Used 2005 Toyota Corolla Sedan Consumer Reviews
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This car is indestructible
DG, 08/06/2018
updated 02/16/2021
2005 Toyota Corolla LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought the car new. After initial few scheduled servicing, I only do oil change when the reminder lights come on. So far, I had to replace the spark plugs and ignition coils, other than breaks and belts. I also had to replace the oil gasket. The one major fault I have is the TCC (Torque Clutch Converter). It sometimes doesn't lock and check engine light comes on. It is expensive to fix, and not a safety issue. Just provides slightly less mpg. I have more than 260K miles. The electronics were poor in this year's model control button lights died in some places long back. Fortunately, the main dash odometer cluster never had problem. It has been weaker, but didn't die. I replaced the radio with a Kenwood HD with Android funtions. The clock died long back. It flickered for a while and then died. Actually, the clock internally works. But the power supply is bad. As I said, the car's wiring system is very poor, but the mechanical parts are strong. I also added aftermarket remote start from Best Buy. Still drive this long distance on highway and often pass others at 90+ mph when necessary. At 225K it started showing catalytic converter below efficiency and I replaced it. Update: Current mileage 274K. Exhaust pipe corroded by salt and broke. Got repaired easily. The aftermarket catalytic converter was a bad idea. Efficiency is low again. But not doing anything as it is not a driving problem. The car runs smoothly.
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Great little car...
Frenebulox, 04/23/2018
2005 Toyota Corolla S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I've used this car as a daily commuter and on regular trips to Florida. It performs like a Toyota - it keeps going and doesn't leave me hanging. The gas mileage has been OK - not as good as others have reported but then again I have a heavy foot. I installed a hitch on my car to accommodate a bicycle rack. The extra weight on the tail doesn't seem to affect performance or handling and has allowed me better access to the trunk when carrying bikes. I would have to say that the most impressive thing about this little car is that when the hurricane hit Florida in 2017, I was able to fit two carefully cut 4' x 8' 3/4" sheets of plywood, 5 or 6 cut 2 by 4's, power tools, a case of water and two 5 gallon Jerry cans of gas in it so I could go down and board up my mom's house. I had to do some careful planning on how I fit everything in, but the Corolla swallowed it all up and carried me at high speeds to Florida. It's a great little car.
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Economic Commuter
Iowa driver, 01/17/2010
2005 Toyota Corolla CE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought our 05 CE certified used as a second commuter vehicle...during high gas prices. The gas mileage, build quality, and appearance are all excellent. Top mileage in gentle conditions (mostly highway, around 60 mph) we get 36 mpg. Average close to 400 miles per tank. I like the simple dash layout and open feel of the cabin. I am less happy with the ride quality. Pronounced road noise and jittery ride at highway speeds. On the highway it also feels light and gets pushed around my passing trucks or high winds. Know this is because it has a smaller wheel base and light frame for gas mileage. Considering trading up to Camry or Lexus. Need a better ride as a is suffer vertigo.
Nice Solid Car
megawill, 09/15/2005
2005 Toyota Corolla CE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Seats are comfortable although driving position could be made more comfortable for different body types by having a telescoping steering wheel and a few more notches in seat rail. Most of my driving is on the highway and I've been averaging between 34 and 35 miles per gallon so far. This is more than most competitors offer with a stick. No problems so far with the Goodyear Integrity tires or crosswinds that others have complained about, although winter is coming. The car feels solid on the and is actually more comfortable to drive than the 2002 Sable that I traded in for it. Very happy so far, I plan on owning this one for quite awhile.
I wish I knew about this car earlier
kevin, 10/18/2007
2005 Toyota Corolla CE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I used to have a business and efficiency was not an issue. I had a BMW and I also owned a Ford Sport trac. In 2002 my business went bankrupt and I had almost no money. I bought a 1993 toyota tercel. That car cost me nothing for repairs and it would run and run. I promised myself to stick with Toyota forever because it saved my life. I bought a Corolla in 2006. It's perfect. It runs like a swiss watch. Never been to a repair shop. Never has a problem. It's 100% reliable. And this car makes you money if you work fo a company because the gas mileage is excellent.