Name: 2003 Toyota Corolla
Brand: Toyota

Toyota Corolla

EPA MPG: 32 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 32 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 13 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 13 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2003

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2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

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2003 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2003 Toyota Corolla

$4,050 - $4,325

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser

$2,775 - $2,900

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Ford Focus

$2,925 - $4,150

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Honda Civic

$3,150 - $4,900

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 40 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Hyundai Accent

$2,850 - $2,925

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Hyundai Elantra

$3,025 - $3,075

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Kia Rio

$2,850 - $2,875

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Kia Spectra

$2,725 - $2,750

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mazda Protege

$3,050 - $4,625

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer

$2,925 - $11,050

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Nissan Sentra

$2,950 - $4,025

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Pontiac Vibe

$3,100 - $3,350

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Saturn Ion

$2,775 - $2,950

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Subaru Impreza

$3,025 - $5,650

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Toyota Matrix

$3,500 - $4,325

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Toyota Prius

$3,400

EPA MPG 49 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volkswagen Golf

$3,125 - $4,875

EPA MPG 45 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volkswagen Jetta

$2,825 - $4,550

EPA MPG 38 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Model History

2020-

Current Generation

The redesigned Corolla sedan is fuel efficient, but the new styling has compromised the rear seat room and made it harder to get in or out of, because of its lower stance and curvier body. The hybrid version gets an impressive 48 mpg overall. Both the hybrid and the 1.8-liter engine accelerate leisurely, and the continuously variable transmission amplifies engine noise. A more powerful 169-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder comes on the higher trim lines and on the hatchback. Toyota improved the Corolla's handling agility without sacrificing ride quality. The controls are easy to use and Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard. Automatic emergency braking comes standard. Blind spot warning is an option, except on the hybrid where it's not available at all. This was remedied for 2021; blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning became available on the hybrid model as a stand-alone package. A substantially refreshed model debuted for 2023, highlighted by exterior trim updates, adding the more trims to the hybrid line. The base 1.8-liter engine was replaced by a 169-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Sadly, the manual transmission option was dropped, but all-wheel drive became optional. All models came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen.

2014-2019

2014 Redesign Year

The 2014 Corolla grew in size, but continued to return a frugal 32 mpg overall. Interior room rivals some midsized sedans with a roomy rear seat. Ride comfort is commendable and handling is responsive. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) amplifies engine drone when climbing hills or merging, but is unobtrusive in ordinary everyday loafing around. The controls are simple and you get a touchscreen infotainment system, as well as all of the latest in connectivity. Automatic climate control comes standard on LE and above trims; this convenience is unusual in this class. 2017 brought standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, impressive at this price. Overall, a recent vintage Corolla is one of the best used car values.

2009-2013

2009 Redesign Year

Redesigned for 2009, the Corolla grew a bit larger and acquired a significantly quieter and more economical 1.8-liter four-cylinder. Side curtain airbags became standard and provided much better crash protection than older Corolla models. Stability control became standard in 2010. Engines and transmissions operate smoothly, while the car gets a commendable 32 mpg. The ride is relatively comfortable and handling is secure but uninspiring. Although the interior is humdrum, easy to use controls and a relatively roomy cabin give the Corolla an edge over other small sedans. Even the mid-trim LE comes nicely equipped.

2003-2008

2003 Redesign Year

Historically, the Corolla has hit the small sedan sweet spot of practical size, good performance, and admirable fuel economy. As long as you're not looking for a fun-to-drive driving experience, the Corolla is a solid choice. It's one of the quietest in its class, but engine drone can sometimes be pronounced. Expect 29 mpg overall. While ride quality is absorbent and unobtrusive, handling is uninspiring -- though secure. The cabin offers good access and a decent rear seat, but the driving position is a bit compromised due to a steering wheel that's too far away. Stability control and side curtain airbags were rare options for the pre-2009 Corolla, so it might be tricky to find one thus equipped. Without curtain airbags, the car scored a Poor in IIHS crash tests. If your budget permits, we recommend a 2009 or later Corolla, as these provide much better crash protection.

1998-2002

1998 Redesign Year

The Corolla's handling is safe and predictable--though not particularly nimble--in our tests. The Corolla was redesigned for 1998, and the 1.8-liter engine became standard across the board. Some 1998 models were fitted with a front stabilizer bar that improved the car's sloppy emergency handling; this piece became standard in 1999. The Corolla's front seats are firm and supportive, but the rear is snug.

Toyota Corolla

2003 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2003 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings