Toyota Corolla 1998-2002 review
Overview
Best-selling model in the world, the Corolla was introduced in Japan in 1966 and more than 30 million Corollas have been sold worldwide by 2007.
The 1998-2002 Corolla is a very simple, reliable and easy to maintain vehicle with one of the best fuel economy in its class.
As it's very popular, the Corolla holds value very well and is easy to sell. Parts are moderately priced and any garage can handle the repairs. |
| • Overview • Engine • Pros and Cons • Overall • What to look for when buying a used Corolla • Problems • Maintenance tips • Specifications |
Engine
The 1998-2002 Toyota Corolla offered only one engine choice: the lightweight low-maintenance 1.8-liter 16-valve 4-cylinder DOHC engine model 1ZZ-FE. This engine doesn't have a timing belt - a silent timing chain is used instead. Starting from the 2000 model, the variable valve timing (VVT-i) was added to the engine for better efficiency. The 1998-2002 Corolla's engine is proven to be reliable if maintained well. |
Pros
- Good fuel economy
- Above-average reliability
- Smooth ride
- Easy to maintain
- Holds value well
Cons
- Plain interior design
- Engine is noisy at acceleration
- Some interior materials quality could be better
Overall
The Corolla is a perfect choice if you need a reliable and fuel-efficient transportation. It is a very simple and easy to maintain vehicle. If you find a used Corolla in good condition, it can last for a long time without major problems if you maintain it well. Two of my friend had this model Corolla for many years and both were very happy with the vehicle. One thing to watch out is the engine oil consumption. Before buying a used Corolla, have it checked out by a knowledgeable mechanic. |
What to look for when buying a used Corolla
As a first step, check the used car history records - there are so many cars out there after accidents, with rolled back odometers,
returns from rental companies, etc.
Follow this link: How to check car history records by VIN number
- Check the service records if available - it's important to verify that the car was properly maintained.
- Check the automatic transmission, it might be excessively worn if the car has been previously abused.
- If the "check engine" light is on, have the problem assessed with your mechanic before buying a car; in worst cases repair might be quite expensive.
- Low oil level or black soot in the exhaust may indicate excessive oil consumption; it's a fairly common problem.
- Blue smoke at start-up may indicate engine problems - avoid such a car.
Learn more what to look for when buying a used car
- Before buying a car, have it properly inspected by a mechanic.
Read our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.
Some models may be costly to insure. Get the insurance quotes first.
- After you bought a car, check with Toyota dealer if all safety recalls have been performed.
Toyota Corolla Problems
Sometimes a bad Daytime Running Light (DRL) module or a bad connection at this module can cause the lights to stay on. The DRL module is located behind the glove box.
Worn contacts in the starter solenoid could sometimes cause a problem when the car would click but won't start. A starter solenoid is the part of the starter motor. If the starter solenoid is bad, the starter motor needs to be rebuilt.
Difficulty starting, rough idle, stumbling on acceleration, lack of power and the engine code P0171 could sometimes be cause by a bad or contaminated mass airflow sensor or vacuum leaks. Often it's easy to see the dust on the airflow sensor wires once it's taken out. Sometimes cleaning the airflow sensor can help temporarily, although it's a delicate procedure. If you are replacing the airflow sensor, use the original Toyota part.
Few maintenance tips
- Wash your car regularly and wax it once in a while to protect the paint.
- If you live in the area with high humidity, rustproofing will help to protect the car body from corrosion.
- Regular oil changes are very important to keep your engine in good shape.
- If your Corolla consumes engine oil, check the level more often; running the engine low on oil can cause problems.
- When the car is serviced, ask to check the PCV valve. A bad PCV valve also can cause oil consumption.
- Change the transmission fluid at recommended intervals.
- Use Toyota original air filters and make sure it's installed correctly.
- Take care of minor problems before they cause more expensive repairs.
- Try to avoid overheating the engine.
- Have your car inspected, at least once a year in a repair shop (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe.
- No matter where you service your Toyota, use original Toyota parts; they are reasonable priced.
Check more car maintenance tips
2001 Toyota Corolla Specifications
| Dimensions: | |
| Overall length: Overall width: Overall height: Wheelbase: |
174.0 in (4420 mm) 66.7 in (1695 mm) 54.5 in (1385 mm) 97.0 (2465 mm) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity: |
1500 lb (680 kg) |
| Engine: | All-aluminum 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-i 4-cylinder 125 hp @ 5,800 rpm; 125 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm |
| EPA Fuel Economy (US MPG, L/100km): | |
| With manual transmission: With 3-speed automatic transmission: With 4-speed automatic transmission: |
city: 28 MPG (8.4 L/100km) hwy: 37 MPG (6.4 L/100km) city: 25 MPG (9.4 L/100km) hwy: 30 MPG (7.8 L/100km) city: 26 MPG (9.0 L/100km) hwy: 36 MPG (6.5 L/100km) |
| Recommended Fuel: |
87-octane unleaded |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: |
13.2 US gallons (50 liters) |
