Toyota Corolla (1987 - 1990) Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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User reviews for Toyota Corolla (1987 - 1990)
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by Anonymous
Dec 18, 2012
I bought my beaten up 1989 Corolla, a 5spd LE model sedan with a carbeurated 4-AF engine, for $300. The previous owner seemed to think it was on its last legs, and gave it until maybe the end of the summer. It had cooked front brakes, an exhaust leak, and would surge unexpectedly.
I figured for $300, it would be the perfect summer car. I took it home and started throwing parts at it. I got new brake pads for $35, changed the oil, and changed the fuel filter. I then realized that the surging was due to poor contact on the plug wires, so I installed new plugs ($20) and a new distributor cap & wire assembly ($110). A couple months later, I had the exhaust leak patched up at an exhaust shop for $80. My total cost at this point, including purchasing the vehicle, is about $550, which I figured would be acceptable for a car that was only to last the summer.
That was in May. It is now December, and that Corolla simply won't die. I have taken it with me up to northern BC, and when the weather started turning I installed a cheap battery heater and coolant heater. If it's been plugged in, it starts first crank in 30 below (although I left it unplugged for a week once and the battery froze - oops). After throwing a set of snow tires under it, it handles like a dream even in the rough unplowed roads here. Thursday, I'll be driving it back down to Vancouver. This thing is a testament to the indestructability Toyota is known for.Dec 18, 2012
by Aaron M
Jan 18, 2011
It's a lot of fun to drive. You don't see them like this anymore. The engine loves to
rev and I love to rev it. It's not a rocketship by any means, but it sure is a fun little
car.Jan 18, 2011
by Josh M
Jul 30, 2010
I love the HIGH reving 4age engine, the sleek body lines, its pretty quick, but
lacks top end performance. It rarely ever needs fixing, but when stuff does
break, its really easy and cheap to fix, for the most part. Exterior styling is
awesome, the "body kit" trim the GTS model has really ties the body to gether,
the interior is eh, the driver seat is awesome, fully adjustable. The shifter is
vary easy to shift with, and the e-brake is easy to grab hold of. It also lacks in
how well it is for gas mileage, its actually terrible, but that could be my heavy
driving?... haha And the fun factor of this thing is a 15/10 star, its small, has a
5spd. and a decent engine.Jul 30, 2010
User rating:
by Anonymous
Dec 18, 2012
I bought my beaten up 1989 Corolla, a 5spd LE model sedan with a carbeurated 4-AF engine, for $300. The previous owner seemed to think it was on its last legs, and gave it until maybe the end of the summer. It had cooked front brakes, an exhaust leak, and would surge unexpectedly.
I figured for $300, it would be the perfect summer car. I took it home and started throwing parts at it. I got new brake pads for $35, changed the oil, and changed the fuel filter. I then realized that the surging was due to poor contact on the plug wires, so I installed new plugs ($20) and a new distributor cap & wire assembly ($110). A couple months later, I had the exhaust leak patched up at an exhaust shop for $80. My total cost at this point, including purchasing the vehicle, is about $550, which I figured would be acceptable for a car that was only to last the summer.
That was in May. It is now December, and that Corolla simply won't die. I have taken it with me up to northern BC, and when the weather started turning I installed a cheap battery heater and coolant heater. If it's been plugged in, it starts first crank in 30 below (although I left it unplugged for a week once and the battery froze - oops). After throwing a set of snow tires under it, it handles like a dream even in the rough unplowed roads here. Thursday, I'll be driving it back down to Vancouver. This thing is a testament to the indestructability Toyota is known for.Dec 18, 2012
by Aaron M
Jan 18, 2011
It's a lot of fun to drive. You don't see them like this anymore. The engine loves to
rev and I love to rev it. It's not a rocketship by any means, but it sure is a fun little
car.Jan 18, 2011
by Josh M
Jul 30, 2010
I love the HIGH reving 4age engine, the sleek body lines, its pretty quick, but
lacks top end performance. It rarely ever needs fixing, but when stuff does
break, its really easy and cheap to fix, for the most part. Exterior styling is
awesome, the "body kit" trim the GTS model has really ties the body to gether,
the interior is eh, the driver seat is awesome, fully adjustable. The shifter is
vary easy to shift with, and the e-brake is easy to grab hold of. It also lacks in
how well it is for gas mileage, its actually terrible, but that could be my heavy
driving?... haha And the fun factor of this thing is a 15/10 star, its small, has a
5spd. and a decent engine.Jul 30, 2010
by Roger D
May 09, 2010
I owned my first 89 GTS for 6 years, now 10 years later I have another 89 GTS. Love them, great performance and fun to drive. Not had to have many repairs. Great on gas for the perfomance you get.May 09, 2010
by Anonymous
Apr 28, 2010
I bought my FX-16 pre-rusted from the original owner in 1996 at 126500 miles, and it was a wonderfully powerful highway car and zippy rolling country road car. It has driven far longer than I imagined it would. Now (2010) at 194000 it's starting to get a little weak, but still zips along at higher RPMs. The car has been extremely reliable and drives wonderfully. I would like to invest more money in prolonging its life, but the body rust started in New England by the original owner is now quite bad in spots. It will be a very sad day when I have to retire the FX-16. The hatchback is very wide and useful, and can haul a lot. If they still made this exact car I would gladly buy 2 new ones tomorrow and never need to buy another car for the rest of my life.Apr 28, 2010
by Anonymous
Mar 22, 2010
Very good engine and gear box but spaer parts are very expensive.Easy for handling, brakes very good but under full loads and often use lose power.Engine don't like sports driving and temperature goes very high so I must slow down. My engine type 2E 1.3ccm iz very good after 212,000km but carburator iz in very bad condition and I cann't find new for normal price in my countryMar 22, 2010
by Anonymous
Nov 08, 2009
A great car, 4 out of 5 only because of
the boxy exterior and power. I bought
this used in 1999 and drove it until
2006, now I'm giving it to my son who
will soon have his license. Everything
about the car is still perfect, just
needs some exhaust system work (rust and
corrosion), a new battery and starter.
The interior is roomy and comfortable,
plus icy A/C and pretty good speakers. I
get high mileage, around 30 mpg city,
which is incredible considering the year
of the car. A bit of rust on the
outside, not very noticeable. Automatic
trans., has a bit of trouble going up
big hills but that isnt much of a
problem where I live. A perfect car for
someone who just needs to get around
town and take a long trip every now and
then. Handles very well, easy driving
but fun. Nov 08, 2009
by Anonymous
Sep 02, 2009
This car is a great one. Easy to drive, very comfortable interior. Nice handling, although the suspension comes up a little short. Lots of little things make this vehicle special. The tilt up headlamp motors can wear out over time, so I recommend wiring in a separate switch to raise/lower them. Also, watch out for the spare tire cover. It will break easily if you put too much weight on it. Overall, however, a fantastic little car with great gas mileage and lotsa fun!Sep 02, 2009
by Søren S
Jul 22, 2009
Fantastic family mini-estate. Excellent engineering, but it rusts like it was paid to do it. Ample room inside for two adults and two kids with holiday luggage. Best car my wife and I have ever bought. Wouldn't hesitate to buy another oneJul 22, 2009
by Shival M
Apr 24, 2009
This car is just amazing!! the acceleration is really quick. The handling is just so direct. This car is just too fun to have and I always enjoy it, it can be scary a few times. . . . But i love every bit of it!Apr 24, 2009
by Anonymous
Apr 20, 2009
I am still driving my FX16, awesome car. I bought it for $500 2nd owner of it, the lady i bought it off of used it through college, and then let it sit after she got a new car. The engine was locked up, got new new engine with 55k miles on it and dropped it in, had some problems with the fuel injection system but that was from sitting. The first couple months were rough though, had to carry tools and a case of ether around with me. LOL would be sitting on the side of the interstate cleaning out the fuel rail. But finally got all the junk run out of the gas tank and the engine, and it has run great. Had to replace shocks, radiator, a couple hoses, and a distributor. So it is def a win to me, awesome gas mileage, and cheap as heck to fill up even at 2.50 a gallon. I make other people cry. My AC even works still, and is colder than my wifes 2007 ford focus lol. Toyota makes the best cars.Apr 20, 2009
by Anonymous
Feb 23, 2009
1990 Twin camm 16 valve 1.6 liter (97 CI) motor with custom free flow exhaust system and air induction. 96 Kw (133Bhp) from a 1.6 liter motor, reliable and quick. It has a 5 speed manual gear box with custom interior. Realy fun to drive.Feb 23, 2009
by Anonymous
Nov 09, 2008
reliable spare parts are not expensive and they are available you don't need to visit the mechanic only for normal stuff like brakes spark plugs maintenance , toyota engines are powerful even if they are not monster machines you can find them in law volume but high power mine is 1.6 cc with 165 HP
they are fast and economical Nov 09, 2008
by Jonathan B
Sep 19, 2008
Nice little car. Two door hatchback. Bought broken and repaired as best as was possible. Performed well enough for what it was and did an acceptable job hauling me around the state. Toward the end of its life it started having many mechanical problems, eventually becoming to many to repair. If I had it to do again I probably would, but I'd be smarter about it.Sep 19, 2008
by Anonymous
Aug 12, 2008
I learned to drive stick on this car and it has 260,000 KM on it and is still on its original trans/clutch. I couldn't ask for a better learning car. I have not have had to replace anything based on faultyness. Just regular wear and tear things. The only thing is all of the interior dash lights have burnt out.
I find that everything about this car is perfect. The gas milage is awesome, it is a very solid car with a very very strong engine. Acceleration is good in the manual transmission and the handling is not very tight but good for all around driving.
I find that you don't see this style corolla much and I get a few people who ask about it. The style of this car for a '90 is quite sporty. The only thing i would change is the long trunk it has for a coupe. Aug 12, 2008
by Alex W
May 19, 2008
ill get straight to the point with this one...great first car, handling great due to AWD, altho large turning circle, occasionally hard to find parts for. fun to drive, hard to break, will keep going to matter how bad the conditionsMay 19, 2008
by Vance S
May 10, 2008
1987 Corolla GT-S (a.k.a. AE86/Hachi Roku/Trueno)
Last model for RWD. 1.6L I4 DOHC TVIS engine. Optional LSD.
Just love it...May 10, 2008
by Igor D
Apr 04, 2008
Good, reliable and strong car, good for big families, good engine preformance, shifting and handling. After 18 years old newer had any mailfunction!Apr 04, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 27, 2008
this car is like a best friend. sometimes its a bit touchy, you never know if it will start on the first try in the morning :) but after years, and driving back and forth between boston and seattle, i can still count on it. right now i have to make a major repair and everyone keeps telling me to sell it and buy a newer car, but for me its worth more to spend the extra cash to fix it then get something else. that's love.Feb 27, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 25, 2008
this car had the best air conditioning in the entire world! probably because it used the
dangerous freon :)Feb 25, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 23, 2008
I have had the access to this vechile over five months now and am satisfied with its performance. My only concern from where am living is accessability to parts. They are not alot in my country and therefore their parts are scarce. But I certainly enjoy driving it.Jan 23, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 11, 2008
MIne was red so add 10hp, it was an original Twin Cam so it was fitted with the 1600 4AGE Motor. A real wolf in sheeps clothing. A real pocket rocket. Not quite as quick as the RX-3 but boy did it handle.Jan 11, 2008
by Anonymous
Dec 30, 2007
Most reliable car, I am the original owner since 88. I have not had to do much to keep her in great condition.Dec 30, 2007
by Anonymous
Dec 01, 2007
I have owned this Car for 8 years...bought it from a trader for €350. It has not cost be a cent apart from oil changes (Synthetic) and general service items..brakes...discs etc. I also own a 3 yr old 523i BMW which is more work based..but my trusty old Corolla Diesel Estate 1989 will never be sold..in actual fact I am going to give it a face lift in 2008...total respray..new wheels..and a few more little mods..you cant beat 55mpg with fuel prices hitting €1.25/ltr on the pumps...Dec 01, 2007
by Anonymous
May 03, 2007
I purchased this car from a family member for $100. It had 144,219 miles on it, and the usual things (shocks, tires, brakes, belts, exhaust) were worn out. So I fixed those and replaced the audio system/speakers, and transformed it into a great little car. I had some parts fail in the differential portion of the transmission (FWD), so had the whole thing overhauled. Also replaced the a leaky distributor. It has been very reliable and smooth running. I put serious money in it, but I got it cheap. It's at 180K+ miles now, and I expect it to run well for many more years. It's also great for a young driver.May 03, 2007
by Anonymous
Jan 23, 2007
I've had mine a couple of years and think out of the 100 or so cars that I've had this might be the most fun of all. If I had known what kind of car this was in 1988 I would have bought a one new. Power to weight ratio is good. Engine is very flexible with a usable power curve. Fuel economy is good. Mine is a five speed that is gobs of fun. The only thing it does not have that I wish it did is a factory sunroof. It would then truly be the ultimate driving machine. I have had MGBs, Midgets, a '67 GTO convertible and currently have an older 450sl convertible. I must say that my FX rivals them all for driving fun.Jan 23, 2007
by Anonymous
Oct 10, 2006
This car has been a wonderful car. Looks like new and drives like new. Holds well in 100 mile per hour winds (Columbus Day Storm). Hauls loads of things. Great on long trips as well as in town. Gas mileage is still at 44 per gal on the highway and 35 per gal in town.
Great turning radius, power assist. Starts like a new car. I call it the Little Blue Whale.Oct 10, 2006
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Toyota Corolla (1987 - 1990) Pricing
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