Used 2005 Toyota Corolla Sedan Consumer Reviews
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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.
Overall, good vehicle
mar-tay, 03/05/2010
2005 Toyota Corolla LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Bought the car used in Aug. '06 with only 3,300 miles on it from a private owner. Complaints are only minor: sun visor on driver's hits the rear-view mirror every time you pull it down and put it back up, it's annoying to have to readjust the mirror every time the sun is in your eyes. Other major complaint is driving position, I'm 6' tall and have to have the seat pushed all the way back for leg room, when I do that, the steering wheel is too far, since it does not telescope out( corrected on '09 and newer Corollas).
almost 130K and still going strong
Megan, 07/30/2017
updated 08/04/2020
2005 Toyota Corolla CE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used and it has been a solid citizen overall. I didn't realize it at the time of purchase, but the car had been rear-ended before I bought it and this is possibly why I've had to replace the rear brake shoes twice since I've owned it, or maybe it's just a fluke with my car. I also had to replace all four wheel bearings at 125K which was quite expensive, however not too surprising of a repair for a car with over 100k miles. The wire in the steering column to activate airbags has malfunctioned and will cost $500 to fix. Otherwise, I just replace brake pads, batteries, tires, and serpentine belts as needed and give it regular tune-ups. Parts are mercifully inexpensive for this car and it has never left me stranded (except for a dead battery or two). For a roomy sedan, this thing gets great gas mileage and is as comfy as a couch on wheels for road trips and highway driving. It is boring to drive, but it gets up and goes when needed. It will sneak up to 75/80 mph without much extra noise or strain from the engine. Some people have mentioned this car getting tossed around in strong wind, but I've only experienced this once during a particularly severe storm in Texas. I just decided to pull over and get some dinner rather than fight to keep my car in the lane. Otherwise I've found it to be perfectly fine in nasty weather. As I said though, it's a snoozer in general and certainly doesn't stir any driving excitement. The 1995 Accord I had before was much more enjoyable overall and had a lot less issues (although the transmission went kaput at 150k). At the time I purchased the Corolla though, I felt like it was the best deal for the money and I still think I made a good choice. The engine and tranny work like new even at 10+ years old and show no signs (yet) of self destruction anytime soon. Fingers crossed. Update: I sold the car at 150k miles.
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Be very careful when buying a corolla
jimsh, 03/13/2010
2005 Toyota Corolla CE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
26 of 33 people found this review helpful
After owning for 40 days, the fuel pump died in my corolla with 67,000 miles. The big problem is that mine was made in Japan. Because of that the fuel pump will cost over $800. If my corolla had been made in North America the fuel pump would cost $130-250. Why on earth would Toyota want to do that to their customers? Right now my car is still in the shop because I don't know what to do and neither does my mechanic. If the VIN starts with J that means it was made in Japan and you should not buy it!
05 Corolla
Mike, 02/12/2010
2005 Toyota Corolla CE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
My wife and I bought this car new!! Being that I was a Ford owner I bought the Corolla with a 200k/6yr powertrain warranty! In 195000 kms warranty covered ECM, Fuel Punp, Wheel Bearing and Timing chain seal!! The pump and ECM failure is odd but not totally unheard of, but compared to the 97 Ford Taurus, the toyota quality is unsurpassed! I too have a strange whistling sound from windscreen at higher speeds! Oh ya...door seal were replaced after on yr!! One cam loose so dealer changed them all!!! Great dealer service!!!