2017 Toyota Corolla | Image from the manufacturer
In This Article...
Rave: Rock-Solid Reliability
Even after several years of ownership and tens of thousands of miles on the odometer, many 11th-generation Corolla owners praised the car’s dependability. The Corolla was listed as one of the most dependable sedans by J.D. Power in 2017, while Toyota placed fourth overall among automakers in 2018. Toyota has a history of delivering well in reliability surveys.
“For the money, the Corolla offers good value. I’ve owned two of them, and both have been incredibly dependable. Enough room is available in the backseat for two growing boys. The Corolla is a plain and practical car, albeit it is undoubtedly not the flashiest. Corolla 2018; Buxton, Maine
“The only thing I really need a car for is to get me from point A to point B and, ideally, back to point A. The main reason I chose to buy this car was because I have had three Toyotas in the past and have always found them to be dependable. An attractive feature is the backup camera (or necessity, since the view out the back window is limited due in part to wide pillars). Overall, this is not a particularly enjoyable vehicle to drive, but it will safely deliver you to your destination. Corolla 2017; Lake City, Pa.
“I’ve had my Corolla for just over three years, and I’m still thrilled that I made the purchase. I’ve never had to worry about things breaking down or abruptly ceasing to function. Corolla 2017; Atlanta
Rave: Thrifty at the Pump
When making a budget, taking the cost of ownership into account might be just as crucial as the vehicle’s purchase price. Many Corolla owners believe that the small car’s fuel economy increases both its value and affordability. Depending on the trim level and engine, the EPA assigned this generation of the Toyota Corolla combined city/highway fuel economy ratings ranging from 30 to 34 mpg. Some owners claim they exceeded EPA estimates for mpg by a large margin.
“This was a wise investment. I had originally planned to purchase an older S model, but after testing out the 2019 Corolla LE, I fell in love with the amenities. Lane departure and adaptive cruise control are wonderful. And the dash is gorgeous. I easily averaged 42-44 mpg when I originally got it. I now average about 37 mpg as I enjoy driving it, which is incredible considering I’ve always owned a truck. I endorse this vehicle to everyone and everybody! N.H. 2019 Corolla
“This is my first whole new vehicle. I’ve had my Corolla for precisely a year at this point, and I’ve logged 13,500 miles on it with no problems. I commute five days a week in the city and one day a week on the interstate, and I get 35 mpg. I travel from home to work every day for roughly 40 kilometers. I must admit that I finally chose wisely when I bought a car! Corolla 2018; Memphis, Tennessee
“This car immediately impressed me with its safety features. Excellent backup camera. Unbelievable gas mileage is undoubtedly the best feature. This is the one that will provide you the best value in terms of mpg if you’re shopping for one. It occasionally reaches 40 mpg! Lancaster, Pennsylvania; 2018 Corolla
“Given how frequently I drive, getting 4045 mpg on the highway and 3035 mpg in the city is fantastic. My three children, who range in age from 5 to 13, all adore the vehicle. It looks sleek and is quite comfortable. I cherish my automobile. Corolla 2017; Metaline Falls, Washington
“It is cozy, dependable, and averages 40 mpg while primarily traveling on highways. Tires have been used for 73,000 miles and counting. Corolla 2018; Clover, S.C.
“The Corolla SE is an excellent small vehicle. It is enjoyable to drive and gets great gas mileage (42 mpg or more on excursions). It has excellent handling and several safety measures. Corolla from 2018; Dallas, N.C.
Rave: Not Stingy on Space
“Overall, we approve. For a senior couple, its performance is adequate. I am 6 feet tall, and the front, rear, and trunk all have plenty of room. It is also quite quiet and has a smooth ride. Miami; 2017 Corolla
“I acquired a certified pre-owned 2019 Toyota Corolla. I used to drive a 2018 Ram 1500 truck before switching to this car. I prefer to drive the Corolla much more. I adore that it is a sporty “mom” automobile because I am a mother of two sons. It is child-friendly because my boys’ car seats accommodate both of them and there is still plenty of space for them in the rear. They can simply get in and out of the car. I believe it has good handling, fantastic gas mileage, and a wonderful guarantee because it is a certified used car. Corolla 2019; Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
“I like it. Large trunk, fantastic handling, and plenty of legroom. There is enough space for the kids to feel comfortable. There are many cupholders, and I really appreciate the backup camera. Corolla 2019; Weaver, Alabama
Rave: Safety Is a Given
One of the first vehicles in its class to offer a comprehensive array of standard safety features was the Toyota Corolla. Owners as well as the judges from our 2017 Compact Sedan Challenge praised this. Adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane departure warning and prevention, automatic high-beam headlights, and forward collision warning with pedestrian recognition are some of the new standard active safety technologies added to the 2017 Corolla during its mid-cycle refresh.
“The Toyota Corolla has once more surpassed my expectations for a cheap Toyota. Even though the LE I have is relatively basic, it still has driver assistance features like automated gas mileage tracking, auto lighting, and radar cruise control. Driving feels calm and comfortable. Although there is a slight reduction in visibility in my rearview mirror compared to my 2016 Corolla, this does not prevent me from purchasing again. Corolla 2019; Cleveland
“The amount of extra legroom in the backseats astonished me. It boasts a rearview camera, Bluetooth audio, lane departure alert, and precollision. It also gets excellent gas mileage. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with the purchase. Corolla 2017; Clovis, California
“This car is ideal in every way: It has comfortable seating and enough internal space, even with two car seats in the backseat. There are numerous entertaining features (backup camera, side mirror defrost, automatic headlights, pull-down beverage console, driver assist and many more). Corolla 2019; Stockton, California
“Compared to other vehicles I’ve owned, this one is incredibly fuel-efficient. When I’m driving on the highway, I adore the touchscreen radio and the driver-assistance capabilities. The front sensors have already prevented me from colliding with another car because they beep when you approach anything too closely (about 1 foot). Hickory, North Carolina; 2019 Corolla
Rant: The Cruise Control Is Out of Control
The majority of Corolla owners appreciate its driver-assist functions, although one of them causes problems: Reviews claim that the Corolla’s adaptive cruise control technology might cause the engine to rev extremely high, especially when traveling downhill. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received dozens of complaints of a similar nature under the “category of vehicle speed regulation. However, no official recall was made.
“I’m sorry to have to give the 2019 Corolla only a ‘OK’ rating, but this one has some issues. When traveling downhill, the cruise control engages a lower gear (and not even just on steep declines). The tachometer often and continuously revs up to 3,0004,000 rpm, which reduces gas mileage. Even though I’ve been driving Toyota cars for a very long time, if this were my first Toyota, I might pass the next time and try a different brand. Corolla 2019; Warner Robins, Georgia
“It functions flawlessly and has good contemporary features. I wish the seat could be adjusted more because I am small, and even on the lowest setting, the cruise control’s automatic distance setting is too sensitive. It also struggles to get up speed while switching lanes from behind a sluggish vehicle. Corolla 2018; Kissimmee, Florida
“My fourth Toyota that I’ve bought is this 2018 Corolla. Although I adore the vehicle, I won’t ever purchase another Corolla or possibly even another Toyota. It’s a nightmare using the cruise control. It will increase the tachometer to above 4,000 rpm while traveling uphill or downhill without raising speed. The dealer claimed that was standard, but I can assure you that is not the case. The fact that you continuously hear and see it at every hill, whether you’re going up or down, takes the pleasure out of driving. Corolla 2018; Newark, Ohio
“This vehicle is amazing. I was astonished by the number of safety measures it had considering the price I paid for it. The cruise control presents a problem; when it is in place and you encounter a downslope (even the backside of an overpass), the CVT is unable to make an adjustment and the tachometer reads over 4,000 rpm until the engine is made to “pull” once more. Now that I’m paying close attention, all I have to do to get it back to normal is touch the accelerator at the first indication. The car is much beyond satisfactory in every other manner, thus this is in the category of “first-world concerns.” 2018 Corolla; Texas, Wichita Falls
“Please be aware that even the slightest downhill grade will cause this car’s cruise control to entirely malfunction. I regret letting myself be lured into buying this as my first new automobile so terribly. Corolla 2017; Freeland, Pa.
Rant: Highway Hassles
Some owners of the Corolla were annoyed with the vehicle’s engine and excessive noise, especially when traveling at highway speeds. In assessments of the sedan that were otherwise favorable, the power (or lack thereof) was frequently the only issue. We discovered the 2017 Corolla’s CVT to be quick but loud during our assessment. We also mentioned that the four-cylinder engine can propel the vehicle to highway speeds, but that once there, passing at high speeds becomes more difficult.
“This car has 45,000 miles on it, and thus far everything seems to be functioning properly. The drift is rather obvious at speeds over 65 mph, thus it is clear that this is not a powerful automobile. With normal for tiny cars, the ride is rough and you get excellent gas mileage (38 mpg on my LE Eco). Leave the cruise control alone; it is useless in this vehicle, and the lane assist and other “assistance” functions annoy. Buy this car if you want durability and high gas mileage; look elsewhere if you want style and speed. Corolla from 2018; Charlotte, N.C.
“Excellent ownership debut month. Toyota should truly offer Apple CarPlay, in my opinion. Although the Civic or Mazda3 have undeniably more power, my family has been driving Toyotas since 1980, and they have never failed us down. 2018 Richmond; Baltimore
“The Corolla excels at everything it is intended to, despite having a limited amount of power, especially when the air conditioning is on. Other vehicles are more entertaining and have a variety of advantages and disadvantages. My LE’s interior and seats are pleasant, but I personally don’t like how the dashboard is styled. Visibility is also good. Corolla 2018; Dallas
“My Corolla is approximately a year old. The backseats have lots of legroom and a very smooth ride. However, when the windows are open, there is a lot of outside noise, including wind. Although I think the price could be a little bit lower, I still think it’s a very excellent automobile and would suggest it. Corolla 2017; Columbus, Ohio
Is the Toyota Corolla a trustworthy vehicle?
The Toyota Corolla has a 4.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, which places it first among 36 compact automobiles. Its great ownership costs are reflected in the $362 average yearly repair cost. Major problems are rare for the Corolla because to the low severity of repairs and average frequency of those problems.
What issues are there with the Toyota Corolla?
There have been grievances regarding excessive oil usage in many Toyota vehicles from the beginning of 2000.
Owners of several model years of the Toyota Corolla also complain about excessive engine oil use.
Toyota created the Warranty Enhancement Program ZE7 to remedy select vehicles with the 2AZ engine’s high oil consumption.
Possible Causes and Solutions
To prevent future harm to the engine of your Corolla, you can repair a damaged oil piston or piston ring.
Here are some recommendations for potential upkeep and fixes:
1. Verify the oil levels:
It’s essential to check the oil level in your engine to avoid engine damage. In order to keep the engine lubricated at all times, it is advisable to regularly check the oil levels.
You may check the oil level using the engine oil indicator light, but it’s also a good idea to check it manually. Normally, the “Check Oil” light won’t turn on until there is little to no oil in the engine.
If the oil level falls that low, it could be harmful to the engine and even cause damage.
2. Replace the piston rings and oil pistons:
Defective oil pistons and rings may be a significant contributing factor to your Corolla’s high engine oil consumption.
It frequently comes with additional symptoms, such as:
- Excessive Exhaust Smoke: A faulty piston may be the cause of your car’s thick, dark gray and blue exhaust smoke. A damaged piston may allow engine oil to flow into the combustion chamber, producing an excessive amount of thick smoke.
- sluggish acceleration
In addition to using too much oil, a damaged piston results in less combustion in the engine, which can diminish power. In order to reach the specified speed, you must accelerate more.
inadequate vehicle performance
When the piston is completely destroyed and the engine loses all of its power, this is a severe situation. Acceleration is not possible in this circumstance, and performance will be very subpar overall. It is advised you fix your piston before it reaches this point.
The majority of the expense of repairing a piston ring is spent on labor costs. While the labor expenses range from $500 to $1,500, the piston costs between $30 and $150.
The usual hourly rate for a mechanic is between $80 and $200, and it takes time to disassemble the engine, repair the piston, and reassemble the engine.
Is buying a Toyota Corolla worthwhile?
The brand-new 2020 Toyota Corolla will undoubtedly catch the attention of automobile consumers looking for something distinctive in the compact car segment. There are many vehicles in the compact car category that offer fuel efficiency and a useful, affordable automobile for daily usage. The Corolla has been around for a while, and the 2020 model elevates the unremarkable tiny car idea to thrilling new levels. The 2020 Toyota Corolla has undergone a thorough facelift with noticeable upgrades in many areas. The brand-new option improves on what was already a well-liked and wise decision in 2019. It has an updated interior and exterior with a contemporary twist on the tiny automobile. Additionally, it boasts cutting-edge technology that is typically found in luxury cars.
The first upgrade for 2020 is the addition of a hybrid engine as an optional option for the Corolla. The interior of the Corolla is contemporary and minimalist in design. The Corolla features a sportier grille and a lower, wider stance on the outside to make it appear more menacing. In 2020, all Corollas will come standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package. This package comes with a huge selection of safety technology.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Toyota CorollaThe Pros
1. The projected reliability rating was perfect.
J.D. Power has given the Corolla a predicted dependability rating of five out of five for the second consecutive year. It really changes the game when a consumer has faith in the Corolla’s dependability. When choosing a Corolla, buyers can be confident that they will get the most value out of their purchase.
2. Typical safety components
With Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, every 2020 Toyota Corolla is equipped. To make operating the Corolla as safe as possible, this collection of active safety technologies also includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and many others. With the Safety Sense 2.0 system, some trim levels additionally have sign recognition and lane tracking.
3. A new hybrid vehicle with excellent fuel economy
The Corolla Hybrid is a new car for 2020. This is the initial Corolla Hybrid model available. The Hybrid achieves a peak city fuel economy of 50 mpg. Depending on the powertrain choice, the Corolla’s gas models achieve outstanding fuel economy ratings of roughly 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
4. Interesting external styling
The muscular design of the 2020 Toyota Corolla is characterized by its low stance and pronounced sport-inspired grill. Additionally, it has low profile standard LED headlights and taillights. A power moonroof, twin pointed chrome exhaust, and heated mirrors with turn signal lights are among the upgrades that are available. Customers looking for more of a statement from the exterior of their tiny car will undoubtedly be drawn in by the aggressive style.
Several trim levels 5.
Six trim levels of the 2020 Toyota Corolla are available. Customers can combine improvements and optional equipment because to the diversity. A seven-inch touchscreen, Safety Sense 2.0 security features, WiFi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay are all included as standard equipment in the Corolla L base model. The LE, SE, XLE, and XSE trim levels are then available for selection by the buyer. It also lists the Corolla Hybrid as a trim level with special characteristics of its own.
6. A variety of powertrain choices.
Although front wheel drive is standard on all Corolla models, there are three different transmissions and two different gasoline engine choices. The base engine is shared by the L, LE, and XLE. A 1.8 liter, four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower powers the vehicle. Moreover, a standard CVT transmission with shift mode is included in these trim levels. The improved 2.0 liter engine is available on the SE and XSE trim levels. With the CVT transmission and 169 horsepower, the more potent engine provides more acceleration. The SE trim level also has a six speed manual transmission.
7. Contemporary design elements
The dash’s high center location and standard seven-inch touch screen are both features of the Corolla. It dominates the interior and stands out in contrast to the simple aesthetic. There are few buttons and gadgets in the inside, which is elegant and uncluttered. It also includes a WiFi hotspot as standard. Apple CarPlay and Siri voice recognition are also included as standard in every Corolla. Piano black accents are added to the interior trim to further the clean appearance.
8. High-end upgrades
The Corolla offers amazing enhancements in addition to having good basic equipment. Customers who are not satisfied with the standard Corolla L’s features and equipment can upgrade their vehicle. An eight-inch touch screen infotainment system with a programmable homepage is an option. You can modify the climate control system to add automatic features. Sport seats with superior upholstery, wireless device charging, and ambient lighting are further features. Smart keys are also available.
9. Enhanced compatibility with Apple mobile devices
The 2020 Toyota Corolla provides fantastic alternatives for connecting the car to Apple devices for those who enjoy using Apple mobile devices. The standard Siri HandsFree and Apple CarPlay features enable customers to get the most out of their Apple gadgets. Additionally included is the Remote Connect function. Apple watch owners can locate, start, and control several functions of the Corolla thanks to this luxury feature. For non-Apple users, the Corolla is also compatible with various mobile devices.
10. Exciting driving attributes
For shoppers who enjoy an exhilarating driving experience, the 2020 Toyota Corolla provides a ton of available options. A modernized suspension system that improves ride comfort and smoothness is included as standard equipment. Sport tuned suspensions are available on some trim levels to make driving more exciting. In order to maximize the potential of the more potent engine, the Corolla can also be equipped with paddle shifters on the steering wheel and an optional sport driving mode.
buying advice
Compare prices online before buying a new car to avoid paying too much. Find out the price in advance before entering a dealership. The following free services are suggested by us: Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect, and Motortrend.
These free sites will provide you the best deals and provide you with numerous price quotations from rival businesses. Before visiting the dealer, you will be aware of the best pricing.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Toyota CorollaThe Cons
1. Limited space for passengers and freight
The Corolla features less head and leg room for the rear passenger than the model from the previous year. Although it has seating for five, the back seat may be uncomfortable for adults. The trunk’s 13 cubic feet of cargo space is below average, and the back seat’s 60/40 split does not fully fold down, which further restricts the amount of cargo you can transport.
2. An inadequate foundation engine
The Corolla’s standard engine struggles to deliver satisfactory performance when driving. Many drivers feel that the car lacks power, which encourages them to upgrade to the 2.0 liter engine, which is more powerful.
3. Not everyone should use a CVT transmission.
Although the Corolla’s transmission is adequate, some people dislike the way a CVT feels when driving. In addition to the CVT versions with dynamic shifts, the Corolla now offers an optional manual shift transmission. Once more, customers might feel uneasy with the base powertrain option.