wemay
Site Donor 2023
Ownership review...
Dislikes:
From day one, i noticed that immediately ahead of the front tires, under the car, were two fins (air dams) that protrude downwards. Within a week these things would get hung up on the higher parking stops. Each was secured by two Phillips screws which I removed after week one. There is a faint creaking noise emitting from behind the dash that makes itself known on rough roads, not loud but enough to bother me and no one else in the car. The interior is dove gray and gets dirty rather easily. I have managed to keep it clean thus far. More importantly, initial take off is, well, tepid. The car just doesn't give anything from a stop (9 second 0-60). The trunk/boot compartment has hinges that infringe on full-size luggage placed underneath them. The engine note is fine until you push past 7/10ths, then it becomes harsh.
Likes:
It is a handsome vehicle outside and i love the dash layout. Materials are of decent quality (soft touch upper dash and glovebox area). Fit and finish is excellent, as is the A/C unit. The controls are all logical and user-friendly (i don't have e-tune). Interior dash and cabin lighting isn't anything mind blowing but nice and clean blue. The LED low beams are wonderful. Steering feel is better than i expected but still feels artificial now that i'ts electric. Driving ergonomics are spot on (i'm 5'7" so driving position isn't an issue). Mid-range acceleration feels better than the 132 bhp and 128 ft/lbs would have you believe. Never sporty, but the CVT moves it along nicely. I've grown fond of this transmission much sooner than i thought i would even get used to it. When in "sport mode", the RPMs rise sharply and the pseudo gear changes are rapid and crisp enough to have non-enthusiasts believe this is a sporty ride. The seats are very comfortable and the rear seats are cavernous by compact standards. The trunk is a good size too. The ride is supple and never jarring. It is composed and "easy" to drive and live with on a day-to-day basis. I have owned vehicles that i didn't enjoy driving and the Corolla isn't one of those. It's small enough and maneuverable enough to enjoy an occasional spirited drive. I see why Toyota sells so many of these.
This car does nothing great except be reliable (hopefully), but does everything well. Even the MPGs are not at the top of the current heap (the 2ZR-FE is long in the tooth) but i get 28 mpg and drive in heavy city traffic 90% of the time.
I would buy it again.
Dislikes:
From day one, i noticed that immediately ahead of the front tires, under the car, were two fins (air dams) that protrude downwards. Within a week these things would get hung up on the higher parking stops. Each was secured by two Phillips screws which I removed after week one. There is a faint creaking noise emitting from behind the dash that makes itself known on rough roads, not loud but enough to bother me and no one else in the car. The interior is dove gray and gets dirty rather easily. I have managed to keep it clean thus far. More importantly, initial take off is, well, tepid. The car just doesn't give anything from a stop (9 second 0-60). The trunk/boot compartment has hinges that infringe on full-size luggage placed underneath them. The engine note is fine until you push past 7/10ths, then it becomes harsh.
Likes:
It is a handsome vehicle outside and i love the dash layout. Materials are of decent quality (soft touch upper dash and glovebox area). Fit and finish is excellent, as is the A/C unit. The controls are all logical and user-friendly (i don't have e-tune). Interior dash and cabin lighting isn't anything mind blowing but nice and clean blue. The LED low beams are wonderful. Steering feel is better than i expected but still feels artificial now that i'ts electric. Driving ergonomics are spot on (i'm 5'7" so driving position isn't an issue). Mid-range acceleration feels better than the 132 bhp and 128 ft/lbs would have you believe. Never sporty, but the CVT moves it along nicely. I've grown fond of this transmission much sooner than i thought i would even get used to it. When in "sport mode", the RPMs rise sharply and the pseudo gear changes are rapid and crisp enough to have non-enthusiasts believe this is a sporty ride. The seats are very comfortable and the rear seats are cavernous by compact standards. The trunk is a good size too. The ride is supple and never jarring. It is composed and "easy" to drive and live with on a day-to-day basis. I have owned vehicles that i didn't enjoy driving and the Corolla isn't one of those. It's small enough and maneuverable enough to enjoy an occasional spirited drive. I see why Toyota sells so many of these.
This car does nothing great except be reliable (hopefully), but does everything well. Even the MPGs are not at the top of the current heap (the 2ZR-FE is long in the tooth) but i get 28 mpg and drive in heavy city traffic 90% of the time.
I would buy it again.
