So you know about the black and red dots, right? What colors do you see for corollas across the years? Looks like the 'good' color to me.

 

I take reports like that with a grain of salt. Not everyone likes cars from other places so that might have a little bias on things.
This 22 Hatch is my 1st Toyota and its a fun car to drive and gets great gas mileage.

 

Consumer Reports stating that the Corolla was one of the worst cars you can buy

I’d be curious about which monthly issue of the magazine… Corolla is on the “recommended” list of Consumer reports and in the “top 5” people would buy again according to the latest annual survey. In the compact class it scores 73 points, below Impreza (81) but over Forte (39). The only “average” aspect is owner satisfaction about noise and controls.

 

My wife swears by Consumer Reports.
I swear at them.

Toyota quality speaks for itself. Your Corolla will be perfectly fine.

 

My wife swears by Consumer Reports.
I swear at them.

Toyota quality speaks for itself. Your Corolla will be perfectly fine.

We dropped out subscription after almost fifty years. Just didn't seem to have the value it once had. Things change.

 

Could be the first year woes of the hatchback in 2019 that may have dented the score...I still think you're fine. CR does have its points but like we said, its more grain of salt, to me as much as Scotty Kilmer's salty advice.

 

Although Scotty is very entertaining!

 

Do they give the reasoning for why though?

 

Most publications are slanted. Take for example Car & Driver and Road & Track and others like it when they award "Car of the Year". It usually comes from who spent the most on advertising in their rag etc. Bought and paid for awards as well as ONE persons opinion.

 

I would argue that Motor Trend was probably the worst of them, but that was the likely reason why I had gotten free annual subscriptions to MT for such a long time

 

I just purchased a new 2022 Corolla Hatchback, and weeks later got my Consumer Reports stating that the Corolla was one of the worst cars you can buy. That's really hard to believe, given Toyota's reputation. I've owned a lot of Mazda's, but never a Toyota, and now I'd like to know what issues the Corolla had that made consumer Reports post such a damming rating. My issue didnt state what year Corolla's they rated or what the problems were. Can someone fill me in on what's going on?

Thanks!

I have my 2019 HB since new for 3+ years. It has been bullet proof with no problem at all. It is fun to drive, comfortable, great on gas. The safety features are plentiful. It is not a perfect car, but for the price, this car is one of the best valued car anyone can buy, So, sorry, can't tell you why CR would make such comment.
I dont have a subscription to CR, but I am very curious to see what they say about the Corolla that makes it "... one of the worst cars you can buy". Since you are asking the question here, I assumed that CR did not explain the reasons behind this statement. Can you post a copy of the article please?

 

CR is good in getting people to buy their content, which to me is not worth it.

If I really want to see it, I could go to a library, as many of them in the US may have a sub to CR, and I've been able to borrow and read them when I've felt like it. Or better yet, see if the local magazine rack has their annual car issue.

 

UPDATE: I've been asked to post the issue of Consumer Reports, and I just noticed something: It's the Jan issue. The reason for this was that Consumer Reports didnt find my payment for 6 months, and when I inquired, they sent me the latest issue along with the Jan issue. Anyway, here's where you can read what little they said about the Corolla Hatchback, and I'm not sure WHY it's JUST the Hatchback. Mywvhome.com/Corolla

 

I read on a 3rd party site which said they were referring to CR, that the HB has a loud, raspy engine (saying the old 18 was better), that the HB was less comfortable, the sedan is a better value and that there's not enough storage space.

Well I did extensive research before our purchase and our base HB was definitely a better value than the sedan for many reasons such as better suspension, engine, physical first gear CVT and other smaller touches.

We weren't planning to buy a HB initially, but after test driving we changed out mind because we both found the HB much more comfortable than the sedan.

I don't find the 2.0 engine loud and raspy at all and have no idea what they are talking about and I'll take the extra power and better FE any day. The older 1.8 is also not 100% problem free in design.

I can see some people being disappointed with the storage space and rear passenger room, but that's why you test drive before you buy.

The only thing I can think of is that the HB had problems with the CVT initially, but that defect was fixed before I think anyone even received delivery. So who knows and who really cares. Their preferences obvously do not match up with mine and that's all they seem to be rating on based on what I saw... personal preference. A true review keeps personal preferance out of the equation.

 

My in-laws have a subscription, so I checked out all the cars I was interested in earlier this year. I was surprised by the Corolla Hatchback's ratings, to say the least. The problem is that CR only has reliability ratings for 2019, nothing for 2020-22. The serious trouble spots they highlighted for 2019 were transmission major, transmission minor, paint/trim, and body integrity. Body hardware and fuel system were also flagged as potential issues. After reading extensively through this website, I can only conclude that the transmission issues were the first-year bad batch of CVTs and potentially (?) some issues with the manual transmission. The rest is all a bit mysterious, unless paint/trim refers to paint chips, although that's an issue for most modern cars.

Ultimately I decided that CR's ratings for the Corolla Hatchback were seriously flawed and not worth considering. Nothing I've seen on this website led me think the ratings were grounded in reality.

 

Bingo ! (More below)


OK, now I see the point. I don’t think you should worry. The explanation has mostly to do with CR methodology.

First, the Corolla HB is considered separately from the sedan only because Toyota itself markets it as a separate model. Selling it as a simple variant would have led to another story.

Second, the rating doesn’t say specifically that it’s one of the worst cars to buy but that it’s the least reliable from the manufacturer.

And here is the reason on the Toyota side: ±3.5K of the first cars (2019) produced in Japan had to be recalled for a CVT replacement (transmission trouble don’t rate well in owner surveys…)

Though 3.5K may not seem like a big deal, it is somewhat VS the number of HB sold that year, since the HB doesn’t sell in huge numbers like the sedan. So 2019 had low ratings.

And the reason on Consumer Reports side (which is a flaw): it seems that not many CR suscribers buy hatchback since there is simply no data from owner surveys for the following years. So the HB is still stuck with this 2019 rating…

Camry once lost its CR “recommended” status over an issue, but regain it quickly once it was resolved, due to large numbers of following positive owner surveys. That has not happen for Corolla hatchback. So, again, it’s still stuck with the 2019 (relatively low) rating.

Other complaints were marginal: some paint issue, less space than competition, and noise, the latter being shared with other models on TNGA platform, even RAV4 and Camry.

To my opinion Consumers Reports has become a lousy magazine and when my subscription expires I won’t be renewing. Don’t worry about your Corolla. It is one of the best. You may want to think about trading it in after you get about 300,000 miles on it and it will last at least that long. Good luck to you.

 

Consumers Reports has become a lousy magazine

I agree.

I still find various products testing from CR interesting and documented but I see two problems with the way the magazine has evolved.

Like they will no longer simply compare vacuum cleaners but produce an article about “How to clean your house” or no longer compare mattresses but produce an article about “How to sleep well”. I guess it’s marketing for the modern days but it's of no interest to me. Give me data and characteristics !

The other is an inherent flaw of consumer surveys, as illustrated by this thread on Corolla HB. The surveys themselves are interesting but would definitely require disclosure about size and profile of the sample. A few years ago, Ford ranking suddenly plummeted (not that they were that high before but that’s not the point). But the cars were the same… except for Sync, a novelty that traditional customers didn’t understand. That should have been explained. Same with the lack of data to explain the Corolla HB rank.

If not dishonest, it’s at least a lack of rigor.

Does my 2022 Corolla HB have a CVT transmission?

Yes (unless it's a manual ). A CVT with a traditional first gear on start-up. Again, don't worry, those are very good cars, whether hatchback or sedan despite CR way of presenting things.

 

Have you compared (actually driven) the 2022 Corolla against other 2022 models from Honda, KIA, Hyundai or Mazda? Comparing your new Corolla vs. an old Mazda (or whatever) is hardly an objective comparison.
Compared vs. current model-year cars from other manufacturers, Corolla is noisier, has harsher ride and doesn't handle as well as most. Interior is cheap plastic and like most Toyota infotainment, it's doesn't have the same features as other (usually cheaper) vehicles in the same class. CR is simply acknowledging a simple fact - the new Corolla isn't necessarily a terrible car, but it is not as good as competitors.

 

CR is simply acknowledging a simple fact - the new Corolla isn't necessarily a terrible car, but it is not as good as competitors.

That may or may not be the case but that's not what this thread is about. It's specifically about the relatively low CR reliability score of the hatchback from 2019 (CVT recall on first units) that has never been updated after that because of CR methodology. The irony being that the sedan, mechanically the same, is updated yearly with a good reliability score.

 

I wasn't able to test drive many cars (okay, none!) given the current shortage, so I can only compare the Corolla Hatch to my 2016 Kia Soul and my 2019 Kia Rio. I'd say the Corolla Hatchback falls somewhere in between the two in terms of material quality, solidity, and design; the Soul was impressively built, with gas struts on the hood, lots of insulation, factory tinted rear windows, etc. I had not a single rattle after 6.5 years. By comparison, you can easily see where Toyota cut corners on the Corolla Hatchback. The hood release pull, for example, feels cheap, the little plastic nubs where the hatch cover attaches look like they'll fall off, the window buttons are a weird material that look perpetually smudged, the doors feel a bit hollow, and there is a shortage of good storage. However, I'm okay with all those because 1) relatively speaking, it's an inexpensive car, and 2) I think Toyota spent its money in the right areas: engine, transmission, and suspension. Everything else is certainly good enough. Time will tell whether I still feel that way in a year or two...I'm waiting for the squeaky clutch and interior rattles to commence.

Edit: and as voodoo noted, reliability is hopefully a distinguishing feature of the Corolla (and a subject of this thread). I got rid of the Soul in part because I wasn't convinced that it would remain trouble-free. And mind you, my last three cars were Kias, and none of them have had any problems. But there are enough reports about engines spontaneously combusting that I wanted to trade it in while it was still worth a lot.

 

I agree with you that there is a lot of corner cutting on the Corolla, but I think it's difficult to compare it to older models because there are many components of the Corolla which are much cheaper made and feel like a massive corner cut compared to our previous 2007 Yaris. So that's why if at all possible it's recommended to test drive as some of the corner cutting is not as bad as you may think when compared to current competition.

Storage for example. I had way more storage in the 2007 Yaris. The arm rest had much more space, there were little slots to put things by the power window controls, the pockets on the bottom of the front doors were bigger, there was a nice mini glove compartment in the dash to the left of the steering wheel and there were storage slots on either side of the center console.... also the floor was flat and it wasn't an EV! lol. So the lack of storage in the Corolla HB feels like massive cost cutting (the sedan doesn't even a pocket behind the drivers seat!), but then look at the brand new Crown. The glove box is a slot which looks like it's only purpose is to allow access to the rip off air filters they try to replace if you go to the dealership. There are little slots by the power window controls, but the pockets on the bottom of the door are basically just cup holders, there is no little mini storage glove box, the hood prop up also lacks gas struts and looks really cheap and that's the top of the line Toyota. Seems like the ample storage Toyota was once known for is a thing of the past. It's a race to the bottom!

 

Yeah I find the lack of storage a problem. Compare it to my Golf Sportwagen which has bigger door pockets, a place for a large drink bottle in the door pockets, a small coin box on the left of the steering, a sunglasses container in the ceiling, a small hidden central storage area in the console where the USB port is so you can hide your iPhone provided it's not a max, two seat pockets, good-sized rear door pockets, and of course the usual glove box. Being a wagon it also has secret underfloor storage compartment ahead of the spare where you can hide a laptop or two, side pockets that can hold a lot of stuff, in addition to the spare tire well which can swallow odd objects. Mine's a 2018 and it already had CarPlay and Android Auto (VWs have had both since 2016) at which point Toyota had neither.

Plus overall the Golf has way better ergonomics. The infotainment system is much more intuitive and you can scroll through trip average, tank average and long term average fuel economy on the fly with the press of a steering wheel button. And the hood uses a gas strut, not a prop rod.

Where the Toyota shines is reliability and body construction. VWs all get rusty in the rocker panels. The stone guard they use is of poor quality and chips off in large chunks. I had to have mine repaired at only 2 years, and at 4 years I have to invoke the VW rust warranty (7 years... used to be 12 years) to repair bubbling around the rear wheel arches and where the rear 1/4 panel meets the bumper cover. And the turbo wastegate actuator failed at 98300 km. Fortunately the warranty covered it until 100k km. Phew, dodged an expensive bullet. I've started to call it the Troublewagen.

I think the Corolla will bore me for a lot longer than the Golf will excite me (better handling and performance by a long shot). Too bad VW and Toyota can't team up to build a car. VW does the handling and ergonomics, Toyota handles the powertrain and body. No more turbos for me though. I'm satisfied with the Corolla's performance even though the Golf pulls way better on the local hills. At 64, I've started to drive like Grandpa, especially considering the price of gas these days.

 

Yeah I find the lack of storage a problem. Compare it to my Golf Sportwagen which has bigger door pockets, a place for a large drink bottle in the door pockets, a small coin box on the left of the steering, a sunglasses container in the ceiling, a small hidden central storage area in the console where the USB port is so you can hide your iPhone provided it's not a max, two seat pockets, good-sized rear door pockets, and of course the usual glove box. Being a wagon it also has secret underfloor storage compartment ahead of the spare where you can hide a laptop or two, side pockets that can hold a lot of stuff, in addition to the spare tire well which can swallow odd objects. Mine's a 2018 and it already had CarPlay and Android Auto (VWs have had both since 2016) at which point Toyota had neither.

Plus overall the Golf has way better ergonomics. The infotainment system is much more intuitive and you can scroll through trip average, tank average and long term average fuel economy on the fly with the press of a steering wheel button. And the hood uses a gas strut, not a prop rod.

Where the Toyota shines is reliability and body construction. VWs all get rusty in the rocker panels. The stone guard they use is of poor quality and chips off in large chunks. I had to have mine repaired at only 2 years, and at 4 years I have to invoke the VW rust warranty (7 years... used to be 12 years) to repair bubbling around the rear wheel arches and where the rear 1/4 panel meets the bumper cover. And the turbo wastegate actuator failed at 98300 km. Fortunately the warranty covered it until 100k km. Phew, dodged an expensive bullet. I've started to call it the Troublewagen.

I think the Corolla will bore me for a lot longer than the Golf will excite me (better handling and performance by a long shot). Too bad VW and Toyota can't team up to build a car. VW does the handling and ergonomics, Toyota handles the powertrain and body. No more turbos for me though. I'm satisfied with the Corolla's performance even though the Golf pulls way better on the local hills. At 64, I've started to drive like Grandpa, especially considering the price of gas these days.

I know exactly what you mean! I've owned a few German cars and to me their ergonomics and comfort cannot be beat, but just the fact that they are more performance oriented leads to more wear and tear on more expensive parts. I also drive like a Grandpa most of the time now, but I still floor it sometimes when passing and I am also satisfied with the Corolla's performance. Driving through the USA and driving on the odd 85 MPH speed limit and often 75, I was surprised how well this car handles and the noise level. I found no handling issues at and above those high speeds. Here's to many years of boredom in our Corolla's!

 

They never had anything good to say about the Isuzu Trooper yet I had one as did 2 friends. We all drove the wheels off those suckers. I know at least 2 of the 3 are still on the road (1999 and a 2001) and have never had any major repairs needed. Not sure what angle these mags take and, they are sometimes useful for a reference but, I wouldn't rely totally on any of them. I used to get CR but, I feel like they are a shill (despite what they say) for some companies and have disagreed (from personal experience) with a lot of their reviews. Just enjoy your car and hope the paint doesn't peel off (my one real irritation with Toyota along with their refusal to accept responsibility).

 

Consumer Reports is only as good as its survey methodology, when it comes to reliability. Survey research is known to be as reliable as its response rate, which CR has never divulged. People tend to respond when they either hate (the largest share of respondents) or love a product, whether cars or college professors.

 

You know what I have found to be the best and most reliable source for getting useful information about a vehicle I'm thinking about purchasing, or for one that I already own are forums just like this one. I will review CR and car mags like Car & Driver but you will get the straight scoop from the folks who've already invested their hard earned cash and have their butts in the seat everyday.

If you find a forum for your car and there isn't a lot of complaining that's a good sign, on the other hand if there's a lot of negative traffic I'd definitely have second thoughts. The least reliable source is of course, the dealership. Good luck with the Corolla.

 

Here are the only three places the Corolla is mentioned in the April CR Annual Auto issue. As another poster said, I don't think they have any recent data on the HB. If the HB is the same platform as the sedan, I would expect similar reliability, etc.

 

Stopped reading them a few decades ago. They came hard against Toyota. They also came out against some fantastic then domestics appliances appliances. In each case I had experience with both and found them to be wrong. I think it was Car and Driver as well that had it out for them at some point the Bias was hard.

 

The hatchback was my preference. We're empty nesters, and cyclists, so the back seat would be permanently down. Manual was a prerequisite. But new ones weren't available without a long wait, and used ones all had crazy prices. Then this nice 2 year old SE manual sedan showed up on my radar, with a nice -and negotiable- price. So that's what we got.

As for Consumer Reports, I consider it one data point among many. I won't ignore what they say but I won't take it for gospel either.

 

I have to say the lack of storage space in the HB was surprising to me. It was not a real factor for me as 99% of my driving is by myself and local. I bought mine for the reliability and the gas milage. After owning German cars for the past 20 years, it was time for something practical. There are others that have more power and better handling and interiors but if you're in for the long haul you can't beat a Toyota.

 

There are others that have more power and better handling and interiors but if you're in for the long haul you can't beat a Toyota.

Yep, I've owned/leased 9 VWs, 2 BMWs and an Audi. We currently have a 2018 VW Sportwagen 4MOTION (manual!) parked in the garage alongside our Corolla. I love to drive the VW, but a Corolla will bore you for a LOT longer than a German car will excite you!

 

Maybe this sounds like an 'apple and oranges' reply, but my '06 Corolla LE (that I bought new and have done all my own maintanence on) is still running perfectly with 370K plus miles. Doesn't burn a drop of oil between o/f changes. No motor or tranny work ever done. Only routine things like battery/ brakes/ fluids/ shocks (x1)/ tires. Still has original alternator/ exhaust system andeverything still works on the car. Rest easy and enjoy your car...marriages should last so long LOL.

 

Finally got into consumer reports and here's the pic from their HB review which shows what people were saying. They have no data, so IMO they shouldn't be even showing the poor score when you look at the later models and under 2022 for he HB is says:

 

Not sure if original poster @WVsky is still around but he might be reassured that the Corolla hatchback is back on the Consumer Reports "recommended" list for 2023... without much new data.

 

If you really want to know how a car is doing, go to car sites that allow owners to post a review. People love to complain on the internet. Example site: 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Consumer Reviews - 53 Car Reviews | Edmunds

Glancing at some review, you can see a few that had transmission problems with 2019/2020 models. Very few complaints onward. When it comes to researching, use more than one source.