2017 Toyota Corolla iM Review
2017 Toyota Corolla iM Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byCameron Rogers
Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Pros
- The list of standard features is generous considering the low price
- Ride quality over bumps is comfortable yet composed
- Front seats offer plenty of support, even for long drives
Cons
- Acceleration is painfully slow, even for this segment
- Rivals are more exciting to drive
- The thick roof pillars compromise rear visibility
What’s new
The 2017 Toyota iM is new to Toyota this year but is basically the same car as last year's Scion iM. Standard automatic high-beam control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning and mitigation are new for 2017.
Vehicle overview
The 2016 closure of the Scion brand was disappointing for many, but wholly predictable given its recent lack of new vehicles. But two were launched just last year, so it made sense for Toyota to bring them under its umbrella and sell them as Toyotas for 2017. (The sporty FR-S was also carried over.) The Mazda-based iA sedan was renamed the Yaris iA, and the Corolla-derived iM was appropriately rebadged as the Corolla iM. We liked the Scion version enough when it launched last year, and this year's Toyota is no different save for a few new advanced safety features (and a very small price bump).
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Toyota Corolla iM 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$143/mo for Corolla iM Base
Corolla iM Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
One of the Corolla iM's strengths is its ample list of standard features, which is good news because there really aren't any additional options or packages on the order list. And although the Corolla iM is a perfectly acceptable hatchback, it pales in comparison to many of its similarly priced rivals. The Mazda 3 is a perennial favorite thanks to its thrilling driving dynamics, while the all-new Civic hatchback offers a robust and fuel-efficient engine and transmission combination. The Corolla iM isn't a bad choice per se, but it doesn't really bring anything exciting to the table.
Notably, we picked the 2017 Toyota Corolla iM as one of Edmunds' Best Used Cars, Trucks and SUVs.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
3.5 / 5If a small hatchback is in your future, you could certainly do worse than the 2017 Toyota Corolla iM. Essentially last year's Scion iM that moved over to Toyota, the Corolla iM is based on the Corolla sedan but offers more cargo space. As with the Corolla, many iM competitors are more exciting to drive.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the identical (except for the name) 2016 Scion iM (1.8L inline-4 | CVT automatic | FWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Toyota Corolla iM has received some revisions, including standard automatic high-beam control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Our findings remain applicable to this year's Corolla iM.
Scorecard
Overall | 3.5 / 5 |
Driving | 2.5 |
Comfort | 4.5 |
Interior | 3.5 |
Utility | 3.5 |
Driving
2.5The Toyota Corolla iM is noticeably sharper to drive than the Corolla sedan, and although pleasant to drive, it's not as engaging as top competitors. The 137-horsepower iM is underpowered, and it perpetually shows, letting down the entire car. The CVT automatic behaves nicely, however.
Acceleration
2.0Acceleration is ultra-smooth and quiet with the gas pedal partially pressed down, but at full throttle the 1.8-liter four-cylinder is noisy and totally gutless. A 0-60 mph time of 10 seconds is 1.5 seconds slower than class average and basically tied for class-worst.
Braking
3.5The iM's brake pedal feels firm and consistent during normal driving. In our simulated panic stop, the iM came to a halt from 60 mph in a class-average 122 feet.
Steering
2.5Some road feel is transmitted when pushing the Corolla iM hard around a corner, but otherwise the steering is pretty numb and lifeless compared to the segment best. It does not provide you with any extra feel for the road or encourage you to drive with enthusiasm.
Handling
3.0This lightweight car with small dimensions is reasonably responsive and nimble. It changes directions well, but noticeable amounts of body roll reduce confidence. Though it doesn't encourage one to drive enthusiastically, it doesn't dissuade like the Corolla sedan does.
Drivability
4.5The CVT is better than most, providing smooth acceleration and simulating shifts under hard acceleration. Engaging Sport mode will cause the engine to hold revs, especially when going up- or downhill. Cruise control does a fine job holding a set speed downhill. This is a very easy car to drive.
Comfort
4.5For a car that started out as a Scion (not necessarily known for comfort, tranquility and/or general refinement), the iM offers a genuinely comfortable and controlled ride and seats that are impressively supportive and comfortable. A noisy engine is one of the only faults.
Seat comfort
4.5The Corolla iM features some of the most comfortable and supportive front seats in the segment, with ample adjustment even for tall drivers. They remain a nice place to sit even on long drives. The backseat is flat, but a long cushion and suitable height make it comfy enough for adults.
Ride comfort
4.5Big road undulations give the 2017 iM some trouble, but otherwise the car's impressively controlled suspension soaks up bumps very well. The sophisticated ride is a standout attribute.
Noise & vibration
3.0There is some noticeable wind noise on each side of the car aft of the rear doors. Beyond that, both wind noise and road noise are kept very nicely quelled. The underpowered engine is noisy and not a pleasure to hear — and you do hear it a lot.
Interior
3.5For many, the Corolla iM will be a very agreeable daily driver. Its user-friendly controls, abundant features and high-quality cabin materials will certainly be appreciated, while its so-so backward visibility and a lack of backseat room could be cause for concern.
Ease of use
5.0Controls are well-placed and simple, including those for the standard touchscreen interface. Its menus make sense, its buttons are of a reasonable size, and reactions are very quick. Auto climate controls are a nice touch in this segment.
Getting in/getting out
3.0The Corolla iM's doors are large and light, making them easy to open. Even with a smallish backseat, getting into the back isn't difficult. The rear roofline isn't aggressively raked, reducing the chances of conking your head.
Roominess
3.0There is less backseat legroom than in a Kia Forte 5, Mazda 3 or Volkswagen Golf, but it's not cramped. There's a suitable amount of rear legroom and headroom. Even tall folks will find ample space all around in front.
Visibility
3.0A small rear window and big rear roof pillars diminish the driver's rear visibility. A sharply angled windshield and a high dash don't help, either, but at least the front pillars are thin. A rearview camera is standard, but no other driver aids are even optional.
Quality
4.5The iM's cabin is mostly monochrome, with ample amounts of black plastic all around, but at least the surfaces you see and touch most often are soft. There's even a padded driver leg rest. The switchgear throughout the cabin, especially climate controls, looks and feels very nice.
Utility
3.5The Toyota Corolla iM has many small item bins and storage areas throughout its cabin. The cargo area is smaller than those of some competing hatchbacks, but not by a significant amount.
Small-item storage
4.0There are two cupholders in the front near the shifter, two in the back under the armrest and one in each door. The under-armrest bin is fairly deep, but the cellphone bin under the center stack doesn't allow much room for USB wires.
Cargo space
3.0Cargo capacity is a bit smaller than other hatchbacks in this class, with only 20.8 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. (For comparison, a Golf measures 22.8 cubes and the Civic hatchback boasts 25.7 cubic feet.) In short, it's more versatile than a sedan but less so than other hatchbacks.
Which Corolla iM does Edmunds recommend?
The 2017 Toyota Corolla iM comes in a single well-equipped model. On top of a lengthy standard features list that includes alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a rearview camera and a central touchscreen, there are several accessories and dealer-installed options worth considering. These include a larger rear spoiler, Toyota Racing Development upgrades and a fob that can help you find misplaced keys. Really, though, our opinion is to just get a base iM and leave it at that.
2017 Toyota Corolla iM models
The 2017 Toyota Corolla iM is a compact hatchback that is new to Toyota this year. Fans of Toyota's Scion brand will remember that this car debuted last year as the Scion iM. But Toyota shuttered the Scion brand and cherry-picked the iM (along with the iA and FR-S) to move over to the core brand. The iM is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (137 horsepower, 126 pound-feet) that drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It's available in a single trim level, so your only choice will be the transmission type and what color you want.
Standard feature highlights of the 2017 Toyota Corolla iM include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights with auto high-beam control, heated mirrors, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a driver information display, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a 7-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker sound system. New standard safety systems for 2017 include lane departure warning and forward collision warning with automatic braking.
The are no factory options available, but notable dealer accessories include interior ambient lighting, various sport body enhancements and performance upgrades from TRD (Toyota Racing Development).
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#2 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Toyota Corolla iM from 2008-2022.$423/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.46x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).7.4%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 Toyota Corolla iM.
5 star(53%)
4 star(26%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(10%)
1 star(3%)
34 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
I am impressed
Doug Lower, 12/25/2016
2017 Toyota Corolla iM 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
I have owned over a hundred vehicles, and I have to say this vehicle has a lot of bang for the buck. I am impressed with the interior quality, it is nicer than my RAV 4 hybrid. I purchased the vehicle for $16,800. You cannot touch other vehicles for the price. I have owned many Toyota products and you cannot beat the quality. I am very satisfied with the engine/transmission combo. I am … not sure how the CVT performs, but the manual is great with this engine. The ride is superb. It is a great looking vehicle and the spring green color is uplifting during these drab winter days. I love all the standard safety features that Toyota now includes with all their vehicles for 17. I tried out all the competition before buying , they were more expensive and quality or size was not to my liking. I am happy with the 1.8 in this vehicle , great performance with great economy. I would not want a bigger engine. I had the 2.4 in my TC and XB and the mileage could have been better. I look for good looks, reliability, economy, resale value, nice ride, competent handling, and safety, and hatchback versatility, this vehicle delivers.
5 out of 5 stars
my new matrix for senior citizen!
A.Shepherd, 01/21/2017
2017 Toyota Corolla iM 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
I traded a 9 year old matrix on new IM cvt .If the IM is as reliable as the XR was then Ill be a happy camper. I did have to give up cargo capacity and towing capabilities so time will tell how much that'll be missed, but made a huge gain in handling , comfort,and fuel economy. Added bonus...auto insurance lower due to all the advanced safety features. Overall I am very satisfied with … the value and contrary to some reviews, I find the engine and transmission performance quiet and responsive,returning mpg's in the high 30's low 40's. Only complaint is the projector beam headlamps..very sharp cutoff and not a wide enough path.Will probably solve with driving/fog lamps at some point.
5 out of 5 stars
Awesome daily driver car!
GTI, 01/20/2017
2017 Toyota Corolla iM 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
This is really a great car, easy to drive and great on gas. The cabin is nice and the materials look and feel terrific for its class, The ride is rather firm but never too harsh. The seats are fantastic!!! The power is more than enough for normal driving, and I have never found the engine noise too loud. Transmission is silky smooth.
5 out of 5 stars
Love at first drive hoping for LTR
Detroit Girl, 04/02/2017
2017 Toyota Corolla iM 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
A decent discount at Toyota led me to consider this along with others in the class (Fit, Focus, Cruze)... I'm very happy with my decision, I'm just loving this car.
What I don't like was hardly a deal breaker - it doesn't come with Sirius, but I just attached the kit and use the auxiliary port. No CD but that is more common now in new cars as you can use a USB stick. There is also … some useless entertainment app installed, but I use what I want and the sound quality is great for this sporty, cute car.
It’s my first CVT and I was wary about some reviews on performance which I can’t relate to – the acceleration is more than adequate for me on highways and surface streets, and the ride is incredibly smooth, especially for the price of this car. I’ve already had to drive in snow, rain and strong winds and it has handled the conditions very capably. As others noted, you’ll likely turn off the lane departure alert. The display is intuitive, though I wish they had a digital speed/mph display setting in the center one. Don’t expect the fuel economy of a Prius, but it’s fairly good – I’ve gotten about 36 mpg. First hatchback I’ve had in a long time and LOVE the convenience of being able to carry big stuff without needing a big car! I got the “pop” spring green color - more like yellow - and hope I love that color a long time because I’d really like this to be my dependable little ride for years to come.
10K update: still love this car. Things that have bugged me are the glare on the media display in sunlight (can't read), lack of mph reading in media display by steering wheel (my sw placement blocks some of the speedometer). Wish it had remote start - dealership said warranty would be voided by aftermarket install. But I love the size, comfort, mileage and features of this car and feel I made the right choice.
2017 Corolla iM Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,750 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $143/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 20.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Corolla iM models:
- Lane Departure Alert
- Sensors read lane lines and sound an alert if the Corolla iM is moving outside its lane.
- Pre-Collision System
- This feature detects if a forward collision is imminent and, if so, automatically applies the brakes to lessen or avoid the impact.
- Hill Start Assist
- When accelerating up a hill from a stop, the brakes will hold for up to 2 seconds while the driver switches from the brake to gas pedal.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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