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2002 Toyota Corolla

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$12,568

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

5

Seating capacity

174.0” x 54.5”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(43 reviews)

3 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

  • CE

    $12,568

  • S

    $12,793

  • LE

    $13,383

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2002 Toyota Corolla trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2024

2002 Toyota Corolla review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Following a face-lift for 2001, Toyota’s front-drive subcompact sedan sees no changes for 2002. A near-twin of the Chevrolet Prizm, which will be dropped after the 2002 model year, the Corolla has been Toyota’s second-best seller behind the midsize Camry. According to Automotive News, Toyota dealers sold 230,156 Corollas during 2000.

A sporty S model slots between the base CE and upscale LE trims. Chevrolet’s Prizm has different styling but uses the same front-drive platform and mechanical components as the Corolla. Both are built at a California plant that the two companies share, but some Corollas are produced in Ontario, Canada. A redesigned 2003 Corolla goes on sale in January 2002 and is likely to have a more youthful appearance.

Exterior
Equipped with multireflector halogen headlights, the Corolla’s styling is clean but conventional. The S model has color-keyed side moldings, grille and rear mudguards. The Corolla rides a 97-inch wheelbase and measures 174 inches long — just slightly shorter than the Ford Focus and Honda Civic. Four-door sedans are 66.7 inches wide and 53.7 inches tall.

Interior
The Corolla seats five occupants on cloth-upholstered seats. Compared to some rivals, the Corolla’s standard-equipment list is on the meager side. Even on the top-of-the-line LE, such items as air conditioning and power windows, locks and mirrors are optional rather than standard. In fact, the LE is the only Corolla model that comes with a standard cassette player, as well as a split-folding rear seat, rear-window defogger and tilt steering wheel. None of this seems to deter buyers, who simply check off desired items that are offered in special packages.

Under the Hood
A 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 125 horsepower works with a standard five-speed-manual gearbox or a three- or four-speed-automatic transmission. The three-speed unit is optional on the Corolla CE, while the others can opt for the four-speed automatic.

Safety
Side-impact airbags are optional on all models, and an antilock brake option is available for only the LE and S editions. Toyota says the Corolla’s bumpers can withstand a 5-mph collision without damage, a claim that some larger cars cannot match.

Driving Impressions
Despite conservative styling and prices that are higher than those of many competitors, the Corolla is one of the best subcompacts on the market. Toyota’s long-lived sedan delivers an impressive blend of frugal fuel economy, refinement, reliability and durability.

Performance won’t stir emotions, but it’s wholly adequate for ordinary driving, whether the Corolla is equipped with the manual shift or the automatic transmission. Corolla owners can expect easy driving, capable maneuvering and a smooth ride in a sedan that’s quieter than some larger automobiles.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2002 Buying Guide

Consumer reviews

(43 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.2
  • Interior 3.9
  • Performance 4.4
  • Value 4.7
  • Exterior 3.9
  • Reliability 4.8
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Most recent consumer reviews

This car is the best compact car anyone could own.

My stepbrother who was a drug addict and tore this car up had it for about 2 years. Backed it up over curbs at speeds of 15 an hour a few times and eventually i got it and drove it with 2 misfires. Wheel bearings that were in pieces and 2 broken engine mounta for a year and a half. I grew up a littlw and began to take care of my car and she still runs like a brand new car after ive iust replaces the coil pack bearings and 02 sensors. Ive not even done the engine mounts yet and shes still running like a smooth new car. Wyen my 02 dies out im getting a 2017 corolla

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Ill forever have respect for this car

Anybody hating on this car must have been very unlucky. Ive been flooring mine since i started driving it 4 years ago. ( i used to go over 100mph in it quite often till i got pulled over and grew up a little lol) I also used to floor it through very bumpy and muddy dirt roads for work(at least a mile long) to the point my car would be completely covered in mud, never got stuck and the suspension is still good. Ive drifted in it many times, 2 of my siblings drove it all of there highschool years before i got it as well. over 210k miles on it and im still flooring it to this day. This car out lasted a brand new 2015 Honda Odyssey that my parents had. I will forever support Toyota and the most reliable car ever made! Ive even driven it months at a time with extremely low to no oil in it, Yes i know thats dumb but its a great example of how good this car is. Only Toyota. Im debating building it for some extra fun. (mainly because i really dont want to get rid of it lol)

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Love, Love,Love

I bought my girl Dec 2001. She has been a great car. Almost to 200,000 miles. The only major work she has needed was because of accidents. I plan to gat another Toyota soon, but she is not going anywhere. My son wants her when he starts driving!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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See all 43 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2002 Toyota Corolla base trim.
Frontal driver
4
Frontal passenger
4
Nhtsa rollover rating
4
Side driver
3
Side rear passenger
3

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Toyota
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
7 years/less than 85,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12 months/12, 000 miles
Powertrain
7 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
160- or 174-point inspections
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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