2005 Corolla Questions/Opinions - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

djmixmode · 02-21-2005, 12:05 PM

Hi All,

I'm new here. I have a couple of things about the Corolla. I am very interested in purchasing a 2005 Corolla LE. I am weighing it against the new Honda Civic EX. I have researched as much as I possibly could and found out that these are extremely similar as far as reliability, safety, engine/transmission, and owners' reviews. Is there any reason I should pick one over the other? I am leaning toward the Corolla because I can get it for cheaper, and the 5 year cost of ownership is less.

I have had a 1991 Camry 4-cyl in the past and it was an awesome car. I absolutely loved it for my first car. I currently have a 1993 Paseo (wife's car) and that is what I'm interested in replacing with the Corolla. It too has been great, I'm currently in the process of replacing the transmission.

One thing, is the LE really worth the extra money (alot) over the CE? The only thing I see different is that the CE doesn't offer a sunroof or the stability control. Everything else is pretty much the same; IE: pw, pd, ps, and abs. Not really worried about the stability control as it is not really needed on that type of car. But I really would like the sunroof. Any comments here?

I know Toyota's are excellent cars, as this would be my 3rd one. I have read about the hard starting problems and the extremely loud noise from the engine and wind. I really don't like the noise problems, but I'm sure its not that bad as I have not test-drove one yet. I would end up modding it a little with some performance products as I would like to get a little more power out of it.

Thanks for any comments.

-Daniel

virtualkuz · 02-21-2005, 12:31 PM

As far as the civic styling I give it a

. They are boring looking cars. Now I am not saying that the Corollas look like 4 door supras, but they are a better looking car IMO. My XRS is the first car I have had with a sun roof and I really like it. When I got it the sunshade was rattling, but the dealer fixed that with no problem.

As for the noise, my 2ZZGE sounds like a motorcycle engine and I like it. The 1ZZFE that is in the LE shouldn't be too loud at all, but if people are comparing noise vibration and harshness from a lexus to a corolla of course they will be disappointed. Wind noise hasn't bothered me at all up to the 100mph or so i've done.

The LE has a nicer dash and the fog lights. To me it looks like a mini-lexus.

I say go for the corolla, you'll be happy with the car.

Just don't pay sticker for the car, that is for the people buying tCs, not corollas. 16-17k otd with a sunroof is a good price for a 05 auto LE.

sleekaman · 02-21-2005, 12:55 PM

Bought the 2003 LE and am completely satisfiied with it. In Canada at the time, I purchased the Package B. Included: front side air bags, ABS, Alum wheels, leather interior, auto dimming rear mirror with compass, fog lamps, moonroof and factory alarm. I added the rear spoiler dealer installed. All these assessories are all the ones I wanted. To me the S was a bit too flashy for me. Mine looks like a sedated sport (without the front, side and rear skirts). If the option list has most of them in the U.S. I'd go for them. Next upgrade worth every penny if I can save up for is a Toyota TRD SuperCharger.

TX_corolla_XRS · 02-21-2005, 01:07 PM

FYI, the CE does not have keyless entry or power windows avail. and locks\cruise come in an optional package. The center armrest and dash looks much better in the LE. Of course you can split the diff. and get the much better looking S. If you want to really love your Corolla though, get the XRS and love life!

djmixmode · 02-21-2005, 01:42 PM

I was told by a Toyota dealer that the CE DID have power windows. Don't know if it was standard or optional, but thats what HE said. Don't know about the keyless entry, but I'm not worried about that as I will get an aftermarket alarm system that will take care of that for me.

Don't want the XRS as I need an automatic transmission.

I have priced the CE with the options that I want at $15,426 which comes with a/t, all weather package, convenience package, driver/passenger side bolster curtain airbags, and ABS. In the packages pdl and cruise are included. I priced an LE with options at $16,681. That is with an a/t, all weather package, audio value package, sunroof and side air bags package, and ABS.

I actually think the Civic is the best looking out of all the compact cars. But looks don't make a sale for me alone. Also, the Civic is about $100 more per 6 months of insurance for me. Another factor going against it.

Thanks for your responses guys/gals.

virtualkuz · 02-21-2005, 01:50 PM

Based on what the Toyota website says the CE doesn't have power windows available. Maybe they started making them though. You won't know until you see a car and can see the crank or the button.

djmixmode · 02-21-2005, 01:50 PM

Just another note, if the CE actually does NOT come with power windows then I absolutely won't be getting it. I need that option.

CraigW · 02-21-2005, 04:30 PM

CE = only power locks avail, sunroof = No

***silver04rollas*** · 02-21-2005, 04:58 PM

Too bad you do not want to get a 6 speed stick with a Celica GT-S high revving engine. It makes virtually every new stock Civic look like Mickey Mouse. Both looks and performance wise

Driving this car for four months and getting good at shifts makes me realize how boring would life be without this car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by djmixmode

Don't want the XRS as I need an automatic transmission.
.

CraigW · 02-21-2005, 05:23 PM

The 05 LE has the new type instrument cluster like the XRS has.

76corolla · 02-21-2005, 05:24 PM

No timing belt to change on the corolla

***silver04rollas*** · 02-21-2005, 05:27 PM

Yes, they both have electroluminiscent optitron guages, but XRS color scheme /red on black is more jazzy than the white on black color scheme on LE.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CraigW

The 05 LE has the new type instrument cluster like the XRS has.

TOcorolla · 02-21-2005, 11:24 PM

I have a Corolla 2004S , and it's runnning great, pretty much no complain at all!!!
I wish i had an XRS tho

I'd get the corolla over the civic anyday!!

djmixmode · 02-22-2005, 05:47 PM

What would you guys think parts wise I would need to get the Corolla LE up to about 190-200 rwhp? I saw the TRD supercharger on the website along with the CAI and Exhaust kit. I know that would get me up there, but not close enough. I saw that it was also a roots-style supercharger. I am interested to see gains with a centrifugal type. Anyone have any experience modding these? Don't really want a turbo. What are the gains p&p'ing the head on these things? Forgive me if I'm sounding like I have a bigger engine, i'm used to modding my '00 Mustang GT.

NRM · 02-22-2005, 06:49 PM

If you want to mod. Get the Civic. There just isn't a very big aftermarket for the Corollas. Especially the 05. The supercharger doesn't even work on the 05 and people say it looks like they won't even make it. I'm not quite sure there is a way for you to hit 200HP on a brand new Corolla without turbo ect.

I just bought a 05 Corolla S and it's great. Insurance will be cheaper, people will be less likely to steal your car, and it won't be another Civic out on the road. But you will be having a harder time modding the Corolla and that's pretty much in every generation.