Used Toyota Corolla Saloon 1997 - 2002 review
It'll get you from A to B reliably and reasonably safely
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- (2004 - 07)
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What's the used Toyota Corolla like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 1 January 2006
How we test cars
What's the used Toyota Corolla like?
The Corolla has always sold in vast numbers around the world, but has had to endure something of a bland reputation. This model, introduced in 1997 and face-lifted in 2000, was designed to up the tempo a little, but neither version will go down in history as handsome.
The good, but not that good story continues on the road. Although the petrol engines are impressive, the Corolla's drive is not on the pace of the equivalent Ford Focus or VW Golf. The ride feels too hard and the light steering too lifeless for the Corolla to sit in that company.
Overview
It'll get you from A to B reliably and reasonably safely
Pros
- Good build quality, smooth petrol engines
- reliability
Cons
- Early diesel is sluggish and noisy, limited rear room
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Toyota Corolla
1.5 VVT-h Saloon 4dr Petrol Hybrid
£4,995
Toyota COROLLA
1.8 VVT-h Design
£10,995
Toyota Corolla
1.8 VVT-h Icon Tech CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£11,950
Toyota Corolla
1.8 VVT-h Icon Tech CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£12,790
Toyota COROLLA
1.8 VVT-h Icon Tech CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
RRP £24,309
£14,990
Toyota Corolla
1.8 VVT-h Icon Tech CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£14,995
Toyota Corolla
1.8 VVT-h Design CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£17,358
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Similarly, although they're durable and hardwearing, the shiny plastics in the cabin aren't quite up to the mark either.
However boot space is reasonable, and the Corolla's safety features are impressive for a car launched in 1997. With twin airbags as standard it merited a three-star Euro NCAP safety rating at a time when the maximum possible score was four.
Tips & Advice
How to test drive a car
There’s no substitute for a test drive in a new car. Take it on a variety of roads and surfaces to ensure it measures up.
Will the car fit your needs?
As part of the test drive, fill the car with regularly-carried luggage, and make sure the family can get comfy before you buy
Ownership cost
How much does cost to run a Toyota Corolla?
Like most Toyotas of this generation, the Corolla enjoys a reputation for being fairly easy on the pocket. For a start, insurance is very reasonable, as is fuel economy - although it would be even better if there was a diesel engine to choose from.
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Official Toyota dealers may not be quite as cheap to pay per hour as a Skoda franchise, but the Japanese company's hourly rate is on a par with Ford's, Vauxhall's and Peugeot's. However, setting servicing costs aside, average repair rates will work out more expensive for the Toyota driver if the car is involved in an accident.
Tips & Advice
Never miss a motoring date
Remembering to arrange insurance, book a service or buy breakdown cover can be a pain. Fortunately, My What Car? is here to help
Our recommendations
Which used Toyota Corolla should I buy?
If you're after a Corolla, the saloon arguably isn't the place to start, as it's less practical than the hatchback and much harder to find on the used market.
That's partly because, in this class, the UK is a hatchback market, but also because the Corolla saloon range was much smaller than the hatchback's. For a start, there was never a diesel engine in the car and only two petrol engines, each with its own trim level.
If you're choosing between these two, our advice is simple: go for the 1.6.
Tips & Advice
Avoid ULEZ and clean-air zone fines
If you regularly drive into a clean air zone, you’ll want to ensure your next car is compliant to avoid costly fines
How reliable is the Toyota Corolla Cross ?
Toyota Corolla Cross
Read reliability
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Toyota Corolla
1.5 VVT-h Saloon 4dr Petrol Hybrid
£4,995
Toyota COROLLA
1.8 VVT-h Design
£10,995
Toyota Corolla
1.8 VVT-h Icon Tech CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£11,950
Toyota Corolla
1.8 VVT-h Icon Tech CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£12,790
Toyota COROLLA
1.8 VVT-h Icon Tech CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
RRP £24,309
£14,990
Toyota Corolla
1.8 VVT-h Icon Tech CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£14,995
Toyota Corolla
1.8 VVT-h Design CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£17,358
See all available cars
About the writer
Name: Stuart Milne
Title: Digital editor
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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.
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