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2002 Toyota Corolla Owner Ratings & Reviews

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4.0
Overall
2 Reviews

2002 Toyota Corolla - Possible lemon

Todd
Fort Irwin, California
Overall
3.0
Value
3.0
Performance
2.0
Style
2.0
Comfort
2.0
Fuel Economy
3.0
Reliability
2.0
The vehicle was purchased used and had about 75,000 miles on it in 2010. We had it while living in three different states (driving it for two cross-country moves) until it broke down completely partway through the second of those moves a few miles after hitting 100,000 miles in 2017. It was mostly used for driving in town; we preferred to use our other vehicle for most traveling as the Corolla never felt particularly good on highway driving. It was a mostly adequate vehicle when used in town. It was not the most comfortable vehicle and had no special features, but it would get from point A to B for short distances with relatively good gas mileage and had a reasonable amount of trunk space. It was regularly used for grocery trips, which the trunk was adequate for. We very rarely used th... (more)
Story
We had winter tires put on the car, and while working an overnight shift, I would leave work before the roads had been cleared when it snowed. Despite attempts on empty snowy roads and parking lots to get it to spin, I could not force it to lose traction in icy/snowy conditions.
Pros
The Corolla was easy to maintain (we conducted regular maintenance the entire time we owned it) and had fairly good gas mileage. For the most part, I could get 28 miles to the gallon for in-town driving and slightly higher for the limited highway trips it took. The trunk space was surprisingly large for a small car and was frequently used. Additionally, the back seat could be folded down to allow the trunk to open up for more room if needed. While tight, it could hold five people, which we did on a few occasions. There was center console storage between the front seats, and the gear shaft ... (more)
Cons
The car sat very low, so my 6'4" husband did not care to drive it or ride in it if at all possible. At 5'4" myself, it occasionally felt low getting in and out to me, too. The windows were not tinted at all, so it got very hot very quickly, and the A/C was not especially responsive in running cold soon after the car was started or in cooling down the car while driving on a hot day. It began shaking and rattling within a few months of purchase and required an entirely new engine. After replacing the engine, it held up well for a few more years, but it seemed to always have a tendency to go ... (more)

2002 Toyota Corolla - A reliable and great car

Jannelle
San Jose, California
Overall
5.0
Value
5.0
Performance
3.0
Style
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Fuel Economy
4.0
Reliability
5.0
Of all the cars that I have had, this car is one of the oldest with the highest mileage, yet it is the most reliable car that I've ever had. It has never had any issues. All it needs is regular maintenance - regular oil changes, tune ups, new tires, and some techron every now and then to pour into the gas tank to help the car run a bit smoother, etc. No major parts have broken or needed repairing. It is a great car that gets you where you need to go safely and comfortably. It was made to last and there is something about Toyotas where you know you're going to get a quality car that is reliable, safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. I've just had tons of car problems with other cars like the VW Jetta, and it is such a headache and a hassle to deal with so I am thankful for the Corolla that ... (more)
Story
One fun memory in this car was last year around Christmas time. There is a certain area in my city where the houses go all out with crazy, creative, and beautiful holiday decorations. Since my boyfriend is not from the area, my mom and I drove him around the area around Christmas to look at the lights. It was a relaxing drive, and it was a lot of fun just cruising and seeing all the fun festiv... (more)
Pros
So far it has not been necessary to do any repair work on the car because all the parts work properly and correctly. No check engine lights, no brake problems, no overheating, etc. All that I have needed to do is keep up on the oil changes, get a regular tune up, replace the necessary filters every now and then, new tires, and techron in the gas tank to help the car preform at a better quality with the gas. The car is super reliable which is a godsend considering the absolute nightmares that previous cars have given me with not only the inconvenience of the car not working properly and not... (more)
Cons
I guess a negative about the car is the fact that the interior is tan and the seats are cloth and not leather. Leather seats are great because if there are any spills in the car they are easily cleaned and you don't have to worry about seat covers or stains. Since this car is all tan in the interior, I have to be extra careful not to spill or soil the seats because it will definitely stain. I have invested in some car seat covers to help cover that concern. I also got different car mats that are darker in color to put over the tan ones because I don't want dirty looking car mats. Since car... (more)

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