2008 Toyota Corolla Consumer Reviews

Corolla S

Written by: superjohn123 on 10/30/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Corolla S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

With 27k miles it's been flawless. I avg 30mpg city and up to 41mpg hwy. I have the JBL sound upgrade its nice. The VSC traction is really a must and I love that option. I like knowing I have the side air curtains. It handles great in the snow with the stock tires. Overall it's a good looking quiet riding car.

Favorite Features

VSC, Jbl sound system. Great gas mileage. The resale is good too but I am keeping it.

Suggested Improvements

Well they updated the car for 09 so whatever at this point. XM would be nice and radio controls on the wheel.

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Excellent Economy Vehicle

Written by: BZ on 10/23/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Corolla LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I currently have a 2007 Toyota RAV4 Limited and wanted an alternate vehicle in order to minimize the number of miles on the RAV, and also to commute with better MPG. I picked up the 2008 Corolla in the LE edition, with faux wood trim, multi-CD changer, rearview mirror interior lights et al. I have rented this vehicle on extended prior occasions. The 2008 automatic gets BETTER MPG than the 2010 auto, has a more logically-planned interior with more storage points, and seats with better lateral support. The interior is quiet, the ride comfortable, view excellent out all windows (as opposed to the 2010 Corolla with its high waist). For a "commuter appliance" you pretty much can't do better.

Favorite Features

MPG; interior layout; quiet inside; fit and finish; good acceleration; excellent turning radius; very spacious trunk; supportive seats; excellent paint (car is burnt red); easily read gauges, dials, HVAC controls, radio controls; good headlight coverage at night.

Suggested Improvements

Would very much like to have a foglight option on the LE, instead of having to step up to the S version. Also, would much prefer DRL (daytime running light) disable switch. Would like ABS & ESP standard on all models, period.

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Best Corolla Yet...

Written by: Doug on 10/04/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Corolla LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Our 10th Toyota, 3rd Corolla. Reliability in 31000 miles: 0 problems. Economy with automatic: 27-30 mpg city, 36-42 hwy. Great seats for local or long distance. Steering position a little awkward on long drives-- telescoping wheel would be a plus. Popping noise some have mentioned in other reviews may be ABS self-test when you are starting forward from stop (owner's manual mentions this). Gripes? Upholstery poorly sewn (wrinkles from the git-go) on US-assembled model (never had this problem on Japan- assembled Toyotas). Roof- and rocker- panel trim strips came loose in normal driving. Power adequate, auto-shifting is smoother than my Subie, quiet on road, comfort, cost of ownership.

Favorite Features

Reliability, MILEAGE, comfort, top value for the money. AFFORDABLE service (less than $50 for 30k service, vs. almost $600 for my Impreza!!!) Steel timing chain. Regular gas. Best options: ABS, curtain/side airbags.

Suggested Improvements

Disappointing American workmanship! Do you hear us, Toyota management? That's why we started buying Japanese in the 70s. Don't blow your strong suit...competition is too strong for you to become indifferent to quality control issues. Minor gripe: too many markings on Optitron gauges--hard to read.

1 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Best small car ever

Written by: Henry on 08/15/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Corolla LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Just drove 440 miles to Rocklin, ca. from orange county ca. What fun, 34.0 to 36.4 MPG and handled great at 80 mph with new Michelin tires. I bought this 2008 used with 27600 miles and its like new. If you are thinking of a Corolla just drive one, I am 5'10" tall and fit perfect in it. You may pay a little more for this car but well worth the $$...

Favorite Features

Sun roof, cruise control, gas mileage, cold AC.

Suggested Improvements

Don't change a thing...

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great car!

Written by: Christine on 08/09/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Corolla LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

My last 9 cars have all been $35+ luxury cars. When my last 2002 Odyssey bit the dust (after 220,000 miles) I decided to buy a car that would pay for itself because of improved gas mileage. After test driving a Civic, I realized I needed something with more interior space and focused on the Corolla instead. I found a great deal on a used 2009 LE, and have enjoyed it ever since. Very spacious inside (important, as I am tall as are my 4 sons) and great gas mileage. I do consistently about 38 miles per gallon on average and as such the car pays for itself (compared to my Honda). I only wish there was a remote trunk release and a horn beep when you remote lock the doors. Overall, rate it A+.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage, spacious interior, easy to maneuver, brightly lit controls, love how the lights are always on (no need to turn them on at night... all automatic), great stereo, split fold down of rear seats.

Suggested Improvements

1: make it such that the horn beeps when you lock the car remotely (hate that it doesn't do that) 2: make a remote trunk release 3: needs steering wheel controls for the audio 4: the visors are kind of wimpy 5: I wish the seats could go back a little further (son is 6'4") 6: iPod hookup

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Fun, Reliable Car

Written by: Lina on 08/08/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Corolla S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I've had this car for almost 2 years now. I fell in love with the color first (Speedway blue) and then liked the rest of it. LOVE the sunroof; I drive with it and my windows open every day during the summer. It handles pretty well, EXCEPT in snow! Do NOT buy this car if you live where it snows a lot. I end up taking public transportation every time it snows. I haven't had any mechanical problems with it - just the regular maintenance. The only thing is the driver's window rattles and the breaks just started squeaking, but those are very minor. It is very spacious - inside the car AND trunk. Overall, great car, just wish it was better in snow!

Favorite Features

sunroof, color, space, sporty look, comfy seats

Suggested Improvements

If this car was available in all-wheel drive, I would love it so much more. Those 10-20 days in which I have to drive with it in snow, truly make it hard to love.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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A chick magnet

Written by: jrmulch on 07/18/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Corolla S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

A great car. I call it my golf cart for the interstate. Gets great gas mileage, roomy interior and trunk. Great sound system. My 15 year old thinks it is the bomb with speedway blue metallic color and the exterior moldings. I think I may not be driving this car when she turns 16. Oh well, I'll just buy another one.

Favorite Features

Ease of handling, quiet ride, gas mileage, roomy.

Suggested Improvements

Bigger engine option. The Camry V6 would be great.

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2008 Corolla S

Written by: JP on 07/16/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Corolla S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Lets see, I traded in my 2005 Toyota Matrix XRS 6 speed manual for a 2008 Toyota Corolla S automatic. First thing I noticed was how smooth the ride was. Interior materials are excellent...and the exterior styling was very well done with the ground effects, and spoiler. The white faced gauges are something I really like...very sporty but also very useful day or night time. I see they did away with those in the 2009 model. Overall, very pricey for a small car but hey you get what you pay for. I think the Corolla is worth it. Test drive it...appreciate it for what it is...a small fuel efficient vehicle that has some nice sporty accents and a bullet proof engine.

Favorite Features

Exterior styling, Interior quality materials, White face gauges, Sunroof, Spoiler, Ground effects, Smooth ride

Suggested Improvements

Better breathing via exhaust or intake.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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08 Corolla S auto with Jbl sound VSA

Written by: superjohn on 06/23/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Corolla S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I now have 21000 miles & love the car. I avg 31mpg on my short trips lots of 3mile rides to work. When I am on the freeway I get 38 to 41 mpg depends on how much of a hurry I am in. Love the 5k oil change interval. The trak control or VSA is a must have. JBL sound upgrade is not that special. It's the best car for the money for sure.

Favorite Features

VSA, Side air curtains, great gas mileage. My over all avg for 21k miles is 35mpg with 70% short trips.

Suggested Improvements

XM radio, Trunk button on the keyless remote would be nice.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Not what I expected

Written by: JD on 06/20/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Corolla LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I bought this car for my own first brand new car off the lot. Came as a recommendation from my parents who wouldn't help me look at anything else. A year later, I wish I would have taken my chances on my own. Uncomfortable, poor ride, driving position is horrible, can feel the engine vibrating through the floor boards with only 9000 miles on it. Way overpriced for what you get. Recently test drove other cars and realized how big a mistake the corolla was. I would not recommend this car to anyone.

Favorite Features

The only positive I have for this car is the gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

More comfortable seats, better driving position, better suspension, improve the look... not exactly a visual appealing design, better noise and vibration dampening would be nice.

1 out 4 people found this review helpful

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