New Car Test Drive

2004 Toyota Corolla 

Smooth and refined, a great compact sedan.

By John Rettie


Model Line Overview

Base Price (MSRP)$13,570
As Tested (MSRP)$16,532

Model lineupCE ($13,570); S ($14,515); LE ($14,780)
Engines130-hp 1.8-liter dohc 16v inline-4
Transmissions5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic
Safety equipment (standard)dual front airbags
Safety equipment (optional)side-impact airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
Basic warranty3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled inFremont, California; Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

Specifications As Tested

Model tested (MSRP)Toyota Corolla S ($14,515)
Standard equipmentair conditioning, AM/FM/CD system, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, power steering, power door locks, mirrors, windows, intermittent wipers, remote trunk/fuel door release, wood-like trim, 60/40 split rear seats
Options as tested (MSRP)none
Destination charge($485)
Gas guzzler taxN/A
Price as tested (MSRP)$16,532
Layoutfront engine, front-wheel drive
Engine1.8-liter dohc 16v inline-4
Horsepower (hp @ rpm)130 @ 6000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm)125 @ 4200
Transmission5-speed manual
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy32/40 mpg
Wheelbase102.4 in.
Length/width/height178.3/66.9/57.7 in.
Track, f/r58.3/57.5 in.
Turning circle35.2 ft.
Seating capacity5
Head/hip/leg room, f39.1/51.9/41.3 in.
Head/hip/leg room, mN/A in.
Head/hip/leg room, r37.1/46.2/35.4 in.
Cargo volume13.6 cu. ft.
PayloadN/A
Towing capacity1500 Lbs.
Suspension, findependent
Suspension, rindependent
Ground clearance6.0 in.
Curb weight2524 Lbs.
TiresP195/65R15
Brakes, f/rdisc/drum w ABS, EBD
Fuel capacity13.2 gal.

Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of October 12, 2009.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges. N/A: Information not available or not applicable.



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