The Toyota Corolla has the distinction of being the all time top selling car, having sold over 25 million automobiles. The overall changes made from the 2003 Corolla went a long way towards assuring that this trend would continue. As the saying does, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, and the 2004 Corolla is an example of this. And after all, it was a good size, better braking capacity, increased production and an improved exhaust system.
There are still three versions, the value-minded CE, the sporty S and the classy LE. Most of the current changes come with the S class, which includes special suspension tuning, front and rear underbody spoilers, fog lamps, smoked headlights, side rocker panels, and color-keyed molding on the side. Some of the options are aluminum-alloy wheels, a spoiler and wider tires than the CE. The S also has a leather wrapped steering wheel and a sportier looking speedometer.
Standard for the CE is the outside temperature gauge air conditioning with a clean-air filter, intermittent wipers, power mirrors, a tilt steering column, a tachometer and a CD stereo system. The LE has the same but in addition includes remote key-less entry and vertical driver’s seat height adjustment, a wood-like center instrument panel power windows and locks, and color-keyed power mirrors.
The Corolla fits five people, although four fits more comfortably. It features cloth upholstery, has a cargo volume of 13.6 cubic feet and a 60/40-split rear seat. Other than the fact that a new color has been added, the 2004 model is exactly like the 2003. This should not necessarily be considered a bad thing when the previous year’s model was a much anticipated release. The 2004 model was aimed more towards those who delayed buying the 2003 model and therefore very little changed.
Under the hood there is a 130 horsepower, 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-I (Variable Value Timing), which can be installed with either a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual. In terms of safety, daytime running lights and dual stage front airbags are standard, whereas anti-lock brakes and side-impact airbags are optional.
As stated earlier, the Corolla is one of the most popular cars on the market and the 2004 version looks as if it’s going to continue this trend. The price may be a little higher than many are used to but it’s still very good value in terms of reliability and fuel economy. Although it doesn’t handle as well as some of the newer vehicles, it offers a smooth ride nonetheless and will satisfy most people’s expectations.
About the Author
This 2004 Toyota Corolla review can also be read on helium.com as it was originally submitted there to build up a more diverse author portfolio.
