2000 Toyota Corolla Review by Rick Popely

2000 Toyota Corolla

Change

2000 Toyota Corolla

Kelley Blue Book Retail $3,475–$4,300  


Expert Reviews

By Rick Popely

Cars.com National December 1, 1999

Vehicle Overview

Toyota's popular front-drive compact gets a small power boost as its major change for this year. Though Corolla was designed in Japan, North American models are built either in Canada or at a California plant Toyota shares with General Motors. Chevrolet sells a similar sedan as the Prizm.

Interior
Corolla comes in three price levels — VE, CE and LE — and the VE is clearly the price leader. Power windows, locks and mirrors, a tilt steering column, cruise control and a CD player are standard or optional on the others but not available on the VE. While the CE and LE have more comfort and convenience features, they hold the same number of passengers as the VE — five. The CE and LE come with a remote trunk release and a 60/40 split rear seat that expands the 12.1-cubic-foot cargo capacity of the trunk.

Under the Hood
The addition of variable-valve technology to the 1.8-liter four-cylinder boosts horsepower from 120 to 125 and helps Toyota meet California's standards for Low Emission Vehicles. On the VE, the engine teams with either a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic. On the CE and LE, the optional automatic has four forward speeds.

Safety
Side-impact airbags are optional on all three models, and anti-lock brakes are optional on the CE and VE. Toyota says the bumpers can withstand a 5-mph collision without damage, a claim some larger cars and even some trucks can't make.

Performance
One of the blue-chip models in the small-car segment, the Corolla offers an impressive blend of economy, refinement, reliability and durability that is hard to beat. The engine delivers snappy acceleration, the ride is smooth and Corolla is quieter than several larger sedans.


 

Reported by Rick Popely  for

cars.com


From the cars.com 2000 Buying Guide

Additional Reviews

Cars.com Expert Reviews

Rick PopelyCars.com NationalDecember 1, 1999

Affiliate Reviews

Warren Brownwashingtonpost.comNovember 28, 1999
Change Location

Closest Dealers Listing this Car in ZIP 20146

*Invoice prices are made available by Cars.com and are not dealer advertising. All prices are subject to regional variations. Prices last updated 9/23/10. Click here for more information.