Showing posts with label toyota corolla. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toyota corolla. Show all posts

Monday, August 31, 2015

Toyota Corolla - Generation 6 (1988-1992)

TOYOTA COROLLA (1988-1992)

After years of absence, the Corolla nameplate returned in 1988 with Toyota Motor Philippine's establishment. Two 1.3 models and a sole 1.6 variant round up the line-up.

See the overview of this Corolla





Monday, December 22, 2014

Toyota Corolla - Generation 8.2 (1999-2005)

TOYOTA COROLLA (1999-2005)

The launch of the 1.8 Altis SEG signaled the facelift of the Corolla which featured a new grille (the XL and LE does not get it) plus the top end model has leather seats and a CD changer. While all except the XL and LE got replaced by the Corolla Altis, the two are still marketed until 2005.


Toyota Corolla - Generation 8.1 (1997-1999)

TOYOTA COROLLA (1997-1999)

Called the "Love Life" due to an emphasis on safety brought by standard (except for the XL) airbags and ABS brakes. The first version had an optional TOMS Limited Edition with a supercharged 1.6 engine but sold in limited quantities.


Friday, August 22, 2014

Toyota Corolla - Generation 7.1 (1992-1995)

TOYOTA COROLLA (1992-1995)

First released in 1992, the Corolla has more space and larger than the model it replaced. While the 1.3 carburetor engine remains, the 1.6 had been upgraded to an EFI one.

Toyota Corolla - Generation 7.2 (1995-1998)

TOYOTA COROLLA (1995-1998)

A mid-cycle update gave the Corolla a driver's airbag and ABS brakes for all but the XL, and numerous special edition models including a TRD Sports and TOMS. Engine choices still remain the same.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Car Profiles - Toyota Corolla (1988-1992)

1988-1992 Toyota Corolla

The Good: Reliable, roomy

The Bad: Safety or convenience features not present

The Say: A good choice for tight pockets if you are willing to compromise.

Go For: 1.6 GL
Avoid: 1.3 XL

Price Range: P70,000-P170,000
Our Rating: **

Related Review: None as of the Moment
Latest vehicle profile: Toyota Corolla Altis

See the different versions of this vehicle:

Friday, February 15, 2013

Car Profiles - Toyota Corolla (1997-2005)

1997-2005 Toyota Corolla

The Good: Durable and affordable

The Bad: Not exciting to drive and roomy

The Say: A basic commuter car and no more

Go For: 1.6 GLi
Avoid: 1.8 Altis SE.G

Price Range: P190,000-P240,000
Our Rating: **

Related Review: Used Car Review - Toyota Corolla (1997-2005)
Latest vehicle profile: Toyota Corolla Altis

See the different versions of this vehicle:
1997-1999
1999-2005

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Used Car Review - Toyota Corolla (1997-2005)

On the market for a cheap commuter car? For this day, Myk Belmonte gives you a simple answer for this problem.

1997-2005 Toyota Corolla

History
The perennial problem with redesigning a vehicle is whether to use 100% new parts or to rehash the parts since they are reliable or due to money saving reasons. But there is one thing to consider, why would you fix something that is not broken. In the case of our featured car, a recession happened during the early 90s in Japan, which affected development of the eighth generation Corolla.

Basically, when this generation of the Corolla was launched in May 1995, the platform, engine, suspension, and even the doors are carried over the previous one. Cost cutting at its finest, and we cannot blame Toyota and Corolla development chief Takayasu Honda to reduce costs. Japan had this one until November 2000 while other countries have to stick to this model two to three years later.

Despite the launching which featured Gary Valenciano, this generation became available in late 1997 selling alongside the "Big Body" Corolla and the financial crisis that crippled Asia occurred. Mixed reviews was the result especially that this model was said to be "rushed" than the PBB Teens couple. Except for the XL and LE trims, this model was phased out in favor of the Corolla Altis sometime in July/August 2001. The XL and LE was laid to rest in 2005. Other than the two, trim lines also include the XE, GLi, and the Altis SEG.

Value and Costs
Costing between P190,000-P240,000, this generation of Corolla (as with other year models) is a good candidate if the need for a cheap commuter car is required. However, don't expect any luxurious features or great handling, especially that it can bring you to point A to Z without fuss. Better scrutinize that XL or LE model you're eyeing at, that unit could be an ex-taxi and become a potential headache since they are beat up and battered.

One strength of the Corolla is parts availability, you can buy them anywhere from the original to the replacement ones. There are no reported serious problems with this car although the carburetor must be in tip-top condition. One thing to consider, the fuel consumption of a 1.3 XL/XE/LE is almost similar to a 1.6 GLi so keep that in mind.

Exterior and Interior
To tell the truth, there is nothing to praise about the exterior design. In fact, some offerings during that time period (including the Civic EK) eclipsed this Corolla in the field of exterior execution. Sure, it has 3D look head and tail lamps but this is not a car that would turn heads.

Quality is still a forte, especially that fit and finish is tops when it comes to durability, and unrelated though, the usage of fleets is a testament to its reliability. While it is durable, the interior won't win any awards. It has soft touch plastics, but have them dirty and it could be a disaster. Ergonomics and space is not a strong point, despite riding on the previous model's platform, space management is a weakness. For normally sized people, sitting at the front is not trouble but those who exhibit more than average height, it could be a bad sight to see them squeeze. For those planning to sit at the back, tagging three people would give you the Mega Sardines feeling while two is just fine.

Engine
The engines offered are almost the same with the previous one, so let's just have a recap on their displacement and their names and figures. First on the Corolla chain is the 2E 1,295cc with 72hp at 6,200rpm and 101Nm at 4,200rpm then the higher member (until year 1999) is the 4A-FE 1,587cc that has 110hp at 6,000rpm and 145Nm at 4,800rpm. New to the Corolla family is the 7A-FE 1,762cc which carries 116hp at 5,600rpm and 154Nm at 4,800rpm. These three engines perform well in the low to mid revs but gets boomy at the higher end.

Driving Impressions
Comfortable and well composed, the Corolla is one good companion for the drives inside the city and low speed cruising in the open road. However, handling and sudden braking are not good, so keep it below 4,000rpm if possible. Steering isn't lively, so don't expect an enjoyable ride.

Verdict
A basic, no-frills commuter car and no more. To tell the truth, the Corolla "Big Body" is more enjoyable to be in and has more space. The crisis spared no one, but the secret recipe is still there, bulletproof reliability. A good choice for commuting, but for spirited driving, look elsewhere.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Car Profiles - Toyota Corolla (1992-1997)

1992-1997 Toyota Corolla

The Good: Comfortable ride, maintenance is cheap despite the age, and very reliable

The Bad: Bare XL variant, and tons of hard plastics greet you

The Say: Despite the age, you won't go wrong for a Corolla.

Go for: 1.6 GLi
Avoid: 1.3 XL

Price Range: P100,000-P170,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Review: Used Car Review - Toyota Corolla (1993-1997)
Latest vehicle profile: Toyota Corolla Altis

See the different versions of this vehicle:
1992-1995
1995-1998

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Used Car Review - Toyota Corolla (1993-1998)

Who wants to reminisce their college days during the 90s? Whether you are married, a college boy, or even a kid, there is no escape for this car. You'll see this as a taxi, police car, or even privately owned. Myk Belmonte invites you to go back in time with this car and relieve some memories as we take off.

1993-1998 Toyota Corolla

Thanks to user GTi of tsikot.com for supplying some data!

History
Filipinos have a very soft spot for Corollas. Locally, the 1988-1992 Corolla is nicknamed as the "Small Body", but other nicks such as "16 Valve" and "SKD" (acronym for Semi Knock Down) were also used by enthusiasts. Two generations after, the 1998-2001 Corolla had the name of "Love Life". But the 1993-1998 Corolla had people call it the "Big Body."

Heavier, larger, and visually more aerodynamic than the model it replaced, with development chief Dr. Akihiko Saito wanted to develop a "mini-Lexus", after the success of the marque. With the model being sold around the world and with multiple variants which includes a sedan, hatchback, coupe, and station wagon variants. Produced from 1991-1998 worldwide, it was one of Toyota's successful vehicles.

Three variants were made available for the Filipino consumer, the base XL, mid-level XE, and the top end GLI. Limited edition variants sprouted out which included a Limited variant with stickers in Gold, an SE Limited variant, a TRD variant, and shockingly, a TOMS variant. With Toyota's fabled reliability, Filipinos purchased Corollas in an instant. From Manong Pulis to Kuya Taxi Driver to that working family man, the AE101 Corolla found home in different Filipino garages.

Value and Costs
From P100,000-P175,000, one can get a second hand Corolla with varying state of condition. Early generation variants are priced lower while later models do have prices within P160,000-P175,000. As much as possible, find a stock unit to encounter fewer headaches from ex-taxi units (which you could currently count) to modified units (it was a favorite of drag racers).

Cost of maintenance is much affordable despite its age. Parts are aplenty from the original ones to replacement parts to third party ones. If you're considering an XL or XE variant, check the carburetor if it works fine. Automatics are not available in the 1.3 variants

Exterior and Interior
Designed to mimic a Lexus, the Corolla lends out a luxury touch on the outside. Credit the Lexus-like styling since it aimed to be heavier, larger, and completely round. The design is purely 90's, with that aerodynamic theme which is associated from cars during that time.

Going inside, it can fit five warm bodies in it. The Corolla Big Body was able to introduce several firsts in the market which includes rear seatbelts, front cup holders (added in late 1994), and a driver's airbag (placed in late 1995). Controls are logically placed and easy to manipulate, which is one of the Corolla's strong points.

Engine
Standard norm among compact sedans in the 90s are engine choices of a carburetor and a fuel injected engine. XL and XE variants are fitted with a 2E 1,295cc which has 72hp at 6,000rpm and 98Nm at 3,600rpm while GLI variants do have a 1,587cc 4A-FE engine with 113hp at 5,800rpm and 137Nm at 4,800rpm. It may look conservative but they do have enormous low end power, which is the Corolla's selling point over its competitors. And mind you, the Carburetor engine is freakin' fast in stock form.

Driving Impressions
If it's a Corolla, it must be comfortable. Yes, this is true. Corollas are comfortable to ride in, and a lot of commuters attest to this back then. The line-up of engines are all fuel efficient, and do have an abundance of low end torque, which is an advantage when one is planning to drive in the city. Those driving an XL variant from a vehicle with power steering must have the time and patience of driving a car without one. As local parlance calls it "pawis steering", it takes an amount of physical work for someone to steer in a mall parking lot.

Verdict
The Corolla sells well for a good and a right reason. Parts are cheap, fuel efficient, reliable, and comfortable to ride in. It may be aplenty like that annoying Justin Bieber song, but it serves the purpose right. Buyers who are seeking a car good for everyday usage in a budget, the "Big Body" Corolla is a solid choice, despite its decade old age. Still, it would be a classic one time.