2005 Toyota Corolla Review
Fuel Economy
25 - 31 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A solid economy sedan that many will purchase on the basis of name alone. Next to its peers, though, the Corolla costs too much and lacks personality.
Pros
Refined and roomy interior, excellent gas mileage and crash test scores, long list of safety features, spunky XRS model, illustrious reliability record.
Cons
Awkward driver-seat position, bland personality, gets pricey when even basic features are desired, sedan body style only.
What's New for 2005
A sporty new XRS model debuts boasting a 170-horsepower engine and a sport-tuned suspension. Additionally, all Corollas receive a restyled front fascia and rear taillights. The LE model now has Lexus-like Optitron instrumentation, along with a cloth-trimmed center console and sun visors. Side curtain airbags, stability control and a JBL audio system are all new options.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Highly Recommend
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Corolla XRS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
Review
I bought this car at the end of August of 2005 and wasn't too sure what the XRS model was. After 4 years of owning it, I think its a pretty good daily driver. It's fun to drive and has enough power to keep up with flow of traffic. The 6 speed manual is what makes it different from the other models and the 2zz-ge motor revs up to 8200 rpm which makes a really fun to drive when the lift kicks in.
Favorite Features
Lift at the high end and pretty good gas mileage.
Suggested Improvements
Lower the lift to a more reasonable RPM. 6800 is way too high.
Boring, generic, poorly crafted
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 1 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Corolla LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I purchased this car new in 05 and about 5,000 mile ago the rattling around the driver and passenger windows and door and dash (front and rear) has become unbearable. It's gotten to the point that I just want to smash it into a wall. My daily drive has become a test of my patience and hearing (from having to blast my stereo).
Favorite Features
fuel economy
Suggested Improvements
This car is so completely boring and poorly crafted they should start over, only this time care a bit more what they place their logo on.
Great Reliable Car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Corolla CE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
After car shopping in 2005, the Toyota Corolla seemed to be the best economical and fuel efficient car that I saw. Since I bought it, the car has not given me any problems. However, I do make sure it gets its regular maintenance. I truly recommend a Toyota Corolla for reliability.
Favorite Features
Fuel efficient and rides smooth.
Suggested Improvements
The headlights should be able to able to manually turn off. You can't turn them off on your own. The cost of power windows were $1k more so it could be less expensive.
A fun drive, but has its flaws
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Corolla LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
First thing's first: why has nobody mentioned that the factory hubcaps have a tendency to fly off at the slightest bump/sharp turn (5-spoke)? My girlfriend drives this car and loves it, but I know she is not the only one to have problems with wheel covers/hubcaps, especially since it so difficult to find this particular part online. Other than the aforementioned problem (and a strange whistling noise in the upper part of the windshield-loose seal?), this car is fairly stylish and fun to drive. It definitely gets better gas mileage than my old trusty Jeep, but I still prefer a car a bit higher off the ground.
Favorite Features
Factory stereo, big trunk, gas mileage, overall design.
Suggested Improvements
Ill-fitted hubcaps, cheap window seals, annoying seat belt alarm.
The Best of Many Worlds
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Corolla XRS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
Review
I spent a lot of time deciding on a car. I was almost sure I wanted a Civic Si, but when I randomly saw and test drove the XRS, my search had come to an end. It combines comfort, very decent styling, excellent interior materials and build quality, and easily the most rev-happy engine in its class. It can be driven mildly, as it doesn't actually hit 170hp until high (6-7k) rps but if you actually enjoy driving, it's a blast. Love revving way up in 1st and you're good to go from there on out. Combine these things with the fact that Toyota has maintained a reliability record that with Honda has been on the decline, and you have one great car...if you're lucky enough to find one!
Favorite Features
6 speed, comfortable seats, interior quality, body kit.
Suggested Improvements
Rear fold-down seats, intermittent wipers, and no reverse beeping!!
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2010 Toyota Corolla
- 2009 Toyota Corolla
- 2008 Toyota Corolla
- 2007 Toyota Corolla
- 2006 Toyota Corolla
- 2005 Toyota Corolla
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