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2005
Toyota Corolla

Starts at:
$13,780
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New 2005 Toyota Corolla
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn CE Manual (Natl)
    Starts at
    $13,780
    32 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn CE Auto (Natl)
    Starts at
    $14,580
    30 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn S Manual (Natl)
    Starts at
    $14,825
    32 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LE Manual (Natl)
    Starts at
    $14,990
    32 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn S Auto (Natl)
    Starts at
    $15,625
    30 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LE Auto (Natl)
    Starts at
    $15,790
    30 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn XRS Manual (Natl)
    Starts at
    $17,555
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2005 Toyota Corolla 2005 Toyota Corolla 2005 Toyota Corolla 2005 Toyota Corolla 2005 Toyota Corolla 2005 Toyota Corolla 2005 Toyota Corolla 2005 Toyota Corolla 2005 Toyota Corolla 2005 Toyota Corolla 2005 Toyota Corolla 2005 Toyota Corolla 2005 Toyota Corolla 2005 Toyota Corolla 2005 Toyota Corolla 2005 Toyota Corolla

Notable features

Choice of two four-cylinders
Manual or automatic
FWD
New performance-oriented XRS model

The good & the bad

The good

Reputation for reliability
Refinement
Ride comfort
Fuel economy
Solid construction

The bad

Price
Backseat legroom

Expert 2005 Toyota Corolla review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Toyota Corolla

As for toys of the motorized variety, Toyota has brought out a limited-edition Corolla to commemorate the introduction of the nameplate in the U.S. 35 years ago, a car that bowed at $1,666 and was powered by a 1.1-liter, 60-horsepower 4-cylinder engine.

While that first Corolla, which failed to make much of a dent in the U.S. with sales of 7,247 units, helped launch the economy-car era, the commemorative model is targeted at performance rather than mileage enthusiasts.

Can’t fault Toyota for that, considering Chevy never celebrated the 35th anniversary of its Vega, Ford its Pinto or American Motors its Gremlin, cars the domestic automakers thought would keep Corolla from gaining ground in the U.S.

Corolla prospered while Vega, Pinto, Gremlin–and American Motors–disappeared.

But we digress.

The ’05 Corolla XRS looks more sporty than it acts. The limited-edition XRS offers a 170-h.p. version of the 1.8-liter, 130-h.p. 4-cylinder found in the rest of the Corolla lineup.

With a little more low-end torque, it moves from the light a bit quicker than its pure economy-car stablemates, but the only way you’ll smoke the tires is by taking off on a bed of Kingsford briquets.

Still, the suspension has been sports tuned to provide better handling and less lean in corners. Large 16-inch radials also contribute to better handling than the rest of the Corolla line. But the focus is on lateral control, and there’s considerable up and down movement on uneven roadways.

Despite the decorative plastic ground effects, deck-lid spoiler, body-colored side moldings and door handles, Toyota can’t camouflage that this is an ’05 rendition of what started life and continues as an economy car.

The 170-h.p. 4-cylinder delivers 26 m.p.g. city/34 m.p.g. highway teamed with a smooth shifting 6-speed manual that provides lively movement without sacrificing the car’s original intent–excellent mileage.

A gripe, however. Slip in and turn the key and if you haven’t first buckled the safety belts, the warning chimes are relentless. Of course, belting up is the first and best safeguard against injury, so we can’t fault Toyota too much.

A worse annoyance is that when you put the shift lever in reverse, the chimes blare non-stop as you back up until you stop and move into first gear.

The chimes remind the motorist that people or objects might be lurking behind, but the chimes are so aggravating that rather than say, “Oops, gotta watch what’s back there,” you back up as fast as you can to switch gears and silence the demons.

Base price is $17,455.

Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes, power door locks, windows and mirrors, air conditioning and AM/FM stereo with single CD changer and six speakers.

TEST DRIVE

2005 Toyota Corolla XRS sedan

Wheelbase: 102.4 inches

Length: 178.3 inches

Engine: 1.8-liter, 170-h.p., 16-valve 4-cylinder

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Fuel economy: 26 m.p.g. city/34 m.p.g. highway

Base price: $17,455

Price as tested: $18,881. Includes $200 for AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD player and eight speakers; $750 for power tilt/slide moonroof; $87 for carpeted floor mats; $319 for security system; and $70 for all-weather guard package with larger battery and alternator. Add $515 for freight.

Pluses: Higher-performance version of Corolla with peppier 4-cylinder teamed with 6-speed manual. Sportier looks with ground-effects package. Deck-lid spoiler. Fog lamps. Decent price and very good mileage.

Minuses: Warning chimes if you don’t fasten the belts and blares even more when backing up until you stop and slip into first gear.

2005 Toyota Corolla review: Our expert's take
By

Toyota Corolla

As for toys of the motorized variety, Toyota has brought out a limited-edition Corolla to commemorate the introduction of the nameplate in the U.S. 35 years ago, a car that bowed at $1,666 and was powered by a 1.1-liter, 60-horsepower 4-cylinder engine.

While that first Corolla, which failed to make much of a dent in the U.S. with sales of 7,247 units, helped launch the economy-car era, the commemorative model is targeted at performance rather than mileage enthusiasts.

Can’t fault Toyota for that, considering Chevy never celebrated the 35th anniversary of its Vega, Ford its Pinto or American Motors its Gremlin, cars the domestic automakers thought would keep Corolla from gaining ground in the U.S.

Corolla prospered while Vega, Pinto, Gremlin–and American Motors–disappeared.

But we digress.

The ’05 Corolla XRS looks more sporty than it acts. The limited-edition XRS offers a 170-h.p. version of the 1.8-liter, 130-h.p. 4-cylinder found in the rest of the Corolla lineup.

With a little more low-end torque, it moves from the light a bit quicker than its pure economy-car stablemates, but the only way you’ll smoke the tires is by taking off on a bed of Kingsford briquets.

Still, the suspension has been sports tuned to provide better handling and less lean in corners. Large 16-inch radials also contribute to better handling than the rest of the Corolla line. But the focus is on lateral control, and there’s considerable up and down movement on uneven roadways.

Despite the decorative plastic ground effects, deck-lid spoiler, body-colored side moldings and door handles, Toyota can’t camouflage that this is an ’05 rendition of what started life and continues as an economy car.

The 170-h.p. 4-cylinder delivers 26 m.p.g. city/34 m.p.g. highway teamed with a smooth shifting 6-speed manual that provides lively movement without sacrificing the car’s original intent–excellent mileage.

A gripe, however. Slip in and turn the key and if you haven’t first buckled the safety belts, the warning chimes are relentless. Of course, belting up is the first and best safeguard against injury, so we can’t fault Toyota too much.

A worse annoyance is that when you put the shift lever in reverse, the chimes blare non-stop as you back up until you stop and move into first gear.

The chimes remind the motorist that people or objects might be lurking behind, but the chimes are so aggravating that rather than say, “Oops, gotta watch what’s back there,” you back up as fast as you can to switch gears and silence the demons.

Base price is $17,455.

Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes, power door locks, windows and mirrors, air conditioning and AM/FM stereo with single CD changer and six speakers.

TEST DRIVE

2005 Toyota Corolla XRS sedan

Wheelbase: 102.4 inches

Length: 178.3 inches

Engine: 1.8-liter, 170-h.p., 16-valve 4-cylinder

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Fuel economy: 26 m.p.g. city/34 m.p.g. highway

Base price: $17,455

Price as tested: $18,881. Includes $200 for AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD player and eight speakers; $750 for power tilt/slide moonroof; $87 for carpeted floor mats; $319 for security system; and $70 for all-weather guard package with larger battery and alternator. Add $515 for freight.

Pluses: Higher-performance version of Corolla with peppier 4-cylinder teamed with 6-speed manual. Sportier looks with ground-effects package. Deck-lid spoiler. Fog lamps. Decent price and very good mileage.

Minuses: Warning chimes if you don’t fasten the belts and blares even more when backing up until you stop and slip into first gear.

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2005 Toyota Corolla base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
4/5
Side rear passenger
4/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
7 years / less than 85,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12, 000 miles
Dealer certification
160- or 174-point inspections

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Consumer reviews

4.4 / 5
Based on 97 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.2
Interior 4.1
Performance 4.3
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.1
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

  • This car is awesome!

    An amazing car to own. Hassle-free and quite fun to drive. No bells and whistles that break like more contemporary styles. Beautiful green color on the outside and warm beige on the inside. Love the simplicity and reliability of this car year after year. The 2005 Corolla is an all around winner!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    24 people out of 24 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great car

    This car is a very reliable car. So far so good. I am happy. I have not ever had a Toyota before and I heard that they are really good cars and now I see that they are really reliable cars.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    22 people out of 24 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most reliable car I’ve owned

    I have been 100% satisfied. 178,00 miles and still running great! Never had one major mechanical problem with this vehicle. The biggest problem I had was that it needed a new starter at 176,633 miles. I will own no other vehicle other than a Toyota. I also have a Toyota Highlander and have experienced no problems so far at 87,000 miles!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    12 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • We went back to the Corolla after having a Solara

    We are so pleased with this 2005 Toyota Corolla. Even at 140k it rides and drives great. A poor man's Mini Cooper my wife says.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Run forever with NOT issues

    This is the type of car that will run forever and will not give you any issues at all. It is very fuel efficient and will not give mechanical issues at all.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • This car has never disappointed!

    This car has served our family well. It has never failed to get me back and forth to work on my 100 mile round trip daily commute.We have been loyal Toyota owners since 1978. Very reliable and economical to operate.There is still plenty of life left in this vehicle!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • One of the most reliable cars I've ever owned

    I have owned the car for about 10 years and have not had any issues with it. Over 200k miles and it still runs like a new car. Very impressed and will always be a huge fan of the brand
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Very good

    Happy with car, dealer very good, fair price for dependable Toyota, runs well, had very minor issue that was resolved quickly by dealer- again very happy with car
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I bought a Lemon

    The car had many issues that I was not informed of when I was trying to purchase and now I have to fix many things. I believe the car is a lemon.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Very good car I love Toyota always ,

    I have this car over 10 years , never smoking ,it’s very good condition car ,engine working well , never any engines issues ,great body
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very reliable cat

    Economical and reliable , owned the car for 14 years. Very good mpg about 30 miles per gallon. Cruise control as well as heat and air conditioning in good working order
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • A sporty Corolla with a sweet 6 speed manual trans

    This car is a nice in-between - an upgrade in performance from an econobox - but not quite a sports car. Still, it does have enough zip to to be satisfying while getting 23/35 mpg. I've owned it for 12 years. Its been comfortable on more than a few trips up and down the Pacific coast. Very reliable.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2005 Toyota Corolla?

The 2005 Toyota Corolla is available in 4 trim levels:

  • CE (2 styles)
  • LE (2 styles)
  • S (2 styles)
  • XRS (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2005 Toyota Corolla?

The 2005 Toyota Corolla offers up to 32 MPG in city driving and 41 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2005 Toyota Corolla?

The 2005 Toyota Corolla compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2005 Toyota Corolla reliable?

The 2005 Toyota Corolla has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2005 Toyota Corolla owners.

Is the 2005 Toyota Corolla a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2005 Toyota Corolla. 90.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 97 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.2
  • Interior: 4.1
  • Performance: 4.3
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.1
  • Reliability: 4.5

Toyota Corolla history

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