Toyota Corolla (1995 - 1999) Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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User reviews for Toyota Corolla (1995 - 1999)
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by Brayan B
Jul 22, 2024
Definitely reliable & cheap parts
310,000 miles.. had to replace the alternator & radiator myself but other than that she’s still running lol just make sure to check the oil regularly since it consumes it.Jul 22, 2024
by Anonymous
Apr 18, 2014
I like that it's affordable. My initial purchase of the car was fairly cheap and it was and still is in good condition. I bought it to commute to work and school but have driven it on 850 mile trips. It runs very well and is reliable. I've been very happy with it and the gas mileage it gets.Apr 18, 2014
by Anonymous
Dec 20, 2013
i purchased this car new-ish.. it was a leftover that no one wanted because it was a stick. It was also a weirdly optioned stick, as it didn't have the spoiler, the fog lights, alloys, but had leather and a moon-roof. When i purchased this i had leased it with the intention of keeping it. I was working on Long Island and living in NJ, so my commute daily was killer. The miles poured on, and in 3 years i had done 100K miles. i owned the car for an additional 3 years in that time i put on over 300K miles.
I had figured that this car would run as long as my 85 camry, however it did not..
There are some issues with this car to which you should keep in mind..
1. The 1zzFe engine in the 98-99 corolla is not the same as the 1zzfe used in the 2000 - 2014 models. There is no variable valve timing. (VVTI) as a result the parts are different between this one and the new ones, which means they are a little more expensive.
2. The clutch in the manuals sucks..
3. The DRL have a design flaw, so you will eat through bulbs like water
4. The power window regulators suck, and do not close right.
5. The O2 sensors are expensive, and this model had an issue with eating them. (i pulled the check engine bulb and gave up, drove another 100k miles and didn't care)
Aside from that, i am certain you cannot kill these cars..
I know as once i got to 250K miles, i decided to rip it apart and make a tuner.
This was a cheaper investment than a Honda, and the outcome was brutal fun..
at 250K miles.
Motor was replaced with a 2zzGE(gen1) with forged internals (9200RPM redline)
The transmission was replaced with a (gen1) 6speed from a celica gts
The clutch was replaced as well as all the linkage.. with a stage 4 clutch and lightened flywheel. (Added LSD)
The interior was gutted two racing seats installed
Added coil-overs 17in Rota's and street slick summer tires.
Sold the car at 304K miles after having some fun. (got 7k)
ran a 13.2 on all motor and still got 30mpg..Dec 20, 2013
User rating:
by Brayan B
Jul 22, 2024
Definitely reliable & cheap parts
310,000 miles.. had to replace the alternator & radiator myself but other than that she’s still running lol just make sure to check the oil regularly since it consumes it.Jul 22, 2024
by Anonymous
Apr 18, 2014
I like that it's affordable. My initial purchase of the car was fairly cheap and it was and still is in good condition. I bought it to commute to work and school but have driven it on 850 mile trips. It runs very well and is reliable. I've been very happy with it and the gas mileage it gets.Apr 18, 2014
by Anonymous
Dec 20, 2013
i purchased this car new-ish.. it was a leftover that no one wanted because it was a stick. It was also a weirdly optioned stick, as it didn't have the spoiler, the fog lights, alloys, but had leather and a moon-roof. When i purchased this i had leased it with the intention of keeping it. I was working on Long Island and living in NJ, so my commute daily was killer. The miles poured on, and in 3 years i had done 100K miles. i owned the car for an additional 3 years in that time i put on over 300K miles.
I had figured that this car would run as long as my 85 camry, however it did not..
There are some issues with this car to which you should keep in mind..
1. The 1zzFe engine in the 98-99 corolla is not the same as the 1zzfe used in the 2000 - 2014 models. There is no variable valve timing. (VVTI) as a result the parts are different between this one and the new ones, which means they are a little more expensive.
2. The clutch in the manuals sucks..
3. The DRL have a design flaw, so you will eat through bulbs like water
4. The power window regulators suck, and do not close right.
5. The O2 sensors are expensive, and this model had an issue with eating them. (i pulled the check engine bulb and gave up, drove another 100k miles and didn't care)
Aside from that, i am certain you cannot kill these cars..
I know as once i got to 250K miles, i decided to rip it apart and make a tuner.
This was a cheaper investment than a Honda, and the outcome was brutal fun..
at 250K miles.
Motor was replaced with a 2zzGE(gen1) with forged internals (9200RPM redline)
The transmission was replaced with a (gen1) 6speed from a celica gts
The clutch was replaced as well as all the linkage.. with a stage 4 clutch and lightened flywheel. (Added LSD)
The interior was gutted two racing seats installed
Added coil-overs 17in Rota's and street slick summer tires.
Sold the car at 304K miles after having some fun. (got 7k)
ran a 13.2 on all motor and still got 30mpg..Dec 20, 2013
by Anonymous
Oct 28, 2013
The car is best that I have ever had.I have had for six months and I don't intend to give it up for any price. The car that owned before this one was a Pigeout 1979 which made me a regular guest at the mechanic's. This one has caused no problems so far.Oct 28, 2013
by David S
Feb 21, 2013
I have owned this car for 13 years; hardly any problems. This is a great low cost car. I use the car for commute to work. I Would by another, but my wife and I want something that sits higher off the ground.Feb 21, 2013
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
Mar 13, 2012
It's a compact car. Don't expect midsize from this. Get a good set of Michellins on it and it'll run smooth and quite for years. It's sharp looking. Handling is great, steering smooth, engine has pep. Love the car. Owned for 10 yrs. Our second Corolla. Mar 13, 2012
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 Lucio G
Apr 26, 2011
It's ok for everyday use but lacks the torque i require and also i'm more of a rear wheel guy but the car is good for now, it serves it purpose. Good family car and easy to maintain. Overall it's enjoyable and a safe car.Apr 26, 2011
by Alberto F
Mar 12, 2011
This is a great car to drive.... not much in the HP department, but it brakes and
handles just fine (and I need to change my brakes, so that's saying something).
It's built like a Toyota is supposed to be - cheap and reliable. Couple of
vibrations and squeaks coming from the engine department, mainly due to
looseness. It has minor cosmetic damage, and looks pretty damn cute for a
Corolla lol. The gas mileage is absolutely outstanding - like 30 something mpg
hwy, and the gas could last for at least 2 weeks. Cost of ownership is very low.
This is a very fun and practical car to drive and I recommend it for anyone
looking to save at the pump and drive a reliable piece of machinery.Mar 12, 2011
by Ian W
Dec 11, 2010
Performance - slow acceleration, handling is solid, motor is reliable
Build Quality - almost never needs repairs
Appearance - all the paint is on it and there are no dents, but the trim is falling off
Fun factor - not much of a wow factor, but it is a manual transmission
Mileage - around 217,000 kmDec 11, 2010
by Stace M
Nov 15, 2010
The performance of this car has met my standards. For a 4 cylinder it
accelerates fairly fast, braking is great, and it takes corners like it's no problem.
The only thing repair-wise I've done to it, is the brake lines, and a battery. But
those are just things that go with time.
I've been working on my car, improving the look slowly, but even without it, so
a little reliable car, it's really nice looking, and the interior is awesome. I just
don't like that the AC adapter is right under the drink holder, so when I have a
drink in there, it blocks the socket.
Cost of owning this car is cheap. I bought it for 2800, and it's cheap insurance,
and I get over 500 km per tank, with next to no maintenance.
I think this car is a lot of fun to drive. I'll have a hard time ever getting rid of it.Nov 15, 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 Anonymous
Mar 17, 2010
The 1996 Corolla accelerates quickly, brakes well, and handles the curves nicely. The engine runs very well and has not needed very much in the way of repairs. It is noisier on freeway driving than the Toyota Camry, as it is not as insulated. The appearance is of a practical car but a little bit sporty as well. Cost of ownership has been very good. This car is fun to drive and it maneuvers well.Mar 17, 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 Rick B
Nov 20, 2009
Always accelerates; always brakes; always turns. No unexpected repairs in 136k miles except for a front bearing replacement after an aggressive off-road sprint. Still looks like a 1990s model car. Was paid off in 1999; virtually free to drive. Insurance is cheap. Nobody will steal it. Turns on a dime and is small enough to avoid door-dings in parking lots. Fun and worry free!Nov 20, 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 Liz F
Jun 25, 2009
The Toyota Corolla is a great car. Everyone in my family owns one. It's fuel efficient, easy to park, and fun to drive. I recommend one to anyone who is buying a new or used car. I would buy one again. Jun 25, 2009
by Joseph S
Mar 13, 2009
Performance :
Brilliant, I say. As this car's 4A-FE engine produce 116hp @ 6000rpm of power and 137Nm of torque @ 4800rpm, enough for high speed driving while keeping the fuel efficiency rate high. Tested 0-60mph @ 15sec on its original setting, not bad for a 1.6L engine compared to other engines. Superb for daily driving, but if you suddenly got the need for speed, this car could fit your need easily. If you're hungry for more power, you could swap it with a more powerful 4A-GE or the monstrous 4A-GZE supercharged engine.
Build Quality:
Very good, I have experience few minor bumps and a major crash but still running. You could rely on the construction strength if you suddenly crash into something. But aware of the lower section such as suspension, ball joint, steering rack etc. as these parts need a little more attention than any other parts.
Appearance:
Masculine yet gentle. The appearance won't let you down when you get side-by-side with newer cars. The models is everlasting and never gets old. A few tweaks will make this car's appearance even more.
Cost of Ownership:
Gas mileage is quite economic as you can get 10km out of 1 Liter of fuel. Maintenance cost is not a problem if you could afford about 200 US$/year. But a complete renewal such as engine overhaul, body repainting & repairing, etc. can cost you over 2.000 US$.
Fun Factor:
Can keep the smile on your face whatever you do, driving, racing, or even show-off!Mar 13, 2009
by Lisa W
Oct 06, 2008
It runs great and has never given my any major problems, however it is not well put together as all the door handles except one are broken on the inside. It gets about 25 to 30mpg city and 35 to 40 highway. Doesn't have much get up and go. I would recommend this car to someone who doesn't like to spend a whole lot on gasOct 06, 2008
by Ntombi P
Jul 11, 2008
Of course, the best things about the Corolla are that the gas mileage and reliability are almost unparalleled. It requires only routine maintenance, and keeps going and going and ... Well you get the picture.Jul 11, 2008
by Amanda O
Jul 10, 2008
Owned this car for 10 years and nothing has broken. Performs well for a 10 yr old car. I plan to drive it another 5 to 10 years with basic maintenance. Very reliable car. I have heard from other reviewers that the paint is not that great. I would say not so much, my paint is still in very good condition. Jul 10, 2008
by Corey G
Jun 26, 2008
This car is great on gas especially when its $4.00 + a gallon. Its Standard, light, and small so it is fun to drive. It has a 1.6L straight-4 so it doesn't have to much power. For being 14 years old and having 140k miles on it, it still runs good. So far we have replaced the radiator and the starter. The brake lines and fuel line have rotted out mainly because of the salt on the road in the winter. The body is still holding up with not a whole lot of rust. The interior is pretty much pristine. I would tell those who need a car that is great on gas to look at the Toyota Corolla. Plus, the new ones look awesome.Jun 26, 2008
by Brad B
Apr 01, 2008
Mine is rebuilt from a crash, but the quality is still incredible. Car is sleek-looking, interior is well-designed and spacious, though the car is small and light. The trunk is huge. There are also plenty of places to store stuff. The engine is small and fairly weak, but does the job.Apr 01, 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 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
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