How much does the 2016 Toyota Corolla cost?

Prices are up 2.68% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 1,874 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $11,986.10, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2016 Toyota Corolla a good car?

Yes — the 2016 Toyota Corolla earns a 4.67/5 user rating and a 7.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its fuel efficiency, smooth ride, and value for money. They also describe it as comfortable and more luxurious-feeling than its price suggests, which fits the Corolla’s role as an affordable daily driver. The overview frames it as a practical economy car that centers on value, with enough equipment to cover what most buyers really need.

With 25.5% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still offers some attractive opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2016 Toyota Corolla reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback describes the Corolla as reliable and dependable, and it also points to fuel efficiency, smooth ride quality, and strong value as reasons owners stick with it. The expert notes reinforce that theme by calling it a car that can provide reliable daily driving for years, if not decades to come.

The Corolla’s straightforward mechanical setup and value-focused design support that reputation, though used buyers should still pay close attention to the CVT and overall maintenance history. A well-kept example should be the safer long-term bet.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Toyota Corolla?

At 45.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. After that, prioritize a pre-purchase inspection so you can check for wear, uneven panel gaps, warning lights, and signs that the car has been used harder than the listing suggests. Because the Corolla is valued for low running costs and dependable commuting, condition matters more than cosmetic extras.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The L trim is the most basic version, while the LE adds a touchscreen, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, and SofTex-trimmed seats. The S adds a unique grille with integrated fog lights, available 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome-tipped exhaust, and a rear spoiler.
• Powertrain: The Corolla uses a 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder. Most versions make 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque, while the LE Eco uses Valvematic technology and other tweaks for 140 hp and 126 lb-ft of torque. The L can be paired with a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, and most other versions use a CVT.
• Safety package: Every Corolla features the Star Safety System, which includes eight standard airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes. Models with the touchscreen also get an integrated backup camera.
• Infotainment: The base car uses a conventional touchscreen and controls layout. The LE gets a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Entune apps, voice control, and Siri Eyes Free when paired with a Bluetooth-connected iPhone.
• Fuel efficiency: The most common CVT and FWD setup earns an EPA-estimated 29 mpg city/38 highway/32 combined. The base L with the 4-speed automatic earns 27/36/31, 6-speed versions return 28/37/31, and the LE Eco gets 30 mpg city/42 highway/36 combined.

Which 2016 Toyota Corolla trim should I buy?

The 2016 Toyota Corolla is offered in 4 trim levels: L, LE, LE Eco, and S.

Here's the short version:

• L: This is the entry point if you want the lowest starting price and the simplest Corolla experience. It gives you Bluetooth, USB input, LED headlights, and eight airbags, and it makes the most sense if your priority is basic, affordable transportation.
• LE: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the 6.1-inch touchscreen, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, and SofTex-trimmed seats without pushing the price into the sportier trims. If you want the most useful upgrades for everyday driving, start here.
• LE Eco: Choose this if fuel economy is your top priority. It uses the same 1.8-liter engine with efficiency-focused tuning and delivers the best mpg figures in the lineup.
• S: Pick this if you want the sportier look and extra visual equipment. It adds the unique grille, fog lights, available 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome-tipped exhaust, and rear spoiler, but it is more about appearance and feel than outright performance.

Every Corolla includes the Star Safety System, and touchscreen-equipped models also get an integrated backup camera.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Toyota Corolla?

Act selectively, because this is still a seller’s market even though there are some good opportunities if you know where to look.

• Deal availability: 25.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,874 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 2.68% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 45.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,986.10, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Toyota Corolla's resale value?

The current average of $12,793 sits slightly above last year's $12,459.

That upward move suggests the Corolla has held buyer interest well, which is a positive sign if you plan to sell later. A model year with steady demand and a reputation for value tends to stay easier to move in the used market. The price trend also shows that well-priced examples can still command attention, especially when they are clean and well maintained.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.67/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Toyota Corolla safe?

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Every Corolla features the Star Safety System, which includes eight standard airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, antilock brakes, and more. Models equipped with the touchscreen also have an integrated backup camera. The Corolla’s upright driving position also helps rearward visibility and sightlines.

The tradeoff is that it lacks many of the higher-tech driver-assistance features found in some rivals, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. That means you should not expect the kind of advanced safety suite that became more common in later small cars.

Should I buy a 2016 Toyota Corolla or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 25.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 45.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 2.68% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It offers strong value, fuel economy, and a well-rounded package at a competitive price.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $11,997, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $12,793 average.
• It emphasizes reliable, sensible transportation with a slightly more engaging feel.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $13,816, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $12,793 average.
• It adds standard Safety Sense P and a reversing camera.

The bottom line: The 2016 is the right pick if you want a value-focused Corolla with strong owner satisfaction and a competitive market price. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2015 can save you money, while the 2017 makes sense if you want the added standard safety content and are willing to pay more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.