2005 Toyota Corolla Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$14,320 to $18,095

6.3/10

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The Toyota Corolla, one of the most popular cars on the planet, gets minor changes for 2005.

A new car for 2003, the ninth-generation Toyota Corolla continues this compact sedan's fuel efficiency, cost, and steadfast reliability while improving quality and safety. The 2005 is a notable model year for two reasons: Side curtain airbags became options, and so did an all-new Toyota Corolla XRS sport model with a high-revving engine straight out of the Celica.

6.3

out of 10 expert review

Look & feel

5/10

Toyota made mild styling changes to the Corolla's front end—notice how the "T" badge is positioned at the top of the grille instead of dead-centre—and swapped in restyled taillights. Otherwise, the 2005 Corolla is the epitome of a boring little car. Save for the Chevrolet Cobalt, no other mid-2000s competitor looks any better, but few can boast the same build quality. Toyota claims it used the same tolerance standards for panel fitments and body gaps as Lexus does. Inside, everything but the Toyota Corolla LE's glossy fake wood will age well. That trim also offers premium cloth seats in both the front and back rows, as well as "Optitron" gauges that appear sharper. The three-spoke steering wheel is wrapped in leather on all trims except the base Toyota Corolla CE, while the Sport has power door locks, a unique tachometer, and 15-inch alloy wheels. The XRS has its own cloth trim and accents as well as a moonroof.

Performance

6/10

A 1.8-litre inline four-cylinder is standard with power specs of 130 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque, and a five-speed manual transmission powering front-wheel drive (FWD). A four-speed automatic transmission is an optional addition to the powertrain on CE and Sport and standard on LE, while the new-for-2005 XRS comes with a rare gem: A six-speed manual. The XRS is legit sporty. It comes with a stiffer suspension, a lower ride height by just over a centimetre, retuned steering, larger 16-inch wheels, and a 170-hp engine that revs to 8,200 rpm and uses variable intake valve timing that makes some wild sounds for a Corolla. Aside from the XRS trim, the Corolla drives with minimal verve. It's a docile machine with light steering, a quiet ride, and a soft brake pedal.

Fuel economy is estimated at 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 5.3 on the highway for the five-speed manual. The automatic burns 7.8 L/100 km city and 5.6 highway, while the performance XRS takes a hit at 9.2 L/100 km city and 6.4 highway.

Form & function

7/10

From a livability standpoint, the seating position is the worst thing about the 2005 Toyota Corolla. Test drivers can't seem to get comfortable. Aside from that, the Corolla is easy to use, and it offers lots of cubby storage, large controls for the stereo and climate... and that's it. Cargo capacity is spacious at 385 litres, and the seats fold 60/40. Visibility from the driver's seat is excellent. A sunroof is equipped on the XRS trim.

Technology

6/10

A CD player is standard equipment in the 2005 Corolla in Canada. Power windows do not come standard: They’re offered only on the LE trim, along with cruise control. Keyless entry comes in at the Sport grade. An outside temperature gauge comes standard, along with air conditioning.

Safety

6/10

New for 2005 are head-curtain airbags, but they're optional safety features to go with the optional front side airbags and anti-lock brakes. ABS is equipped on Sport, while the extra airbags are exclusive to the top LE trim. The 2005 Corolla was rated five out of five stars by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in driver and passenger frontal crashes, and it earned four out of five for side-impact crashes for the driver and rear passenger. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Corolla its top Good rating in its frontal crash test but only Acceptable when equipped with head-curtain airbags. Without them, the Corolla rated the worst score of Poor.

Cost-effectiveness

8/10

The Toyota Corolla costs very little to maintain and is a reliable car, designed to last well past 100,000 kilometres as a used car without anything major happening. That, plus decent automotive performance and a quiet, roomy interior, make the Corolla a good choice in a compact car as-is for 2005.

Note: Images show a US model.

by Clifford Atiyeh

Published April 25, 2023

What owners say

AI Summary · 41 reviews

"Owners of the 2005 Toyota Corolla generally appreciate its reliability, fuel economy, and comfortable interior. Many drivers highlighted its solid performance in city driving, good braking, and low maintenance costs. However, some felt that it lacked power and excitement, with a few mentioning that it's not the most thrilling car to drive. Overall, it seems to be a practical choice for those seeking a dependable and affordable ride."

4.4

41 reviews

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by Vanessa D

Fantastic 4 cylinder engine.Great gas mileage. A great value.Cheap insurance. Overall a great buy!

May 10, 2021

by Tim S

This little car has been very reliable and drives nice. It get very good fuel economy and has cost very little to maintain. It has been wonderfully reliable and is comfortable to drive. We have make many trips to Chicago and have driven it on Vacation to Colorado. It has 130 K mile on it and acts like it has many miles left in it.

February 16, 2013

by Debbie M

fantastic all round family car.very economical. Strurdy and looked pretty sporty for a 1.4. held its price to. It cost 14.995 brand new and i have to say it must have been the best and most reliable car i have ever owned. Unfortunately we just out grew it.In the 3 years i had it it only went in for a minor repair. Brill car

September 18, 2008