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Edmunds Rating
3.5 / 5
Consumer Rating
(31)
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2017 Toyota Corolla iM Review

Pros & Cons

  • 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
  • Acceleration is painfully slow, even for this segment
  • Rivals are more exciting to drive
  • The thick roof pillars compromise rear visibility
Other years
2018
2017
Toyota Corolla iM for Sale
2018
2017
List Price Range
$16,320 - $18,750
Used Corolla iM for Sale
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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.

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating

3.5 / 5

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).

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.

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.

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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).

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.

Driving

2.5
The 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

2.0
Acceleration 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

3.5
The 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

2.5
Some 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

3.0
This 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

4.5
The 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

4.5
For 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

4.5
The 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

4.5
Big 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

3.0
There 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

3.5
For 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

5.0
Controls 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

3.0
The 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

3.0
There 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

3.0
A 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

4.5
The 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

3.5
The 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

4.0
There 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

3.0
Cargo 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.

EdmundsScorecard

Overall3.5 / 5
Driving2.5
Comfort4.5
Interior3.5
Utility3.5

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 Toyota Corolla iM.

5(51%)
4(29%)
3(9%)
2(11%)
1(0%)
4.2
31 reviews
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Most helpful consumer reviews

I am impressed
Doug Lower,12/25/2016
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.
my new matrix for senior citizen!
A.Shepherd,01/21/2017
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.
Awesome daily driver car!
GTI,01/20/2017
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.
Surprisingly good value
Ronald Bell,12/19/2016
4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
The Corolla iM was compared to the Honda Civic LX and Mazda3 Sport. It won the financial terms and was second for technical/performance. I valued safety (with front collision avoidance more important than the excellent Mazda Blind Spot Monitoring), controls and instrumentation (yes, you can see the display in bright sunshine) and acceleration. The Corolla iM was third in the last category but it's okay. I really enjoyed my Mazda 3 with the 2.5L 184 hp but this vehicle would cost another $ 2 or $3 G. Toyota only needs to drop a higher powered engine (such as the Scion tC that I had for seven years) and add blind spot monitoring.
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Features & Specs

See all Used 2017 Toyota Corolla iM specs & features 

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.
  • Side Impact Test
    Good
  • Roof Strength Test
    Not Tested
  • Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
    Not Tested
  • IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
    Not Tested
  • Moderate Overlap Front Test
    Good
More about the 2017 Toyota Corolla iM

Used 2017 Toyota Corolla iM Overview

The Used 2017 Toyota Corolla iM is offered in the following submodels: Corolla iM Hatchback. Available styles include 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT), and 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6M). The Used 2017 Toyota Corolla iM comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic, 6-speed manual. The Used 2017 Toyota Corolla iM comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 2 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.

What's a good price on a Used 2017 Toyota Corolla iM?

Price comparisons for Used 2017 Toyota Corolla iM trim styles:

  • The Used 2017 Toyota Corolla iM Base is priced between $16,320 and$18,750 with odometer readings between 12960 and60295 miles.

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which used 2017 Toyota Corolla iMS are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Toyota Corolla iM for sale near. There are currently 3 used and CPO 2017 Corolla iMS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $16,320 and mileage as low as 12960 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2017 Toyota Corolla iM.

Can't find a used 2017 Toyota Corolla iMs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a used Toyota Corolla iM for sale - 10 great deals out of 11 listings starting at $9,812.

Find a used Toyota for sale - 7 great deals out of 9 listings starting at $14,071.

Find a used certified pre-owned Toyota Corolla iM for sale - 3 great deals out of 21 listings starting at $12,665.

Find a used certified pre-owned Toyota for sale - 12 great deals out of 13 listings starting at $7,576.

Should I lease or buy a 2017 Toyota Corolla iM?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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