Used 1999 Toyota Corolla Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Most Reliable Car ever Made!!
This 1999 corolla is absolutely amazing. More reliable than any Honda I've owned. 200,000 miles, I've put on 40k of them in 2 years and only have done oil changes. The car is way more comfortable than civic or integra of same year, ride is smooth and power is sufficient.
Never owned such a great car
I bought this car last year with 200 000 km on it for 900 bucks. Changed the 4 shocks(didn't have to but back end sagged a bit) and changed the oil. Doesn't burn oil still and now has 240 000. I have never seen a car so reliable. car handles great, even better that my accord. Once a honda man, now a toyota man. I'll keep it until i fall through the floor.
Best Car in History
I bought this car for $4000 almost 3 years ago. have changed only tires, filters and the serpentine. The a/c is amazing, the MPG are great. The only problems are cosmetic like the center drawer door broke and the interior roof covering is peeling off. I bought it in Florida and recently shipped it to Puerto Rico and it is still unstoppable with 168,000 miles and counting!
Bullet Proof
I purchased a used 1999 Toyota Corolla LE with a 1.8L 4spd automatic trans w/ OD in 2014 with approx 150,000 miles on it. It had been well taken care of by the previous owner, and I continued the same maintenance with regular oil changes, etc. I took it to Riverview Toyota in Mesa, AZ for my regular maintenance and they never fleeced me or recommended anything other than the oil changes and other regular maintenance. The brake pads were kind of making a slow grind and I took it into Riverview and they were honest and told me the previous owner didn't install ceramic brake pads (at a non Toyota shop) and the grind was nothing, don't worry about it they said keep driving it and ignore the non-ceramic brake pad sound (they could have lied and charged me for new brakes but they didn't). I only mention the dealership because the honest service I got from the manufacturer was half the experience of owning this car. THIS MODEL IS BULLET PROOF!!! It ran perfectly, was quick in city and highway driving, and had a smooth ride, and the seats were pretty comfortable and like new. The engine uses a timing chain so no need to worry about timing belts coming apart and causing damage. As you know, timing chains typically outlast the life of a car. I never had any problems with a/c, power windows, locks, or other stuff either. The trunk is pretty spacious and the rear seats fold down to extend the cargo capacity with a opening to the trunk. This is the little car that keeps going and going. I just sold it to a neighbor with 180k on it and he loves it too. If there was anything I could complain about it would be the low profile and it is hard to get in and out for larger / taller people. Rock chips on the front were pretty bad and it appears the paint doesn't hold up well over the years but my car was white so it didn't look bad at all. I put a cheap $30 "pleather" bra on the front and it looked pretty good. If you want a reliable car that will start every time, this is the car. I would drive this car to Alaska and back, no problem. Gas mileage in this car is awesome too. I would buy another one, and recommend this car to anyone. UPDATE: I sold this car to my neighbor who is still driving it...happily. He says its the most reliable car in his family.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Car of the century
I'm happy with Corolla I got, because is very reliable, no ifs and buts about it. Also is excellent in gas mileage department, especially for the size of the car. I'm a tall guy, and I fit inside, just enough to be happy with it. A little smaller, and it would be a different opinion, and I'm 6"1. Another thing I didn't know about this car, is, that is very cheap to fix too, for an import. Easy access to all car parts, and also it has an amazingly big trunk. What can I say, except that I will try to upgrade the year of it, and that I recommend it , to all people, and more to ones that do a lot of driving to work every day.
I love my Sandpiper!
My great-grandmother bought this car new, and when she passed it went onto my grandmother, and now it's mine. With 265,000 miles on it, this car is so unbelievably reliable! I have never broken down. Its only problems are a leak in the power steering fluid (an $800 fix, but no problem if you just top off the fluid every other week), broken interior lights and weak door handles that break every couple of years. This car is such a ridiculous value if you need something that will get you where you need to go-- and I get at least 29 miles to the gallon, sometimes more.
Best bang for the hard earned buck
What does VE mean when you buy a 1999 Toyota Corolla sedan? It means very elemental. Which is just the way I like it. Simple and uncomplicated design. This car gets me where I want to go, which is why I bought it. No frills, but reliability. It's not perfect for sure. It seems lots of Toyota's suffer from paint oxidation due to not enough clear coat applied at the factory. Translation: peeling paint, which is not good. Also, the inside trim around the windows and doors cracks and eventually breaks off. And probably every Corolla owner knows about the cheapo door handles. I keep spare handles in my trunk. Other than the paint oxidation problem, I can live with the other issues. My 99' Corolla has 113,000 miles on it and I do my best to take good care of it. Another thing, it is relatively easy to fix minor problems yourself on this car. This 50+ yr. old female Corolla owner has replaced both inside and outside door handles, replaced the wiper fluid compartment, tail lights, wipers and air filters on my car. I'd change the oil myself ( my daddy taught me how), but I can't reach the oil plug from below. The 1999 Toyota Corolla VE is a no nonsense car for people who value substance over style.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
This car is amazing!
I bought this Corolla for 500 dollars with 60,000 from someone who hit a tree and left the car to sit in an alley. I purchased a new front bumper, headlights and windshield and fixed the car. I am still driving the car 3 years later and have put 70,000 miles later. The car runs strong, I have only bought tires, oil changes and a battery. This car is amazing and is great on gas. The car is a bit slow especially when merging on the freeway but what does a person expect from a Corolla. I will buy another Corolla without hesitation. Thank You Toyota. I love my cheap little car.
Could not kill it!
Well, I owned a 99 corolla from new until 2005 when I sold it for 4 grand. At that point it had a little over 315K miles on it, didn't burn oil, no lights, and everything that was in it worked. I had to replace oil every 3k miles, but that is about it. It handled better then a civic, got better mpg, and was faster off the line, not to mention cheaper to insure. I would love to get my hands on a 99 corolla with a blown motor with the options I had in mine, it is a perfect candidate for a 2zz swap. I have owned over 18 cars in my life, and nothing on the planet will take a beating like a Toyota. Not Honda, and nothing American can come close.
Has gone on to a new home!
Had my 2004 for 5 years. I had been wanting an SUV for awhile and found a RAV 4 With low mileage. The Corolla sold at a great price, with 185K miles! I advertised it as a mechanic special and told everyone about it needing a new Cat. My state doesn't require a car to pass an emissions inspection after a certain number of years, so technically the new owner doesn't have to replace it. The car was running just fine, I only sold because I wanted an SUV.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love this car!
My husbands car has almost 200,000 mi on it and you just can't kill it! It just goes forever if you keep up with oil changes every 3k and proper maint. I just wish they would make it roomier for people up to 5'8" -6' tall. That is truly the only complaint. I am only too happy to get a small economical car that is a good buy! Not to mention tremendous resale value. I spoke to two owners that have sold their 1999 Toyota Corolla's between $2,300.00 - 3,200.00. Just goes to show the public still has confidence in Toyota! I used to be a Honda person, but switched to Toyota after two of my Honda's needed a Transmission at 180,000 mi. - Bye Bye Honda! Just bought two more Toyotas for my family
I must have got the lemon
I bought this car because of its reputation with reliability and good fuel economy. I put aside my thirst for a sporty car and decided this car would be more practical. However, this car has had the craziest electrical problems. With only 80,000 miles on the car, while driving on the highway, the speedometer dies and the transmission will not shift out of first gear. It only happens in the summer if it has been sitting in the sun, or if I am driving on the highway in the winter with the heater on, so heat is obviously a factor. No mechanic has been able to fix it and I have spent around 1,000 dollars trying to get this problem fixed.
Reliable commute car
I have put 160K on it,in general its been reliable, no major problems. Its cheap to maintain and will run for long time. I have long commute and like to stay in fast lane all the time, enginee start burning oil when its about 120k, not very bad but the rear is "smoked", its very obvious on a white bumper. Also replaced the front struct at about 130k mile, I took it on to dirt road couple times on camping trips with few hundred pond load. Front hood paint has many large chips due to long hours on the road, steering wheel top portion wore out due to the sweat and sunshine, front windshield replaced due to cracks. Overall I recomand it to commuter who dont push it too hard
Trouble free and economical
My '98 Corolla was a wonderful buy. 32 mpg in town and 41 highway. I could drive it for 9 hours without tiring. Changed the oil every 3000 miles and that was it.
Jane's sand colored car.
Great car, comfortable to drive.
Flintstones' vehicle
This bare-bones car runs and runs. Although the styling, road noise, and freeway handling leave a lot to be desired; the fuel economy, peppy street performance, and reliability are excellent.
Great Car for the Money
This is my second Corolla (the previous one having been a 1989), and I still love them. Despite what many car snobs have to say about the performance of the Corolla, I find it to be pretty darn good when you consider what else you get with this car -- safety and excellent reliability. The newer Corollas retain that safety and reliability and add a certain degree of style and performance, making for an overall excellent compact sedan.
You Get Your Money's Worth
This is the second 99 VE I have owned. The first one was totaled with 112K on the ODO and that car needed nothing. My current VE was purchased three years ago with 69K on the ODO. I now have 165K on the ODO and I only had to replace the alternator and the usual things like a battery and tires. The only problem I have now is that the CEL comes on indicating a problem within the EVAP system. This can be costly to repair. The car is now burning about a quart of oil every 500 miles. I always change the oil every 5k and listen to what my mechanic tells me. I happen to have a very honest mechanic which is very hard to find! If I can find one to replace this one for the right $ I will!
All around good car
I have had my Corolla for nearly 2 years and have not had any major problems. It is a durable and reliable small sedan that can handle both city streets and rural highways with ease. The 4 cylinder engine provides adequete power and gets excellent gas mileage. The 4-speed automatic transmission is smooth. The rear seating area is tight, but otherwise the interior is comfortable and sturdy.
I love my corolla
This vehicle has been great. I haven't had a major problem and I drive 100 miles a day to work. I change the oil every 5K and have just installed platinum spark plugs. It is really reliable and I feel confident in it. We are considering purchasing a second one since my husband's gm car is really starting to die.
Outstanding
I received this car from my aunt and uncle when I got my license. Since then, it's been in 2 wrecks (1 major, 1 minor) and it's still going strong. The mpg are amazing. I can get to and from Toledo (about 2 hour drive both ways) with only $20 bucks.
Reliable workhorse
This is my first car that I bought in 1999. It has been trouble free and very reliable ever since I bought it. LOVE IT!
reliable, reliable, reliable
As a college student, what I really want is something that is reliable (read = cheap to maintain), safe, and fuel efficient. The Corolla fits the bill.
My Cockroach
This is it. The ugliest, best car ever. I am a self taught mechanic and except for one job, I've done everything to my Rolla that it's needed. Parts are cheap and usually easy to find. I heard that many Corollas have a severe engine vibration. Mine did when I bought it but after a few oil changes, new plugs and a new muffler, as soon as she is warm she smoothes out completely and drives nicer than my brother's 16 Civic. Car handles very well even if power is somewhat low. Tall or larger folks have difficulty in it, but for small people like me, it's fine. It's surprisingly comfy and ergonomic. This car is SPARTAN. "Brakes good, tires fair" or, "frame is bent, muffler went; radio, it's ok". You know what I mean. It's a Volkswagen Beetle in nineties format. It is simply CAR, not automobile or even whip. It's as basic as they don't come anymore. If you need a reliable, cheap car, this is absolutely the best choice out there. Even with 180k or so, they just run. You won't turn heads and you may yawn while trying to get up to highway speeds, but the amount of money you'll save driving these cockroaches is awesome. After owning mine for about five years, driving every day, doing all regular maintenance and getting new tires twice, I don't think I've paid more than 5k. That's including purchase price of 1,300 cash, and that's including insurance. One of the best choices I have ever made.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Toyota 99
Just bought my own first car CE 1999 with 202k miles on odo. Runs great ! Love lil thing ! I’m tall 6’4 guy so comfortable ride isn’t one but it’s just does the job !
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Daughter's first car
Just purchased this car for our daughter used within the last week. It has 57,000 miles. Was looking for a reliable car, good safety rating and easy to drive. The Corolla definately fits this description. It has the 4 spd automatic, power windows and door locks. It has a pretty peppy 4 cylinder engine and expect good fuel economy. Climate controls work well. Should be a good car for our daughter.
Great Reliable Car
I know that everyone should maintain their car. Well, I haven't. My Toyota Corolla is at 145,000 miles and I have not once had it serviced. Very bad of me, but my Toyota has not failed me once. It is great on gas, and never breaks down. I have had some trouble with the doors and hood opening mechanisms, but after 7 years, SOMETHING should break down, right? I am a huge fan of Toyota. I have owned Volkswagon, Ford, and Dodge vehicles, all of which gave me problems. My next car will be a Toyota (if ever I need one!).
Reliable and Excellent Corolla
Very Comfortable and reliable car with excellent safety. This car has already 7 years and the engine really bright with power and economy. For me the more important thing is the reliabilty about it. The main maintenance that I made to the car was to change the clutch just 2 months ago. This is a really, really, really good car, cheap to maintenance.
I love my Toyota!
Best car I've ever had. No problems in 5+ years and 75,000 miles! Would be hard for me to buy anything but a Toyota given the reliability and quality of this car!
Good value
Great fuel economy, reliable,looks good,great car and a comfortable ride.
Takes a Licking-keeps on ticking
We got this little toyota 99 le 4 door from a party that had got it from a salvage yard. At 72k miles it got hit on the pass. quarter panel, trunk, and rear bumper. It was repaired, you can't even tell it was ever in an accident. It drives like a dream, and don't have to tell you that 30+ mpg is excellent these days. So not only is it a great car, but it can take a hit. Esp. since it has side and front air bags in the le model...Go for it, Toyota !!1
Can't Get More Car for Your Change
Cars being my hobby, I tested out the many models competing in this class. Although the Civic came the closest, it was a lot more expensive, the interior seemed a bit cheaper, and it was definitely not built for tall persons such as I. The Corolla felt much roomier. It came with the Gold Package and felt as close as you can get to a Lexus for change you'd find in your couch (almost). Yes, there are cheaper models, but none compare in reliability or quality. Coupled with a manual transmission (automatic felt a bit sluggish) its the greatest value on the market (and retains it for a while as well).
bullet proof
This car is bullet proof. After 50,000 miles there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. With a mix of freeway and city driving my average mpg is 31 for all miles so far.
Corolla Cares
The Corolla helps you without hassle or headache arrive at all necessary locations. With the savings in fuel economy and maintenance I am able to live a lifestyle that I enjoy.
Great Compact Car
The 1999 Toyota Corolla is an excellent compact sedan that is safe, offers peppy engine performance, outstanding fuel economy and smooth, quiet operation. My experience with this vehicle has been wonderful and certainly affirms Toyota as the best auto manufacturer out there. I've driven many compact cars and nothing else can even compare.
Excellent Basic Transportation
We bought our Corolla CE with auto new, and have 65,000 miles on it. It has great reliability, reasonable pickup, good turning circle, and good ergonomics. It can be uncomfortable on long trips. I don't know how tall people can drive it comfortably (I'm 5'7"). My carpool thinks it's cramped. The radio goes into scan mode without warning sometimes.
Buy One!!
Bought this corolla 1 yr. ago for a daily commuter. It has been an awesome car. I put 25,000 miles on it with no problems. It is comfortable and fun to drive. The car has 100k, and it drives like new, still very tight. I expect to be able to drive this to 300k.
Reliable
I bought this car new and have just over 175,000 miles on it. The only items I have replaced are the front struts, brakes, tires, and other routine maintenance items. Very reliable.
the best car ever
almost 40,000 miles. No problems, nothing. I bought new tires because had a flat. interior light burned out because i left it on all day. She still started. if i could change anything, it would be a trunk light. sometimes you really need it. i would like to upgrade to a bigger toyota, because it does sit low to the ground. hard when your getting up in age. i could never sell her. i want to give her to my step-son. 30 miles per gallon.
Small and Cute
It's been good to me despite the abuse. It's small but comfortable, and cheap for a Toyota, I trust it will last for a long time. I had a 90 corolla before and it was a good car also, that's why I decided to stick with corolla's.
My Corolla Rocks!
My corolla has been a delight. As a single mother on a budget, reliability is everything and this car delivers. It's cute and fun, roomy and gets great gas mileage. It's door design is perfect for getting my son in and out of his car seat and there's tons of trunk space. It's made me a Toyotta owner for life!
Very Reliable
I bought this car in 2000 after my H.S. graduation. I wanted something that would last me longer than a typical first car. I got what I wanted! This vehicle has carried me through several moves, college, and now a daily commute in my career. It handles well in snow and ice and have never had any issues with the A/C and heating. I have replaced the struts, tires, battery, and brakes - everything to be expected. I'm at 100,000+ and still going! Some loss of pickup with passengers but overall, a great car.
great car
the best 2500 iever spent got it from a honda dealer needed a clutch so i guess i stole it for 2500 out the door. i drive it to kill it but it keeps up. strong 1.8 fast and econimical. handles great in all weather. change the oil and go and regular gas is even better. 5 speed fun to drive.
Good Basic Car!
My Toyota Corolla has given me ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEMS for the entire time I've owned it. I've only changed the oil and filled it up with gas...nothing else. It gets AWESOME gas mileage...higher than 30 mpg on the freeway and close to 30 in the city. It is a good, simple, basic car. Nothing fancy about it. Toyota spent the money and time on building a reliable car here, not a fancy one.
Great Car
I have had my car for 5 years now and just bought it at lease-end. I love it. It now has almost 75k miles on it and I have never had to fix anything. I considered buying another car at the end of the lease but I was afraid that not another car would live up to it, so I bought it out instead. This car may not look that exciting but the pick up is exceptional.
Great car!
This is my second Corolla, and wouldn't buy anything but a Toyota. These cars are extremely reliable. With just under 100000 miles, I've only had to change my starter, and that was a few months ago.
Two Thumbs Up and a Smile
I was apprehensive when the dealer wanted me to look at my Corolla, always owned a mid-size Ford or GM, after testing it out all I wanted to do was sign on the line, even forgot to haggle the price down. For the first time in years I can't wait to get in the car and drive. It handles good in snow and ice, w/ easy recovery in a slide. The heat and ac are top quality and at 103k miles it's peppy and smooth. Love the drop down seats in the rear to expand the trunk. The cashier at the gas station though I had moved away! ;-) Did I mention the the stock stereo is more than you would ever expect out of this little gem?! Overall, great car for all ages and puts a smile on my face.
Hey, its a Toyota
Extremely reliable, suprisingly peppy in the 5 spd. model. The factory sound system has yet to let me down and by and large this is a very low maintenance vehicle. What it lacks in style, it more than makes up for in reliability. If you never want to worry about your kids breaking down in the middle of nowhere, this is the car for you!
Yup
This car is very good for driving distances. The gas mileage, I am happy with. The handling is pretty good. The only drawback, really, is the pick-up. The car does not accelerate quickly. That is really the only thing I would change. Its a great "school" care and one that will last you for a long time. I put about 22,000 miles since I got it in 2003 and have not (knock on wood) had any problems with it. Its a great car for the price. They could (which I think they did for 2007) make it a little sportier, for us young adults. Overall, don't pass it up for at least a test drive. The compartments and layout of the digits and the dashboard are great.
What more could you ask for?!
I love just driving this car. I came from a dodge shadow and there is no comparison. this car kicks some good stuff.