Earthy Cars Blog: EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 2003 Grey Toyota Corolla CE

Friday, September 30, 2011

EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 2003 Grey Toyota Corolla CE

2003 Toyota Corolla CE, Sedan, Grey, 139277 mi, ~~$7,900~~ $7,500 http://bit.ly/k9475E Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 25/34

This 2003 Toyota Corolla is one of three Toyota Corollas on our lot. The others are a 2007 (like the ‘03, part of the ninth generation) and a 2010 (part of the tenth generation).

The Toyota Corolla is the biggest selling car in the world. It is one of the most practical cars on the market. It is one of the most fuel efficient cars – it can get up to more than 30 miles per gallon.

A Corolla is ideal if you just need a reliable vehicle just to get around (from work, school).

This Corolla is priced at just $7,500. And, it is on sale – it was originally priced at $7,900.

FEATURES / SPECS
AOL Autos: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Toyota-Corolla-2003-CE__4dr_Sedan/specs/

Yahoo! Autos: http://autos.yahoo.com/toyota/corolla/2003/ce/features.html

MSN Autos: http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?year=2003&make=Toyota&model=Corolla&trimid=95418

USER REVIEWS
Via AOL Autos: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Toyota-Corolla-2003-CE__4dr_Sedan/user-reviews/

Via MSN Autos: http://autos.msn.com/research/userreviews/reviewlist.aspx?modelid=10328&trimid=95418

EXPERT REVIEWS
New Car Test Drive via Yahoo! Autos: http://autos.yahoo.com/2003_toyota_corolla_ce-review_expert/?reviewId=555071279&page=1

“CE comes standard with air conditioning (with an air filter), AM/FM/CD stereo system, power steering, power mirrors, tilt steering column, tachometer, intermittent wipers, digital clock, outside temperature gauge, trunk lamp, and a dome light with delay.”

“At first sight the new Corolla actually looks smaller than the one it replaces. This is a false impression as it is four inches longer with a wheelbase that is over five inches longer. However, it is over three inches taller while having the same width as the old model, hence the impression of being smaller.”

“The interior is where the Corolla really shines. Inside, it doesn't feel like a small car, and it doesn't feel cheap…The ergonomics of the dashboard layout are exemplary. It is nicely laid out and its finish is as good as that in all but the most expensive luxury cars. Coupled with the nice finish, it makes the Corolla feel more like a small Lexus, especially if one opts for the leather seats. The dashboard layout is the same on all models. It has a top surface that sweeps across the width of the car in a slight S-curve and wraps into the door trim. Each side of the center console seamlessly blends up to the lower portion of the dash, which includes a large glove box on the passenger side. Four small vents are nicely inlaid into the upper part of the dash.”

“One word sums up the driving experience in the new Corolla: transparent. That's a benefit to those who don't particularly enjoy driving. The Corolla gets the job done so nicely that it's difficult to fault…The power steering is just right, providing a nice feel without being too stiff or sloppy. The suspension has been tuned to give a smooth ride, which is helped by the longer wheelbase compared to the previous generation. Body roll has been minimized and the car feels secure at all speeds.”

“The Corolla is the car to consider if you're looking for a sophisticated and utterly reliable sub-compact sedan that blends in so well it's almost non-existent. It's not too much of a stretch to say the Corolla is a baby Lexus, it certainly has the same DNA.”

Consumer Guide: http://www.vehix.com/car-reviews/2003/toyota/corolla/expert-reviews/consumer-guide

MSN Autos: http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/review.aspx?year=2003&make=Toyota&model=Corolla&cp-documentid=434794