car to any teenager getting their license like me.Nov 08, 2009
by Dan C
Oct 10, 2009
Love the car. Had it for nearly 4 years. Heaps of go for a 1600 20V Blacktop but thats good ol' 4age's for ya. 6 speed box is great and handles great with after market lowered springs. Sounds mean with a FGK stainless mufflerOct 10, 2009
by Luke M
Dec 18, 2008
Tough little car. Slow as hell though with the 3 speed auto. Also kinda makes it a bit of a pig on gas. All repairs done were normal wear and tear. Handling sucks, Breaks are ok. Sounds pretty good with the resonator removed and 2 inch pipe from the cat-back. With a Ractive performance muffler.Dec 18, 2008
by Ishtiaque H
Dec 17, 2008
Reliability, for one, describes any model of Corollas - or Toyotas for that matter! These are basically 'no thrill no frill' kinda 'synthetic' - in day to day performance but it delivers! But its fun to drive, safe to drive and economical to drive!Dec 17, 2008
by Philip P
Oct 08, 2008
It's alright but boring to drive, the stereo sucks a lot so if you want to have a good system then you need to add that yourself but it will keep running and doesn't need much mainetaince, the body style isn't that bad for a 97 so you can still be happy with itOct 08, 2008
by Baja B
Oct 03, 2008
i think it's cool and save gas. the paint lasts. the performance is still good. because i had it engine overhaul last year. so the performance is really great.
the cost is not to expensive. yes, it is a fun car to drive. thank you for the poetic words.
my car has a green goblin colour. so it shines in the night. Oct 03, 2008
by Steve B
Sep 08, 2008
Great on gas, true college car. Good times for the year I had it. She was 2 or 3 shades of beige, was a great beater getting around town. No real engine problems. She had 177,000kms on it when i bought it, then after i sold er she was 220,000.Good timesSep 08, 2008
by Ahmed B
Jul 31, 2008
high performance and good acceleration well braking meduim handling good and high quality do not need repairs nice apperance good interior and exterior styling not expensive good fuell consumption low maintenance cost it is very funny for me to drive low stability need stronger engine need more options large saloon
Jul 31, 2008
by Bradley T
Jun 16, 2008
Charlie is my car's name. He's an amazing car. 165,000 miles and still running on the original clutch. Love this car.Jun 16, 2008
by Jazmine G
Jun 11, 2008
it's old and doesn't look the best BUT it gets GREAT gas mileage, which is needed for the high prices of gas today.Jun 11, 2008
by Jose C
Apr 13, 2008
This car will last forever if you take care of it or notApr 13, 2008
by William H
Mar 19, 2008
Toyota reliability, four doors, and good fuel economy. Surprisingly quick for a Corolla with a automatic gearbox.Mar 19, 2008
by Melissa B
Feb 24, 2008
It was a nice clean car. Great gas mileage, great handling, great shape, dependable, and cute!Feb 24, 2008
by Christian J
Feb 23, 2008
Not the fastest, nor most fun.. but it works i guessFeb 23, 2008
by Adam S
Feb 06, 2008
This is what I'm driving regulary now. It's a nice small car, very reliable, very fuel efficient. It doesn't have a whole lot of power I think it gets 0-60 of 10.2 or something along those lines. The best thing I like about this car is it handles great! Feb 06, 2008
by Chad W
Jan 12, 2008
Toyota makes ridiculously reliable cars. This car has stood up to everything I have thrown at it and still has nothing wrong. I've made a few mods and got about 20-30 extra HP out of her.Jan 12, 2008
by Anonymous
Jul 24, 2007
I owned this car for 10 years and I never had a problem with it. I did the regular maintenance and the car ran perfectly well… I never had any issues with the car. After owning this car for 10 years I handed it down to my younger brother. Jul 24, 2007
1997 Toyota Corolla Pricing
Original MSRP
$13,450 to $14,650Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
