When a car beats the legendary Volkswagen Beetle regarding sales numbers, then the manufacturer must have done something right. And the Japanese giant Toyota has certainly done plenty right with the iconic Toyota Corolla.
First Toyota Corolla was release in 1966
The first iteration of the Toyota Corolla hit the streets in 1966 and has since then seen ten further generations follow its footpath with the total sales figures surpassing 40 million by 2013 already. In its history, the car had many versions, and Toyota opted to go with rear-wheel drive for the early models, and the ‘86 model is especially popular in the ever-growing ‘drifting’ circles. Toyota also started producing Corollas with the four-wheel drive, while the latest versions have all been front-wheel drive.
1986 model was among the top loved cars
With the ‘86 being among the top loved cars in the drifting scene, and therefore highly praised, the name Corolla has also ventured into rallying, and with some success. It first hit the World Rally scene in 1997 at the rally in Finland but started its first full season the following year in the Rally of Monte Carlo. The very next year the team won the constructors title and pulled out of the sport.
Toyota used to produce the Corolla as a hatchback or a sedan, with the most recent version sold in the United States as a compact sedan. While it might not have topped the charts regarding performance or the appeal of its design, the car sold in huge numbers due to its main features praised by its drivers: safety, and reliability.
Used Toyota Corolla Auctions
[auctions query=”toyota corolla”]
Now as the manufacturer has announced the 12th generation of the Corolla, which will now be a hatchback, we are looking at what you could get with a used Corolla, and whether it is a good purchase option.
1986 Toyota Corolla GT-S
If you want to stay true to the drifting roots, then the ‘86 model should peak your interest. But be aware Toyota produced the Corolla in various configurations and both the front and rear-wheel drive during the period as well as four body styles. Luckily, the amount of the AE86s that landed in the United States over the years have made this car still easily obtainable with those in good condition going for about $6,000.
Is Toyota Corolla Safe?
Now, if you are not into drifting and rallying and would like a daily driver that provides safety and reliability, then a Toyota Corolla is still a safe bet. No matter the year of the car, you can expect pretty much the same from the top seller: reliable engines, comfortable ride, good gas mileage but a rather cheap looking interior and handling that is nothing to write home about. Since 2014, the car has seen one redesign that sharpened up the lines but was pretty much unchanged, and you could get the 2014 model from $7,000 up to $20,000. The later models, like a used 2017 Corolla can be found for as low $10,000 as up to $23,000, according to Autotrader listings.
When consumers purchase a Toyota, they are not simply purchasing a car, truck or van.
They are placing their trust in our company.Akio Toyoda
2018 Toyota Corolla Awards
- IIHS TSP
- NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating
Zack Spencer’s Reviews the 2016 Toyota Corolla
2017 Toyota Corolla Meets Expectations
The 2017 models do indeed justify the price difference as not only are they newer, but they also come with a refreshed look and a lot of new safety features as standard. Compared to the 2014-2016 models, Toyota added its Safety Sense-P safety features as standard as well as a rearview camera.
The spacious cabin and reliable engines remained. However, the engines were still underpowered, and the handling again wasn’t a positive talking point. But still, if you look for a daily driver that will not break down on you, find one with a good service history, and you should have no issues. And in the 2017 model, you could enjoy in a quality interior, and the U.S. News gave it the title of the Best New Car for Teens due to its reliability and top crash test ratings.
Toyota only selected four petrol engines
Toyota only selected four petrol engines for the U.S. market, all being 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with horsepower ranging from 132 HP to 140 HP with no diesel engines on offer. All in all the difference in price over the 2014-2016 models does give you a better car, although the reliability and safety features of the older models are adequate.
But there are some issues you have to be aware of. If you go back in years, the 2002 model was the one that stands out of a rather very reliable bunch. According to Carcomplaints website, the 2002 model suffered from excessive oil use, and currently, it would not be a recommended buy due to the potential repair costs. Similarly, the 2009 model showed similar problems, and it has the highest complaints rate.
But all in all, with the Toyota Corolla that has seen regular service and doesn’t have too many miles on it, you will be getting a comfortable, reliable and sturdy car that is unlikely to leave you on the side of the road.
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