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CanadianDriver Used Car Review of Corolla (9th gen)
Used Vehicle Review:
Toyota Corolla, 2003-2006
By Chris Chase
According to the dictionary, a Corolla is the outer part of a flower. You needn't be a botanist, however, to know what the word means to Toyota - their definition would be more like "big-time money maker."
The Corolla nameplate goes way back to 1966, which probably makes it one of the longest-lasting nameplates, at least among cars that have undergone as many redesigns as the Corolla has: the latest generation, which debuted in 2003 and is the subject of this week's used car review, is the ninth distinct body style to wear the Corolla badge.
Compared to the eighth generation car, and every other Corolla before it, the ninth iteration of this insanely popular small car looked significantly more substantial, standing taller, longer tip-to-tail and riding on a much longer wheelbase. The result was a much roomier interior, and the car as a whole had a much more solid feel on the road.
The 2003 Corolla was also the most powerful ever. It was powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder, just as the outgoing 2002 model was, but the new car got a few more horsepower. The VVT-i variable valve timing system (which first appeared in the Corolla in 2000) made for an engine with great low-end torque, considering its relatively small displacement.
Transmission choices were a five-speed manual (standard across the range) and a four-speed automatic as the optional gearbox. In 2005, Toyota added a high-performance XRS model to the line-up, featuring a 170-horsepower engine (this was the same motor that powered top end Celica and Matrix models - basically the same 1.8-litre engine but tuned to produce more power at higher revs). XRS models got a six-speed manual as the only transmission choice as well as 16-inch wheels, stiffer suspension and a body kit. The XRS is not to be confused with the Corolla Sport, which wore the same tacky body add-ons as the XRS, but used a softer suspension, smaller wheels and was available with an automatic transmission.
Two things Toyota is known for - fuel economy and reliability - are to be found in spades in the ninth-generation Corolla. According to Natural Resources Canada, a Corolla equipped with the automatic transmission uses about 8 L/100 km in the city and 5.7 L/100 km on the highway. Manual-transmission cars use a little less, at about 7 L/100 km (city) and 5.3 L/100 km (hwy). The hi-po XRS uses more, owing to its high-strung engine, consuming 9.2 L/100 km in the city and 6.4 L/100 km on the highway.
Reliability, as could be expected, is also impressive. In scouring Corolla-related forums on the Internet, we found few complaints about durability. Only one common issue turns up in the forums at the ToyotaNation.com - many owners report hard starting when the engine is warm, requiring longer-than-normal cranking times, with no cold-engine starting problems.
Crash safety is also excellent. The 2003 Corolla earned a perfect five-star rating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's frontal crash test for protecting both the driver and front passenger, and scored four stars each for protecting front and rear seat occupants in side impacts. The side impact tests were conducted on a car without the side airbags that were optional on the Corolla LE.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Corolla its "good" rating; initial tests revealed a high likelihood of injury to the driver's right leg, so Toyota modified the padding underneath the carpeting, eliminating the problem. Cars with the modification were built after December 2002 (the 2003 Corolla went on sale in early 2002).
Like any Toyota, the Corolla holds its value very well, so deals will be few. Used values range from $10,750 for a 2003 Corolla CE to $22,950 for a 2006 XRS model. The CE is by far the most popular model, and many were purchased with the "Package B" option, which added air conditioning, power locks and keyless entry. This is the configuration we'd recommend; while you'll still have to make do with roll-em-up-yourself windows, we think the simple options list suits the Corolla's raison d'etre - to provide reliable transportation at a reasonable price. It should be easy enough to find one so equipped for between $15,000 and $18,000, depending on the year and transmission choice.
The Corolla may not be sporty or particularly interesting to look at, but when it comes to reliable, efficient and roomy basic transportation, these little cars are tough to beat.
Pricing
Red Book Pricing (avg. retail) 2006: Year Model Price today Price new
2006 Corolla Sport $20,000 $20,615
2005 Corolla Sport $17,725 $19,955
2004 Corolla Sport $15,525 $19,750
2003 Corolla Sport $13,500 $19,650
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